In the early 2000s, Marci was going to every incorporated city in Kansas to research for the first Kansas Guidebook for Explorers. At some point she became very aware of a trend. Towns where young people were in leadership or were active business leaders seemed to be thriving in a way that other cities were not.
She kept track of these bright young people and when she was done with the book she brought a small group of them together. That group of five was so enthused that more were invited to the circle and the excitement and numbers grew. Members of the group were asked to speak at annual banquets and conferences, they were invited to be on panels. They met with legislators. They became identified (instead of hidden) as conference audience members. Their voice was desired, people wanted to hear what they had to say about living in rural communities.