About

Based in Nebraska, the the Heartland Center was organized in 1985 by a group of Great Plains leaders as an outgrowth of Visions from the Heartland, a grassroots futures project. Today, the Center is known throughout North America for its field research on Clues to Community Survival and for its hands-on programs in community leadership development.

A major focus of the Heartland Center's activities is practical resources and public policies for rural community vitality, including leadership training, citizen participation, community planning, facilitation, evaluation and curriculum development. Programs and publications emphasize that local capacity is critical, and renewing local leadership essential, as towns, cities and states work to remain competitive today and in the future.

The Center is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 10 members from around the nation who are experts in leadership and community development. The Center's co-director, Milan Wall, continues to serve as a primary trainers and facilitators, while a diverse group of talented associates carry out the Center's work in communities throughout the United States and Canada.

Each year the Heartland Center works with almost 2,500 leaders, citizens and practitioners from 300 communities nationwide. If you are interested in the Heartland Center's work and how we can help you and your community, please contact us to find out more information.