John Dockrey and Phil Anderson's journey began with a shared passion for the intrinsic value of rural communities and a deep awareness of the challenges these areas face. Witnessing the troubling decline of rural populations and the closure of small businesses, they recognized the stark reality of empty homes and buildings, tax sales that often sold cherished assets to outsiders, and the loss of rural community identity.
United by their extensive backgrounds in rural development, John and Phil set out on a mission to reshape the future of rural communities across the nation. They understood that a lack of true connectivity and awareness had eroded the sense of belonging among residents. No longer did people live, work, learn, and play in the same communities, as the ever-increasing distances for employment divided their allegiance. Neighborhood children no longer necessarily attended local schools, opting for home schooling, distance learning, or another area school of their choosing, altering the shared passion for alma maters.
The disappearance of local phone books, newspapers, and even community radio further dissolved the tightly-knit shared stories that once defined these communities. For the past few decades, parents encouraged their children to leave rural areas in pursuit of 'success', further fragmenting the once-strong sense of community. In this relatively short span of time, the essence of 'community' seems to have vanish.
However, John and Phil recognized that the loss of belonging affected both places and people. They believed it was possible to rekindle the connection between individuals and their communities, restoring the lost sense of 'community.' Their vision was clear – to help communities and residents rediscover true belonging and shared stories, rekindling the shared identity based on place that generations had cherished.