Ambassador: Grace Shisler.39
Chris Johnson
Will Mather
Brady Motter
Molly Mraz
Community G: This rural community lags significantly behind other rural communities in the nation in terms of infrastructural and human capital assets; it has a legacy of resource extraction with poor environmental management.
Population size = 65,000 residents.
Natural: 6 This community is located near massive mineral (copper, gold) deposits, as well as old growth forests (on and surrounding the National Park). However, these resources have been exploited over many generations primarily by non-local corporations who are the primary landowners in the community (especially by one prominent manufacturer based in community D).
Cultural: 7 It is the home to an ethnic group known for world-class arts and crafts products and their cultural symbols and identity are closely tied to this heritage. Some of these crafts are retrieved from the natural environment. This community has been the location for several nationally-recognized, anthropological research studies and television programs.
Human: 2 Residents have low formal educational opportunities and attainment. Many entrepreneurial and ambitious residents feel they must leave the community to find professional opportunities. Some residents are illegally harvesting natural resources from the National Park. School systems are drastically underfunded.
Social: 5 Distinct, but close-knit family groups who are organized through a few very powerful bridging organizations, including one external non-profit organization and one faith-based organization. Major business leaders are not involved in the same associations as poorer community residents. Language barriers, in part due to low education among poorest residents, are leading to communication problems.
Political: 3 The transfer of funds to this community’s local government from the national government and from taxes paid by the extractive industries is perceived by local residents to be squandered. Individual citizens have strong non-governmental, “civic leadership” (volunteerism), but view local government as corrupt and “bought” by private interests.
Financial: 2 Residents generally lack the capital to finance new businesses and other development efforts. There is growing interest in selling/leasing community-owned land to development and extraction, alongside increased interest in the sales of small craft and artisanal goods. Distant corporations and other for-profit companies pay little to no taxes on their operations in and around the community.
Built: 2 Traditionally, infrastructure was developed using local materials and knowledge, however outside entities have introduced lower cost, externally-manufactured materials. The unpaved road that leads outside the community was constructed by a private company, the local government lacks authority or funds to maintain the road. A school set up by previous volunteers is in failing condition and healthcare facilities are needed.