Where are you, #4?

This fall, we're looking forward to seeing "4" in action. And no, I'm not referring to the grisly, gray-haired gunslinger who retired and unretired for a Metrodome swan song.

I'm talking about another prosperous opportunity to join a winning team.

(Fine, then. No more cheesy sports metaphors...)

Your Initiative Foundation is seeking four communities to participate in a very powerful round of our Healthy Communities Partnership. HCP is our flagship leadership program that gives every citizen a voice in the future of their community.

My talented colleagues, Dan Frank and Don Hickman, train volunteer teams in leadership skills, planning and organizing efforts. Selected communities then receive up to $50,000 over five years to complete projects identified in town-hall style meetings.

We supply the big process. The community supplies the big plan.

This year, a partnership with the Bush Foundation and Minnesota Public Radio will add a new twist. MPR will report on trends and dig up stories in one or more communities, in order to give people a new perspective on who they are and where they go from here.

Applications are due November 15, with community selections announced in early January. Want more info? Take a gander at the official news release or contact Dan Frank at 877-632-9255.

If it's 4th and long for your community, let us know if you want to go deep with the Initiative Foundation. (Hey, a couple of sports metaphors never hurt anybody.)