Throughout human history, there are rare moments when ordinary people are called to do extraordinary things—not because they have titles or wealth or fame, but because they say yes when their community needs them most.
This is one of those moments.
Across small towns and rural communities in North America, the institutions that hold us together—like the local county fair—are stretched thin. Leadership is aging. Volunteers are harder to find. And yet the need for connection, celebration, and belonging has never been greater.
I started the You Make THE Difference National Initiative because I believe in small-town America.
Because I believe the fair is more than an event—it’s a reflection of who we are.
And because I believe the people who step up in these communities—the ones who roll up their sleeves, rally their neighbors, and refuse to let their towns fade away—deserve to be seen, supported, and equipped.
Who We Are
You Make THE Difference is a national, grant-funded movement that exists to ignite, equip, and sustain the Difference Makers behind our county fairs and agricultural societies.
What is a Difference Maker?
A Difference Maker isn’t defined by a title.
They don’t wait for permission.
They don’t need applause.
They’re the person who shows up when others don’t.
They fix what’s broken, fill in the gaps, and fight for their community’s future.
Difference Makers are:
They don’t make noise. They make a difference.
And this initiative exists to unleash their power.
Why Now?
Because we are living through a generational handoff.
And if we don’t meet this moment, we risk losing not just our fairs—but the community fabric they hold together.
We launched this movement with one belief:
If we train the people, we can transform the place.
From Michigan to South Carolina, Maine to Iowa, Difference Makers are rising. More volunteers. More hope. More impact.
Led with Purpose. Rooted in Belief.
My name is Ian Hill. I’ve spent three decades leading transformation efforts across North America—breaking world records, launching first of their kind projects, and helping 1,700 communities become stronger.
But this may be the most important thing I’ve ever done.
Because I believe the hope of this nation still lives in its small towns.
And I believe it’s our job to light that fire again—starting with the fair, and the people who make it possible.
We’re Not Building Something New. We’re Awakening What’s Already There.
You already have the grit.
You already have the wisdom.
You already have the heart.
We’re just here to remind you:
You Make THE Difference.
