Crawford
Situated in the Pine Ridge area in the northwest corner of the state, Dawes County holds within its bounds Crawford, Nebraska. Crawford's rich history began in 1886 with its founding due to the progression of the Fremont Elkhorn Railroad. The town's namesake, Captain Jack Crawford, was a well known storyteller and journalist in the Black Hills area and poet scout for the Black Hills militia. The population within the town nearly reaches 1000, and Crawford is considered the "Deer Capital of Nebraska."
Like many towns and counties in the state, Crawford is faced with the problem of decreasing population. Citizens in Crawford lend an active hand to ensure the town they love will not fall victim to the problem. This summer the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative teamed with residents to pilot a new program, Dialogues Across Nebraska (DAN). DAN is a unique model that focuses on youth leadership and community development while ensuring many voices are heard through the dialogue process. The goal of the program was to encourage the exchange of ideas within the community.
Two student interns with the Rural Initiative worked with adult partners and youth leaders to prepare for the dialogue event. Preparing for the dialogue included building community capacity by training youth and adult leadership teams. The leadership team then learned how to facilitate the dialogue event. Members of the youth and adult leadership teams are great resources to Crawford because they are prepared to facilitate future dialogues.
Members of the leadership team have important roles in rallying support from the entire community. Local businesses supported the dialogue process in Crawford by offering sponsorships to cover the cost of supplies and supper at the Ranch House. Twenty-six residents showed their support by volunteering to participate in the three-hour dialogue event.
During the dialogue, community volunteers discussed community subjects and shared views and challenges they feel face the town of Crawford. With the variety of talented and dedicated citizens in Crawford, the small community can position itself for growth in many areas... community growth, economic growth, and growth in a close knit citizenry that shares pride for the town they love. In the words of one community volunteer, "Think BIG Crawford." Community volunteers view Crawford as a town that offers rich history and heritage, and much of that richness can be attributed to the beautiful scenery and geographic attractions of the area.
One Crawford volunteer offers these words of wisdom to young families and others in regard to the rural lifestyle:
"Give [young folks the] tools they need to seek happiness; if they love it [a small community] they will tell others, and will come back to it."
- Regional Point of Contact
Jamie Goffena, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Extension
- Adult Partners
Michael Black
Donna Brown
Tim Kreider
Georganne Sellman
Jodi Sellman
- Youth Leadership Team
Shane Norman
Tony Staab
- Community Sponsors
Absalon's Food Center
Crawford Chamber of Commerce
Harkers
Last Chance Winery
Our Heritage Bed and Breakfast
True Value Hardware
- Student Interns
Courtney Bartlett
Kyla Wize
- Rural Initiative Support
Sandi Sattler Weber, Director of DAN
