Welcome to Rust Belt Bloggers!

This is the wiki home for bloggers and other social media folks interested in revitalizing the Rust Belt's self-image -- which may also involve a name change (at some point)...

For more information and conversation, please visit our NING forum for Rust Belt Bloggers

(This wiki is being updated regularly)

Meeting Notes (from initial July 12th Meet-Up in Erie)

Goals

• Improve self-image of the region
• Improve external perceptions of the region as an area of opportunity
• Unite local media creators to share resources and spread news more easily 

   

Observations

• People are more inclined to follow a good idea than they are to invent one from scratch; thus, if we begin something proactive and promote it effectively, it will gather momentum from like-minded peers in the region and beyond
• Regional complaints need to be transformed into postive actions
• The "rust belt" region is singularly important in American folklore because, as Hunter mentioned, "We make things."  This blue-collar work ethic / national pride is an easy story to share, and is the binding thread that unites our region AND instills others with a sense of pride in what we do, inspiring them to want our region to succeed
• As opposed to the manufactured history that corporations like American Eagle have tapped into -- and which caters to the natural human need to "belong" -- the rust belt's story is authentic, and therefore more easily (and honestly) told -- a la Defend Youngstown's 12,000+ t-shirts sold (so far)
• Instead of viewing the region as an area whose economy has eroded in to depression, we need to promote the region's "blank slate" upside, as well as the opportunity to create a new history here through invention and ingenuity, from a workforce that takes pride in getting things done
• The expats from this region, now dispersed around the country / world, are still passionate about their "hometown heritage," and could be unified to help provide external leadership and resources to promote and refurbish their home region with new information, resources and personnel
• We can leaarn from other diaspora-based organizations -- perhaps they have ways to connect their networks that we could emulate, or maybe we can help lead their efforts in new directions
• We should probably alter the name of the group slightly, for a more positive POV -- Rust Belt Reclamation, Rust Belt Revitalization, etc.  (Plus, "Bloggers" would seem to bar other types of social media creators from joining the discussion)
• It's important to demonstrate our own forward momentum, both to ourselves and to those observing us, so we build credibility both internally and externally

Questions

• How can we best pool / harness our collective resources -- online and IRL?
• How much time do we have to commit to this venture?
• What groundwork needs to be laid, so we can build from the basics and establish a workflow that moves the organization (and region) forward?
• Do we need to operate as a non-profit, or are we committed to remaining an informal group of regional influences?
• Who else do we need to draw in to the message? Why?
• What talking points can we agree on when sharing our story with new connections?
• Is there a realistic timetable for positive change that we can establish, and benhcmarks we can commit to?
• How can we best incorporate / streamline feedback from others in the region?

Next Actions and Future Meetings

TBA