Political Science
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/53
Political Science faculty's diverse research, teaching and outreach activities engage our students and the community in issues of ethics, power, identity, globalization governance, citizenship and representation. Our faculty are active scholars with recent awards for their publications, outreach, service and teaching.
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Item Advancing food democracy: The potential and limits of food policy positions in local government(Lyson Center for Civic Agriculture and Food Systems, 2021-10) Berglund, Erika; Hassanein, Neva; Lachapelle, Paul; Stephens, CarolineFor several decades, food policy councils (FPCs) have led the effort to place food on local government policy agendas. While FPCs are making progress in supporting local food systems, they also face institutional and organizational challenges. In recent years, a handful of cities and counties have endeavored to further food system reform with the establishment of full-time government staff positions focused on food policy. As of spring 2020, there were 19 confirmed food policy positions housed in local governments across the United States. While there is considerable literature on FPCs, little research has been published regarding food policy staffing in local governments. Accordingly, this study uses original in-depth interviews with 11 individuals in municipal or county food policy positions to understand the purpose and function of governmental food policy staff positions and their impact on local food systems. Our findings suggest that these positions help to coordinate and nurture local food programs and policies and have the potential to facilitate meaningful participation of individuals and groups in the community in food system reform. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges for governmental food policy positions to support food democracy, and provide the following recommendations for communities interested in establishing or strengthening similar positions: (1) identify and coordinate existing opportunities and assets, (2) foster and maintain leadership support, (3) root the work in community, (4) connect with other food policy professionals, and (5) develop a food system vision.Item Big Skies, Bold Partnerships: Moving Mountains Together Proceedings of the 2017 CDS-NACDEP Conference(The 2017 Community Development Society / National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals Conference (CDS-NACDEP), 2017-07) Hains, Kris; Hains, Bryan; Lachapelle, Paul; Rice, TrudyThese proceedings are the outcome of the 2017 Community Development Society / National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals Conference (CDS-NACDEP) that took place June 11-14 in Big Sky, Montana. Each of these abstracts underwent a double blind peer review in the winter of 2016-17 and lead authors were notified in the spring of 2017 regarding acceptance. This effort represents the first attempt by both of these organizations to provide a systematic and standardized opportunity for the review process as well as a formal documentation of the reviewed materials. Only Abstracts accepted as Session Presentations are provided here; no Poster Abstracts are detailed in this publication. The abstracts are presented alphabetically by the first author’s last name. The Abstract is presented verbatim as it was submitted by the authors. The compilers wish to recognize and acknowledge and many peer reviewers that provided their time and expertise for the review process as well as the many authors who contributed to this effort. We hope you enjoy these proceedings!Item Montana Horizons Program: Transforming Communities from Striving to Thriving(MSU Extension: Local Government Center, 2009) Lachapelle, Paul; Flaherty, C.This report has descriptions of the sixteen communities stretching from Scobey to Anaconda. These sixteen communities successfully completed the Horizons II program during 2007-08 which provide just a small example of their achievements. The smallest town had 139 residents, the largest, 4,089. Poverty rates ranged from 11% to 41%. As examples throughout this report attest, the challenges in rural communities are significant but not insurmountable and opportunities abound. When community members focus on a specific outcome, join hands with collaborating partners and keep their eye on the future, the possibilities are never-ending. A new spirit and passion for community involvement is created when a common goal is identified and shared broadly.Item Using Focus Groups for Community Development. MSU Extension MontGuide(MSU Extension, 2008-05) Lachapelle, Paul; Mastel, TaraFocus groups can be an effective means of involving citizens in a decision-making process. Yet, focus groups can also increase conflict and strain group dynamics if not properly executed. This publication provides information on the reasons to use a focus group, the steps involved, the types of questions that could be posed and expected outcomes.Item Montana Horizons Program: Transforming Communities from Striving to Thriving(MSU Extension: Local Government Center, 2010) Lachapelle, Paul; Graham, BThis report details the work accomplished by 15 communities that successfully completed the Horizons III program during 2008-10 and provides a snapshot of their achievements. As examples throughout this report attest, the challenges in rural communities are significant but not insurmountable and opportunities abound. When community members focus on a specific outcome, join hands with collaborating partners and keep their eye on the future, the possibilities are never-ending. A new spirit and passion for community involvement is created when a common goal is identified and shared broadly.Item City of Bozeman Ethics Handbook(MSU Extension: Local Government Center, 2010) Lachapelle, PaulThis ethics handbook is produced by the city of Bozeman Board of ethics to educate citizens and train employees and public officials in best practices and legal requirements. In addition, this handbook details specific ethical requirements and provides guidance on obtaining information and filing complaints. The City Code of Ethics provides legal requirements outlining conduct and best practices as detailed in Chapter 2.01 of the Bozeman Municipal Code.Item Montana Policy Review(MSU Extension: Local Government Center, 2011-09) Multiple Authors; Lachapelle, Paul; Lachapelle, Paul; Costakis, Cathy; Clark, DanThe Fall 2011 issue titled Community Resiliency and the Built Environment: Innovations and Policy Issues in Montana focuses on how the built environment influences quality of life and economic prosperity across Montana. The built environment refers to the human-made physical structures and supporting infrastructure that provide the setting for human activity. In Montana, these surroundings shape our economic, social, environmental, and public health outcomes. The articles provide the most complete analysis to date of built environment initiatives from the people who have designed, developed, and delivered the programs and plans.Item Montana Policy Review(MSU Extension: Local Government Center, 2011-03) Multiple Authors; Lachapelle, Paul; Lachapelle, Paul; Clark, DanThe Spring 2011 special issue titled "Montana Horizons: Program Outcomes and Policy Implications" focuses on an on-going community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in rural communities experiencing significant decline or demographic change. The articles describe Horizons from the people who coordinated or actively participated in the program. With personal insights and professional learning and wisdom, the stories, narratives, and academic articles provide the most complete analysis to date of this program from the people who delivered it; a program that many will attribute to wide-spread and positive community change.Item Citizen Participation and Interaction(MSU Extension: Local Government Center, 2010) Lachapelle, PaulItem Strategic Visioning for Community Development. MSU Extension MontGuide(MSU Extension, 2011) Lachapelle, Paul; Anderson, Katelyn; Wedum, WendyStrategic visioning is used by communities to identify future goals and work collectively to address community development needs. This guide provides an overview of the benefits of strategic visioning, situations appropriate to apply the techniques, and the steps to plan, implement and evaluate a visioning process.