Migration draws researcher to Piggott

The city of Piggott, and specifically the PHS class of 1979 reunion, hosted a special visitor over the holiday weekend. Ryan Arthun, a research assistant from the University of Montana, traveled to the city as part of an ongoing project titled "Return Migration to Geographically Disadvantaged Communities of the Rural United States."

The study, which is now in the second year of a three year effort, is looking into the fact that hundreds of communities in rural America, especially those in sparsely populated remote locations, are losing their population base. So far the research has shown that the departure of younger, better-educated people from those communities is a persistent problem nationwide.

Arthun, who works under the direction of UM professor of geography Christiane von Richert, has been traveling to communities all across the nation visiting with class members at their 10, 20 and 30-year reunions. This allows him to talk with several people from the same community who've taken different life paths following graduation.

"We're basically at their party and we're taking their time when they've come to interact with their classmates," von Reichart recently noted in a UM article. "It is quite remarkable how generous many were with their time."

"At the high school reunions we're catching people when they are the most nostalgic," Arthun added. "They all went to school together and it's a tight group...but once you get into the flow of the conservations you're typically passed along from group to group."

Following his visit with members of the Class of '79, Arthun noted that Piggott is typical when compared to other rural communities.

"We've found that the majority of those who choose to live in a town like Piggott sometimes make great sacrifices, and it's usually for family issues." He noted that many people have given up economic opportunities for the benefit of either their children or their parents and added that it is amazing how much people are willing to give up for their families.

The research also indicates that the out-migration of young people causes a decline in leadership capacity, as many of the younger innovative residents move elsewhere. In turn, the researchers also found that many of the people who migrated back home after high school became key players in their communities, eager to add to the social and economic amenities that lured them back home. The research verifies that these returnees are more prone to be engaged in school and church activities, or as a coach or firefighter.

Arthun noted the research shows that typically a person, or a couple's, decision about where to live hinges on where they want to raise their children. But also playing a role is ties to parents, siblings and other relatives. The research effort also looks to answer the question of whether a community can do anything to bring these people back and what influence they may have on making themselves more attractive to potential returnees.

The benefit of the research to community leaders also is to provide an insight into the problem and a guideline to promoting key aspects that encourage the return of migrants such as strong schools, abundant recreational opportunities and other amenities.

Arthun also interviewed local political and business leaders during his stay in Piggott, and following the holiday weekend, was headed to central Wisconsin to interview members of yet another class reunion.

The current research is expected to be used in papers for both professional and general audiences, and von Reichert also added she would like to produce policy briefs for smaller communities to help them promote their assets.

Those who want more information on the project may visit the University of Montana website at http://www.umt.edu/future.aspx and click on the research tab.