Listening Log: Fergus Falls

What we heard at the first Minnesota: Land of Neighbors Listening Session in Fergus Falls

Residents from across western Minnesota gathered at West Central Initiative in Fergus Falls on July 15 to share their thoughts and experiences on what we share and to talk about ways to create connection with those in our neighborhoods, communities and throughout the state.

Seeing what we share, and where we can make connections

Minnesotans have a history of showing up for each other, and that was reinforced during the Listening Session. Participants talked about how they and their neighbors take time to help each other: shoveling snow, bringing in garbage cans, watching pets and rallying during hard times. 

Food, and sharing food, was another common theme. The Listening Session began with a meal, where participants were able to get to know each other better over dinner. This also came up during the group sessions, with one example of a neighbor who hosts a weekly soup night and invites all her neighbors to join.

And while there are so many connection points locally, there are underlying tensions that many feel. While ‘Minnesota Nice’ is something so many of us are proud of, it also means that conflict isn’t addressed and issues are ignored. Participants said that while these things might not come up in conversations, they do come up on social media, leading to polarization between neighbors, communities and across the state. 

Neutral spaces can be a place to create connections

Finding places for respectful conversations isn’t always easy, but “third spaces” were identified as opportunities to create meaningful connections and dialogue. Rotary clubs, quilting groups, nonprofits and more can serve as places to engage in creating conversation and community. And when all of these groups can work together, the cross-organizational collaboration can set the stage for real action. 

Being a good neighbor and talking about it

Despite the friction that does exist, there are also many shared values and a hope for a positive way forward. Many are proud to be Minnesotans, and take great pride in the land that unites us all. We share values like resiliency, hard work, generosity, hospitality, love of the land and so much more. 

This feedback will be used to begin identifying practical steps and actions that Minnesotans can take to strengthen their sense of community and neighborliness. Minnesotans from across the state are encouraged to share what they value most about their communities and how they think we can create deeper, fuller connections in Minnesota, and how we can all be better neighbors. 

Many Minnesotans are already being good neighbors, but they don’t talk about it. Small acts of kindness can go a long way, and talking about those small acts can encourage other small acts. So if you are doing those things and being a good neighbor to those around you, talk about it. As momentum grows, so do the connections and sense of community across the state.