Do you feel protected, respected, and connected in your community? If so, what creates that feeling for you? In my last column, I cited author Thomas L. Friedman urging us to “do with (not just “for”) others by joining hearts, souls, and hands to build the trust and values essential for healthy communities.”

Dov Seidman, an adviser on business ethics and leadership states that “Our ability to forge deep relationships – to love, to care, to hope, to trust, and to build voluntary communities based on shared values – is one of the most uniquely human capacities we have.”

Historically, churches and service organizations have provided a sense of belonging and communal purpose. Today I see a number of other groups popping up regularly, and I wondered where on the “healthy communities” barometer our northern cities might land.

The Ely Area Community Care Team was created in 2011 to identify and address gaps in care in Minnesota’s Northeast Iron Range communities through a partnership of community members and 20 organizations representing health care, behavioral health, education, social service, and nonprofit organizations. Care facilitators in the community work with individuals to help them wend their way through confusing options and bureaucratic mazes of available resources to promote their wellness. The interactive collaboration allows those involved to pass on referrals to other providers and organizations that can help, getting care and resources to people more quickly. Connecting people with resources like Northern Lights Clubhouse and classes to improve wellness also provides new connections between people.

EMPOWER (Ely Minnesota Progressive Organization of Women for Equality and Reform) was formed in 2002 specifically to create a network of women interested in getting to know and support each other. The group chose to advocate for leadership for women and girls, women’s health issues, and peace and non-violence.

The Ely AAUW (American Association of University Women) works to support equity for all girls and women in the areas of economic security, educational opportunities, and leadership among many others.

A Native American justice group, Awareness…then Change, strives to honor the heritage of our area and to set the stage for supporting policy and social action to reduce the risks for and support the resilience of Native American women and children.

Boundary Waters Connect’s name states their mission: to connect people–which they see as Ely’s greatest resource–with other resources to contribute positively to the community and economy through Tuesday Group’s educational forums, Ely for Ely’s networking and professional development meetings, and Hello Neighbor’s many activities to welcome newcomers and help them integrate into the community.

With over 45 nonprofits in Ely, just imagine the high level of volunteerism needed to keep the groups viable. That equals a lot of people working together on their shared values, contributing to the well-being of the community, creating friendships, and just having fun.

I’m also aware there are smaller groups that have formed around particular issues, to get together for recreational purposes, or to support each other’s personal goals or needs. So, I’d say Ely is doing quite well in building a healthy, inter-connected community, and striving to do even better.

I asked residents in other northern communities to let me know what they were seeing in their area. Residents in and around Cook had a lot to say about the heroic efforts of the Cook Lions Club after the flooding. They acted quickly to raise money, buy supplies, and donate where needed. The Trinity Lutheran Church opened their doors and hearts to flood victims with regular community meals and coordinated emotional support, with Deacon Carrie leading the way. Also mentioned in the Cook area were the ongoing community involvement and support of the fire department, hospital association, city council, school, farmer’s market and many individuals. Some of the less formal places that bring people together are McDonald’s and the library, where some groups meet regularly; Rose Cottage; and the Montana Cafe, which is closed and missed, with residents hoping it will be rebuilt. 

A perk of small towns is that we run into people all the time on our daily errands, making quick connections, passing information, and catching up with people we haven’t seen in a while. It often happens that I run into someone who’s on my mind to contact. Sometimes that person is driving by and pulls over to chat. I love that about a small town! (Granted, there is the flip side, that you’re going to run into people you’d rather not or when you just don’t have time for a chat, but that also is part of small town joy.)

I’m always impressed with how much is going on in Tower that requires community involvement and cooperation in that very small town. How do they get all that done? Of course, it comes down to the people with big spirits, willing hearts, and skills to share.

Leah Rogne, a key leader in Northern Progressives, described it as a group that focuses on social justice, civic education, and political action, which has been meeting every two weeks face-to-face for over nine years with members from Orr, Cook, Tower, Ely, and surrounding areas. The frequent face-to-face gatherings serve to build relationships and a sense of common purpose. Leah feels that meeting in person is critical to that process, which is not as easily created with virtual meetings. I can speak personally to how my involvement has built connections with people I might never have met otherwise.

One of the toughest hurdles for many groups is just getting the word out that they exist and what their programs offer. I spoke with a young woman yesterday who has been homeless at times and has been without social services that she is entitled to. She was not aware of the help available to her just by making a phone call. So, please, do your part when you can, spreading the word about resources and activities in your area. 

A potter that I follow sent a lovely message in a recent email: “No matter who the president is, I will always believe in the power of art to heal and bring joy into our everyday lives. I also know that we need to take care of each other, to build community, to listen to each other, to smile at a stranger, to share a laugh with an old friend. We need to find a way back to each other, and build a world we ALL want to live in – full of art, love, music, and dancing, delicious food and drink – and of course, we always need more handmade mugs.”