Emmett/Gem County Community Review Report Summary

Serve Idaho, Idaho Commission for National and Community Service – Kelly Houston,
Executive Director, 658-2063.
AARP – Cheryl Tussey, Associate State Director, (208) 855-4004, ctussey@aarp.org
Points of Light Foundation, http://pointsoflight.org
Intergenerational Mentoring programs:
Idaho Commission on Aging - Richard Juengling, (208) 334-3833
BRAG Coalition (Building Respect Across Generations) 1616 Central Avenue, Charlotte,
NC 28205 (704) 333-7471
Educational programs:
Gem County Cooperative Extension Office - 2199 South Johns, Emmett, Idaho 83617,
(208) 365-6363, gem@uidaho.edu
Civic Engagement and Encouraging Volunteerism
Citizens volunteer when there is a communicated, visible, and cohesive vision. They also
volunteer when there is a clearly communicated need, when the outcome is obtainable,
where their skill sets are reasonably matched and when someone they know asks them to
volunteer.
There were many comments made about the wave of commuters who appear to have little
attachment to the Emmett Valley. They allegedly fulfill their shopping and entertainment
needs in Boise or other locations around the Treasure Valley and appear to want to remain
undisturbed and incognito during their off hours. The question is how does Emmett engage
this segment of its population
As mentioned in the previous section, when a community’s vision and identify is clearly
communicated citizens will become more engaged. For example, if Emmett revitalized the
old train station, capitalized on the Thunder Mountain Railroad adventures, and organized a
weekly farmer’s market, community residents might begin to perceive Emmett as a
destination spot. Their friends would come to Emmett for entertainment. A few more
commuters might find reasons to secure local employment. Ultimately, more volunteers
would emerge to make a positive contribution. If this vision was viable and something the
City and County leadership could commit to, volunteers would come forward now.
Available Community Development Resources
Facilitating Community Change (ISBN#1-879502-39-9), Community Initiatives, Tyler Norris,
Boulder, Colorado, 303.444-3366, www.communityinitiatives.com.
Community and Economic Development Toolbox, http://www.cardi.cornell.edu
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