Meet Your Community Night
Author: Rebecca Connors
Meet Your Community Night
Rebecca Connors
Community Members Work to Highlight Civic Organizations at Broadwater County Connect.
On Tuesday, March 25, the Broadwater County community gathered for an inspiring evening of connection, collaboration, and commitment to civic engagement. Organized by participants of the Big Sky, Big Leadership program through MSU Extension, the Meet Your Community event brought together approximately 85 attendees, including representatives from local organizations and community members eager to learn how they could give back. The event was organized by Tayla Snapp, Megan Poe, John Ferrat, Jenna Frazier, and Rebecca Connors, all of whom call Broadwater County “home.”
The format was simple. Each organization was provided five minutes to share how community members could support their organization. Whether it was through volunteering, financial contributions, or learning about their services to share with others.
Some organizations faced critical challenges, such as funding to improve infrastructure to ensure youth can play soccer. Many called for volunteers to help them maintain programing or serve on a local board. Others had upcoming events, such as Easter egg hunts or fundraisers.
Craig Vietz of the Broadwater County Development Corporation (BCDC) encapsulated this sentiment by referencing President John F. Kennedy’s famous words: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." In this case, he urged attendees to consider what they could do for their county.
Thirty-two organizations presented their needs and opportunities. They also made calls for younger generations to get involved to ensure the organization’s success.
The Meet Your Community event demonstrated the need and opportunities for organizations that serve residents of Broadwater County. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about local services, there is an opportunity for an individual to make a meaningful impact. For those interested in getting involved with any of the organizations, https://www.BroadwaterCountyConnect.com lists all of the participating organizations from Tuesday evening for the opportunity to learn more about their work.
Big Sky, Big Leadership has proven to be an invaluable program for fostering community-based leadership across Montana. By equipping participants with the skills to create positive change, the program ensures that local leaders continue to rise to the challenge of building stronger, more connected communities.
“Big Sky, Big Leadership provides participants with an opportunity to make a difference in their communities,” said Allison Kosto, MSU Extension Agent & Associate Professor. “This event reflects the outcomes we hope to achieve through the leadership program—engagement, connection, learning, and leadership development.”
To learn more about the Big Sky, Big Leadership program, please visit https://www.montana.edu/extension/communitydevelopment/communitybasedleadership.html. The 2025 class is the fourth installment of this program. Applications will soon be available for the 2026 class that starts in September.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Rebecca Connors
Image 1 Caption: Master of Ceremonies - John Ferrat
Photo Credits: Rebecca Connors
Image 2 Caption: Doug Sitton and Krissy Ludricks representing the Townsend Rotary Club
Photo Credits: Rebecca Connors
Image 3 Caption: Rocky Mountain Development: Angela Nelmark, Samara Lynde
Photo Credits: Rebecca Connors
