We believe small towns are full
of big dreamers.
Growing Small Towns exists to help them thrive.
We’re on a mission to help small communities become places people love to call home by investing in people, places, and possibility.
Here, creativity meets community.
Ideas are shared, connections are built, and progress feels like something everyone can be part of.
In many small towns, personal and professional development is a privilege reserved for people working in well-funded organizations. The rest are left to figure things out on their own.​
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Growing Small Towns was created
to change that.
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Everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and lead, because small towns thrive when that opportunity is available to all.
Why It Started
Why We Exist
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Small towns thrive when their people thrive.
Our work is grounded in four core commitments:
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Belonging
Everyone deserves to feel welcome, connected, and a part of the community, whether they grew up here or
arrived yesterday.
Humanity
Feelings matter. People matter.
We honor the full humanity of every person
and create spaces where
empathy leads the way.
Courage
Progress comes from trying, failing, and trying again. We encourage people to “just do the thing”, and we keep asking brave questions like “What if we…?”
Possibility
Small towns are nimble, fast-moving, and full of potential. When people see what’s possible and feel supported, change doesn’t just ripple; it makes waves.
Our Guiding Beliefs
These beliefs shape every room we create, gathering we host, and program we offer:
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We believe leadership begins with humanity—the courage to see people fully, listen generously, and lead with compassion.
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We believe communities flourish when more voices are welcomed, included, and trusted.
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We believe collaboration grows from abundance; the belief that sharing ideas, credit, and opportunities makes us all better.
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We believe curiosity helps us grow, while judgment keeps us small.
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We believe creativity is how small towns break patterns, challenge old stories, and imagine what’s possible.
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We believe culture isn’t accidental. It’s built moment by moment, choice by choice, person by person.
The Humans of GST
This work is powered by real people who care deeply about
the places they call home.
Rebecca Undem
Founder + Executive Director
Oakes, ND
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
I love my hometown because of the legacy of five generations of my family, who have built full and meaningful lives here. I love that the community surprised me in ways I hadn't expected when I returned, about a decade after leaving; I truly never imagined myself back in our community, so the fact that Oakes has offered such fertile soil for my own growth is a truth I don't take lightly. I love that I get to raise my children in this same village that raised me, while being a part of a community that is always pushing to be better, do more, and grow. I love how our community pushes the standards of what's possible in a small town, and, even though we don't always agree, we show up, respect each other, and make amazing things happen. ​​
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
This is hard because these core values are why I started this organization in the first place, but if I had to choose, I think the one that I believe would change our world the most is "We believe curiosity helps us grow, while judgment keeps us small." I genuinely believe that adopting an authentic attitude of curiosity would heal the world. So to me, this isn't just about asking more questions (although that would certainly help!) it's about having a genuine wonder about where others are coming from, what another person is trying to say, and caring enough about other humans to know that your perspective is only one. Without a true desire to understand other people, we keep ourselves, our companies, and our communities smaller. The quick desire to label things and people leads us to a place where we only embrace the people, things, and ideas we already know and understand. We can't grow with a mind or heart set on judgment; curiosity is the antidote.
Bailey Adams
Event + Facility Manager
Rutland, ND
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
I am still at a place in my life where I haven't really landed and put down roots in a community yet. However, I have lived in three different communities since leaving the nest. One thing I always notice when moving to a new community is the overall personality of the community. Each town that I have lived in has its own individual way of operating and interacting. A piece of this is the manners and hospitality of the town. When you go to a restaurant or a gas station in town, how do they treat you? I know and understand that in small communities, when you walk into a room, everyone is going to stare at you, but does anyone come up and welcome you or ask you questions? This is what sets one community apart from another. To me, that is what matters and makes me feel good about choosing a community to live in, even if it is only for a short time. Another thing that I am looking for in a long-term community is how community-oriented it is. How hard is the community willing to work to get what they want? How supportive is it toward the local school? The school is educating the potential future of that community; how well do they work together? These are the main things I am looking for in a long-term community.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
The guiding belief that resonates with me the most is, "We believe leadership begins with humanity—the courage to see people fully, listen generously, and lead with compassion." Leadership isn't about how well you can give orders, it's more about how well you listen and care for your people. This belief also explains that leadership is about recognizing that everyone has a past and a story. This guiding belief aligns with my personal beliefs of what I think good leadership qualities are.
Cassidy Johnston
Marketing + Communications Manager
Canon City, CO
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
We're a first-generation ranching family that works for (and now manages) operations for other people, so we've moved a lot. Rather than one community, I'd like to recognize all the small towns we've lived in. As a kid who grew up in suburbia near a very large city, I never really experienced true small-town living until I was an adult, and I'm never going back. I love how welcoming many small towns are, and how much easier it can feel to find community. I love community events and how much small towns support their local schools and their kids, and how, no matter where you go, there's always someone you know--even though I'm an introvert and sometimes like to be anonymous, it's kind of lovely to see friendly faces.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
My favorite guiding belief is "We believe culture isn’t accidental. It’s built moment by moment, choice by choice, person by person." Because we've lived in so many small towns, it's easy to tell the ones that are actively invested in building the kinds of communities they want, and the ones that aren't. You start to recognize the things (small and large) that people do to be a part of that community building, rather than assuming someone else will take care of it, or "This is how we've always done it, so it must be fine." As a parent, I see that effort most in the communities that are invested in the kids and the schools. It makes the whole town better, and makes me even prouder to call that community home. I also love a good seasonal celebration, so the communities that lean way in to having fun year-round are my people.
Char Gust
President, Board of Directors
Casselton, ND
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
To me, Casselton is home because it’s comfortable, safe, and steady. I’ve lived here a long time, and the familiarity of the community—and the friendships I’ve built—mean a lot to me. A quick text with my closest friends can turn into a chat and pizza within minutes. I appreciate that Casselton has the essentials—groceries, great schools, good services—and that anything else is an easy drive away. I can run to the post office, grab a coffee, and bump into three people I know—and that feels comforting, not chaotic. It’s not too busy and not too complicated. You can get anywhere in about five minutes, find parking without trying, and feel like life isn’t rushing past you.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
The GST value that resonates most with me is "We believe creativity is how small towns break patterns, challenge old stories, and imagine what’s possible." I believe creativity is how small towns break old patterns because it opens doors that routine often closes. It helps us move past “the way it’s always been,” imagine new ways to engage people or find small changes that make a big difference.
Winona Dimeo-Ediger
Vice-President, Board of Directors
Nashville, TN
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
I grew up in a small town and live in a big city now, but the things I love most about Nashville are the things about it that feel like a small town. My neighborhood is tight-knit and people take such good care of each other: the last time I was sick, I had to start turning soup away because I ran out of room in my fridge! I love supporting local businesses and experiencing the flow of creativity that is nurtured here, from backyard concerts to big art festivals.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
"We believe creativity is how small towns break patterns, challenge old stories, and imagine what’s possible." I am a true believer in the power of imagination as the first step toward shifting things that feel stuck. Creativity has always been a key for me to unlock doors and discover new connections, ideas, and experiences. I want everyone to feel the freedom to access their own creativity and make space for big audacious "what ifs."
Bernie Sinner
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Casselton, ND
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
I love to call my community home because it has generations of experiences and stories shared by its members and it’s clear to me the shape of the community is a product of the collective leadership of its members. It’s a place where we can all have a part in shaping the future.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
The guiding belief that speaks the loudest to me is: We believe leadership begins with humanity—the courage to see people fully, listen generously, and lead with compassion. Effective leadership requires recognizing that we do not all see the world the same way. Especially in small communities, transparency, open dialogue, and respect for differing perspectives lead to better solutions and stronger buy-in. When leaders model these behaviors, they build trust and create a culture that supports lasting, community-wide success.
Jodi Bruns
Director, Board of Directors
Oakes, ND
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
I call my community home because, even with its challenges, it offers something truly special. In a small community, we often know each other’s stories—sometimes more than we’d like. But that same closeness that can feel overwhelming at times also becomes our greatest strength. When someone is facing hardship, when a neighbor is struggling, or when a family needs support, there is nothing quite like the way a small community shows up. We rally, we care, and we lean on one another without hesitation. That sense of connection, compassion, and shared resilience is what I love about my community.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
The guiding belief I deeply believe in is that culture isn’t accidental. It’s built moment by moment, choice by choice, person by person. Every community has a culture—whether we acknowledge it or not. Yet I hear far too often, “I’m not from here; I’ve only lived here 5, 10, 15 years,” as if belonging requires a certain number of decades. If someone truly wants to be part of the community, we need to be better at embracing them. Being intentional matters. Welcoming people at events, inviting newcomers into conversations, and making space for them to contribute are all small actions that shape an inclusive culture. Norms and hidden rules are real, and they can make moving to a new community—and trying to fit in—feel intimidating. The irony is that our local boards and volunteer groups aren’t exactly overflowing with long waitlists. We need people to step up and serve. Including newcomers isn’t just kind; it’s essential. When we intentionally create opportunities for new people to participate, we build a stronger, more welcoming community—one that reflects the best of who we are and who we want to be.
Brodie Mueller
Director, Board of Directors
Aberdeen, SD
Why do you love to call your community home? ​
I call Aberdeen home, and I love this community. We are resilient, we work together and don't get distracted by what the bigger towns are doing. We are a community of doers and makers and feels authenticity collaborative.
Which GST value do you most deeply believe and why?​
The guiding belief I deeply believe in is "We believe creativity is how small towns break patterns, challenge old stories, and imagine what’s possible." If you're not growing, you're dying, and new ideas and creativity are the lifeblood of any community!