Commentary: Challenging Everything We Know about Funding as a Path to Thriving Rural Communities

For decades, rural communities have been ill-served by governments, foundations, and many large organizations dedicated to advancing community economic development and people’s health and well-being. The causes of that are complex, ranging from systemic racism and classism to structural underinvestment and urban-first bias in our policy and research decision-making.

The Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, in partnership with practitioners from rural communities, Native Nations, and tribes across the country, has identified …

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
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Through Natural Disaster to Prosperity: A Call to Action — Executive Summary

Executive Summary document for Through Natural Disaster to Prosperity: A Call to Action. Get quick takeaways and recommendations for action.

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A summer street festival, with vendors under canopies on a hot day.
Recent Learnings from (and for) the Rural Field

New opportunities with value to rural and Native nation communities are being generated across fields, from public health to environmental justice and beyond. Check out a few ideas and opportunities to help spur equitable rural prosperity in your community.

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Communicating for Connection: West Virginia Community Development Hub

This short case study has insight and tips on how communities that have been historically and systematically excluded can develop authentic and effective leadership that builds power to challenge the status quo.

blog
Five high school students sit around a table in the library
Advancing the Next Generation of Rural and Indigenous Leaders

Insights and tips to identify, establish, and sustain youth leadership in rural and Indigenous communities.

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Building Power Together: Sustainable Forestry and African-American Land Retention Network

This short case study has insight and tips on how communities that have been historically and systematically excluded can develop authentic and effective leadership that builds power to challenge the status quo.

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Advancing the Next Generation of Rural and Indigenous Leaders

Feb. 10th, 2023, 1PM

How is your community thinking and acting on the issue of next generation leadership?

publication
Smiling colleagues sitting together in a meeting room.
Translating Federal Opportunities into Local Resources: Ada Jobs Foundation

This short case study has insights and tips on how rural communities with limited staffing and resources can understand, prepare for, and compete for finite federal funds.