STRONG – Selectmen will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the town office to kick off their two-year partnership with Maine Rural Partners, a nonprofit organization devoted to community building throughout rural Maine.

“We’re excited to have this opportunity to work for a better future in Strong,” Selectman Becky Croteau said. “It’s really important that everyone in town comes out to learn about this project and how they can participate.”

An application submitted by selectmen was selected last month in a state-wide competition to pilot Maine Rural Partners’ outreach program, which focuses state-wide resources on individual communities to develop a shared vision for the future and increase sustainable capacity. Washington County was also selected as a pilot community.

“The idea of the program is to give a community the resources and support it needs to build a foundation for the future which is based on its strengths,” said Nate Michaud, who coordinates the program for Maine Rural Partners.

In addition to the support of Michaud and other staff, Strong will be provided an AmeriCorps volunteer who will work full-time on the project.

“We’re still recruiting to fill the position,” Michaud said. “We hope residents of Strong will apply.”

Thursday’s meeting will give residents of Strong the opportunity to state their hopes for the project, and to learn how they can take part in shaping it, Michaud said. Anyone interested in working for the project as an AmeriCorps volunteer should attend the meeting, or contact Michaud at 581-4523.