|
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
See Your Community As Others See It!
First Impressions is an educational, community betterment program of K-State Research
& Extension and the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development. It was
initiated by the Extension Service in Wisconsin, and revised and implemented in Kansas in
1992.
The program is implemented in communities where a viable community group requests it.
The program will send three teams of two persons each to visit the community unannounced
and evaluate the community. Team members consider infrastructure, services, cleanliness,
hospitality, attractiveness, and other factors. The visitors may walk around downtown,
drive around to see parks or schools, eat lunch in the local cafe, ask for directions at
the gas station, etc.
The findings of team members are presented in a written report that is given to the
community. The report includes both positive and negative elements. A public meeting is
held where the report is presented, along with slide photos. The slides and 25 copies of
the report will be left with the community. The community is also asked to provide two
persons to serve on a First Impressions team visit to another community.
First Impressions in Kansas is coordinated by the Huck Boyd National Institute for
Rural Development in a strategic alliance with K-State Research & Extension. The
program operates with the following provisions:
- Key community attributes -- The report to communities will identify the most important
attributes of the community and evaluate how well the community is addressing them.
- Positive, constructive approach -- The program will be implemented in a way that is
positive and constructive to the community, while at the same time stimulating community
improvement.
- Community invitation -- The program will be implemented only in communities where a
viable community group invites the First Impressions program to do such an evaluation.
- Resource information --The report will include information on resources which the
community can use to address specific needs, such as Department of Commerce programs on
business retention or K-State horticulture specialists who can help with landscaping.
Rather than just pointing out deficiencies, we hope to help the community find the
resources to make things better.
- Followup and evaluation -- Phase two of the program will include followup and
evaluation, including a return visit to the community in approximately one year to see if
progress has been made on improving the key attributes identified earlier.
- Fees -- Cost of the program is not less than $140 for communities with 1,000 population
or fewer and $290 for communities over 1,000, which includes $40 for reimbursement of
lunch or dinner costs of team members during the time they are in the community.
What does a community get from this program?
- An objective assessment of initial impressions of the community, including visits from
three teams of two visitors each.
- 25 copies of a printed report which summarizes team member comments about the community
and suggests resources to help.
- A public presentation of the report, including slide photographs taken of the community.
- A complete set of the color slides of scenes in the community.
- Availability for informal consultation in the future.
What is required of a community to utilize this program?
- To make an invitation, since a community group must request the program from K-State,
and to provide assistance in conducting the public meeting by arranging for a meeting
place to hear the report and publicizing the meeting.
- A fee of $140 if the community has up to 1,000 in population, or a fee of $290 if the
community has more than 1,000 people. Each fee includes a $40 charge for reimbursement of
the cost of lunches or dinners for team members during the time they visit the community.
- At least two community citizens who will participate as team members in a First
Impressions evaluation visit to another community in the state.
- An open mind, willingness to listen, and desire to make things better.
Who do we contact?
First Impressions program coordinator:
Ron Wilson, Director
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
Kansas State University
101 Umberger Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-1604
rwilson@ksu.edu
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/huckboyd
Phone: 785-532-7690
Fax: 785-532-7036
|
