Winona County community members came together March 3-5, 2016 on the Winona State University campus for a three-day deliberative forum to study and discuss changes in the area’s climate and weather. Participants in the Dialogue developed a community-based response outlining concerns, opportunities and actions to address challenges the community faces.
The Winona Climate Dialogue featured a Citizen's Jury of 18 randomly selected but demographically balanced individuals from the county. Participants had access to resources and experts to produce their own independent recommendations that respond to Winona County’s needs, priorities, values and ambitions.
Students at Winona Senior High School participated in a student Dialogue in February 2016, before the community Dialogue took place. Students heard from local experts and discussed their own priorities and concerns around climate and weather issues.
This Rural Climate Dialogue is the third in a series of Dialogues happening around the state. The Dialogues are intended to spur rural leadership and build resiliency in the face of extreme weather conditions and a changing climate.