Over the last year, our work has really begun to coalesce around the central theme of community building. So often, Topos & Anthros is brought into a project or community to serve the role of strategy consultant, facilitator, project manager, or some combination of the three. At the intersection of working lands, rural communities, and public lands, we add capacity, expertise, and energy to efforts. But, in actuality, what we do is listen. We create situations and hold space in which people can feel heard, seen, and valued. We work on moving various stakeholders and groups through the spectrum of othering, inviting, including, and belonging. We sit in what is uncomfortable, ask tough questions, and honor the challenges we share.
Whether we are tackling questions like “How to strengthen the local food system” in Custer and Lemhi County Idaho or “How to create more equitable land access for producers while supporting added enterprises on the landscape” in North Central Montana or “How to create more housing opportunities to support the rural community, which the surrounding working lands depend on” in Petroleum County Montana, we are ultimately bringing together those that care for a place and asking them for the solution. Yes, we create critical paths, identify partners, outline key decision points and shepherd groups through those moments at the pace of trust and comfortability. We create strategy and manage projects and pilot programs. But in the end, the goals, efforts, and impacts are shaped and held by the communities we have the joy and privilege to witness and support.
Our work is far less about the “what” and far more about the “how”. The process of bringing our full selves and inviting those in community to bring theirs as well shapes our work. The insistence on going slow, listening, challenging assumptions, and valuing everyone involved provides a foundation to our projects. It’s a gift to spend time supporting landowners and building community across ecosystems, landscapes, political divides, social disparities, and geographic challenges. Reflecting back on the last year, there is a wellspring of gratitude bursting forth for the individuals, communities, and efforts we have been able to support. Thank you for allowing us to come alongside you to build community.