Why
:
If we are to build smarter, more prosperous, more inclusive rural communities, then we need to build and support systems where new leadership emerges and new ideas can flourish.
To cultivate a sense of shared purpose and possibility, rural leaders need to hear themselves and hear one another.
What:
We are creating a program for rural leaders called
The Rural Squad
that connects leaders to each other, helps urban-based institutions engage with rural communities effectively, and offers the country a reliable network of rural problem solvers.
The Rural Assembly will be intentional about placement of Rural Squad members at conferences, meetings, policy briefings. They will carry learnings and connections back to the constituencies they represent.
How:
With intention, the Rural Assembly will support a squad of rural leaders working at various levels in rural America. We will cultivate strategic connections across geography, race, class, and programmatic disciplines that strengthen the ability of advocates to make progress at local, regional, and national levels.
We need your help. Contribute to the design of this program by responding to occasional questions in our newsletter.
First up:
"How could a national rural leaders program best support the work you're doing in rural America?"