-Isms: How do we sustain rural America?

How do we sustain rural America?

The question was discussed Monday in Norfolk during a town hall meeting titled "Growing Together."

The event, sponsored by the Aksarben Foundation, included speakers who addressed brain drain - students who leave the area following graduation and do not return home - and how to make the northeast region of the state a more desirable place to attract young professionals.

Former state senator Mike Flood presented data regarding the ages of population in area counties. According to U.S. Census statistics, most small communities do not have a problem retaining people age 35 and older.

It's the gap between when youth graduate and when they're ready to settle down - roughly ages 18 to 34 - that is problematic for rural communities.

Once a student graduates from high school, they tend not to return home until they are older, if at all.

Residents ages 25 to 34 account for 10% of the population in rural counties.

Flood's talk got me thinking about the Summerland region. According to 2017 census data, the median age in Clearwater is 36; Ewing, 32.4; Orchard, 37.8; Page, 45.8 and Royal, 41.5.

Looking at the same data, a drop - although not as drastic as what was presented Monday - does exist in our communities.

Back to the question: how do we sustain and grow rural America?

We need to look at the drop in population amongst 18 to 34 year olds and determine what will entice them to consider a return to their roots.

Career options, affordable housing and a vibrant arts' scene are big draws.

First, though, there has to be a reason to return home. Main Street - and the possibility of starting something from scratch -should be the first draw.

According to the Wall Street Journal, 433,000 businesses launched across the U.S. in 2016. The bad news: 400,000 businesses shuttered the same year.

It's important for communities to think outside of the box, especially when it comes to job creation. We need to be looking toward the future and address community needs. Will there be a need for four-year college graduates here in the next 20 years? Or, do we need to focus on technical careers? Encourage entrepreneurs?

Yes, yes and yes. A heavy dose of entrepreneurial spirit has the potential to bring and develop career paths for those with two- and four-year degrees.

That entrepreneurial spirit needs to start right here, right now, especially with our youth.

One of the best assets of Nebraskans is our work ethic. We should capitalize on hard work and determination, on not settling for average. We must encourage that type of grit to continue to be homegrown. It will play a vital role in the shaping of our communities.

In-depth discussion with students should be a priority, to learn what dreams they have, how they envision the future of their communities and what part they see themselves playing.

How do we sustain rural America? Youth. It's time to start asking them to share their visions for Clearwater, Ewing, Orchard, Page and Royal. Once they leave, it's too late.