Here are the Blandin Foundation's eight dimensions of a healthy community

The Free Press is using these guidelines and measures as a way to rate and suggest improvements to the Mankato regional community.



Economic Opportunity

All people can earn an income that allows them to live with dignity. The economy of the community is sustainable and not dependent on exploiting human beings or depleting the natural environment.

This dimension has a two-fold emphasis. The first is on having economic opportunities that provide for adequate incomes. The second is on long-term viability through renewing and sustaining the human and other resources which create the community's economic advantages.



Life-Long Learning

All ages have access to educational opportunities which enable them to participate in and contribute to the economic, political, social and cultural life of the community to the full extent of their potential.

This perspective is based on a definition of learning as a means of helping people be productive members of their community. It also emphasies the need for a variety of educational opportunities.



Valuing Diversity

People capitalize on the range of human differences in the community and seek ways to utilize those differences for the benefit of the whole community.

Planning and decision-making in voluntary groups, as well as local government, take place in such a away that all people can have an impact on what goes on in the community. The community is welcoming and makes an effort to help everyone feel that they "belong." There is a strong tendency in the community for individuals to help each other and for groups and organizations to work together whenever possible. When conflicts arise, peopel always make efforts to approach them constructively.



Spiritual, Recreational and Artistic Opportunities

Everyone has access to a variety of spiritual, recreational and artistic opportunities.

Part of the "qualify of life" of a community is based on people of all ages, abilities and interests having access to spiritual, recreational and artistic opportunities that meet their needs.

The variety of opportunities available expresses the cultural backgrounds, talents, and experience of all community members.



Safety and Security

The community provides appropriate safety and security measures for all and actively addresses the causes and consequences of violence.

Safety issues and violence exist in every community. In a healthy community, there is adequate police and fire protection. People watch out for each other. Violence is acknowledged in its many forms (e.g., from criminal abuse and assault to subtle forms of discrimination). The community actively seeks to aid all those affected by violence and to change the conditions leading to violence.



Environmental Stewardship.

The community supports the environmental quality and management of natural resources that best provide for a sustainable future.

All segments of the community recognize the need for environmental quality and are willing to assist in and/or support the responsible management of the environment. The community is aware that it must decide carefully between competing long and short-term uses of its natural resources.



Community Leadership

There are broad-based leadership structures in which many people fill leadership roles.

The same people, or same group of people, do not hold all the elected offices or chair all the committees. Instead, many different people fill these positions and there is a regular turnover of those holding leadership positions. Volunteer activities do not depend on a small group of people. Volunteers are numerous and they reflect the diversity, (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) of the community. There are opportunities for people to gain or improve the skills that will help them to be more effective in leadership roles.



Infrastructure and Services

The community has adequate infrastructure and all people have access to essential services.

The community has the quality and quantity of infrastructure (e.g., transportation, telecommunications, water, sewer) it needs. Everyone in the community has access to necessary services such as: sanitary living conditions, health and wellness services and social services.