American Ghost town

Agricultural employment has been in a steady decline since 1900.  The percentage of people working in agriculture went 50% to 2% in 100 years.  Automation, megafarms, and international competition have all had their effect.  For those I know in farming, they have to hold second full-time jobs to make ends meet. 

Manufacturing peaked in WWII with 25% of the population working in factories, now down to less and 4%.  Improvements in automation and productivity, combined with international competition.. means we do not need as many in employed in manufacturing.

The rural farming lifestyle is a thing of the past. I hate to see the death of many of the communities across America, but the writing is on the wall.

These communities cannot be saved as long as they cling to the past. The jobs of yesterday will not return. Even if the farm or factory were to reopen, they would employ only a fraction of the people.. automation is here to stay.  Logging, mining, manufacturing, and farming jobs are not coming back.

So what are these communities to do?  One advantage that small communities have over large metro areas is their social capital, combine that with their quality of life you have a desirable product. When people are asked ‘where do you want to raise your family?’ A close-knit rural area is what comes to mind for most people. 

It is easier for people to work remotely, I work from home several days a week.  Many people commute great distances.  Remote workers could be a small, but a fruitful population of rural citizens who would enjoy the amenities that rural towns have to offer.

Rural communities need to reinvent themselves as a progressive Norman Rockwell postcard. To draw those seeking a simpler life. Making areas bike and hiking friendly. Making the streets look appealing.  Neighbors need to help neighbors clean up properties in disrepair.   But small towns cannot do it alone. Metro areas need shoulder more of the tax burden for rural communities. States need to invest in rural education,  vocational training, and local community colleges.  Broadband providers need to be required to extend high-speed internet to rural areas.

Community Supported Agriculture is a way to help cross the urban/rural gap.  It supports small farms and promotes a rural lifestyle.  These ‘small’ farms need to become attractions, with at least a small storefront... they can even embrace Airbnb or similar sharing-economy apps to bring in more income. 

Providing services for retirees are also a good source of income, which makes access to health care and community activities important.

Rural communities don’t have to die, but they do need to evolve.  We need to think of them as a product and reinvent them towards what society desires.  

Finding my path

I am a student of life, always wanting to learn ways to improve myself and the lives of those around me. One thing I have always considered a lacking area in my life is effective communications.  I am part of Toastmasters to help me learn to overcome some of my communication hurdles.

For those not aware, Toastmasters has changed their program.  They used to have a leadership path and a communication path.  The communication path allowed some variations at advanced levels.  Today there are 10 paths that combine communications and leadership.  The path I have chosen is Stragtic Relationships. 

When it comes to work, I value everyone's input. I am more than happy if someone wants to tackle a task.  But too often, I expect people to already know what to do or to be able to figure it out on their own. I need to work on my skills not only as a leader but that of a trainer.

I hope to finish my Toastmasters path by November and move on to a new one by this time next year.  To accomplish my goal I will have to do a presentation every 3 weeks. If something happens along the way, I will have to make adjustments/course corrections.