Build a plan people recognize as their own
Broad participation helps the final direction reflect local knowledge, needs, and strengths instead of a single point of view.
Community engagement · Regional competitiveness and growth
Rural MAPPING Initiative
A resident-led planning process that turns local knowledge into a shared vision, practical priorities, and a path for action.
A guided community process
What is Rural MAPPING?
Rural MAPPING is a strategic visioning, planning, and doing process facilitated by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Residents identify the goals, strategies, and projects needed to move their community forward, then begin organizing to carry that work out.
This is not a plan written for the community. It is a structured way for people who care about the area to define a shared direction together.
Five facilitated sessions
From insight to an action plan
Sessions are held at the Family YMCA of Fayette County from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Each conversation builds on the last.
- 01
October 7
Where Are We Now?
Bring forward the conditions, strengths, and challenges people see today.
- 02
October 14
Where Do We Want to Be?
Shape a shared picture of the community we want to become.
- 03
October 21
How Do We Get There?
Turn the vision into practical goals, strategies, and projects.
- 04
October 28
Making It Happen
Begin organizing the actions and people needed to move priorities forward.
- 05
November 4
Planning with Resource Partners
Connect the work with partners and resources that can help carry it ahead.
Why it matters
Better priorities begin with more voices at the table.
Focus energy on shared priorities
The sessions help participants identify high-priority goals, strategies, and projects so the community can concentrate on what matters most.
Move from ideas to organized action
MAPPING is designed to form action teams and give the community a workable foundation for implementation after the sessions end.
After the five sessions
The work continues in public.
Participants prepare to share the vision and action plan at a community-wide town meeting, gather public comments, and invite additional volunteers into the work. A follow-up “Maintaining the Momentum” session then checks progress toward those early goals.
Formal invitation
See the invitation to help shape our community’s future.
The invitation outlines the five working sessions, the conversation areas, and the people whose perspective can help guide the work.
Open the formal invitation
View full invitation Program materials
Learn more before you join the conversation.
Interested in this work?
Connect with Vandalia Civic Advancement about Rural MAPPING, community planning, or how to participate.