Lovington raises funds for MAPPING process

February 17, 2025 39

LOVINGTON — The Moultrie County community of Lovington is taking a step towards enhancing its future. They are raising funds to enlist support for the MAPPING The Future of Your Community program.

The initiative, facilitated by the Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University, aims to empower residents and leaders to work together to shape a strategic vision for community and economic development.

Lovington’s participation would follow communities like Pana, Nokomis, and Teutoplis who went through the process.

Understanding the MAPPING process

The MAPPING program is designed as a participant-driven strategic visioning and planning process. It encourages local leaders and citizen volunteers to actively engage in discussions about their community’s future.

The process is structured around five three-hour sessions, where a minimum of 25 community members come together to tackle essential questions to guide their planning efforts:

Where are we now?
This initial question prompts participants to conduct a thorough assessment of Lovington’s current status, including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). By understanding the present landscape, community members can identify key areas that require attention and improvement.
Where do we want to be?
Participants envision the ideal future for Lovington. This visioning exercise allows community members to articulate their aspirations, whether it’s enhancing local infrastructure, increasing economic opportunities, or improving quality of life. This step is crucial for setting a clear direction for the community’s growth.
How are we going to get there?
Once the vision is established, the group will brainstorm actionable strategies and initiatives to achieve their goals. This may involve identifying potential projects, resources, and partnerships necessary for implementation.
How do we make it happen?
This question focuses on creating a detailed action plan. Participants will prioritize their initiatives, setting timelines and assigning responsibilities to ensure accountability. This structured approach helps maintain momentum and keeps the community engaged in the process.
How do we maintain momentum?
Sustaining progress is vital for long-term success. Participants will discuss methods for ongoing community involvement, regular updates, and future meetings to keep the spirit of collaboration alive.

During these sessions, participants will work collaboratively to identify three to five high-priority goals for the community, develop an action plan to implement, and break into smaller groups to begin work on their specific goals and projects. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of ownership among community members and strengthens relationships and networks within the community.

What is IIRA’s role in this process?

IIRA plays a pivotal role in supporting communities through initiatives such as MAPPING. Established to enhance the quality of life in rural Illinois, IIRA offers various programs and resources aimed at fostering sustainable development. The agency has expertise in rural planning and community engagement, which equips local leaders with the necessary tools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities previously unconsidered.

IIRA’s commitment to rural development is evident in not only its tailored approach to community but also its long-standing impact on communities after the completion of the program. Some communities have even brought back IIRA for another session to discuss what has worked, what hasn’t, what can be reworked, and workshop new ideas.

By facilitating programs like MAPPING, IIRA provides a framework for communities to engage in strategic planning and visioning. This collaborative process not only empowers residents but also helps build a cohesive community identity, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

After the sessions, participants will facilitate a community-wide town meeting, to launch a platform to share ideas, projects, and plans with the greater community to bolster further participation and input from all residents.

Fundraiser held February 8

To cover the costs of the program, a fundraiser was held at the Sullivan VFW on February 8, which included music bingo.

No other fundraisers were made known to Heartland Newsfeed before publication.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.