NETWORK FOR SOUTHERN ECONOMIC MOBILITY HELPS COMMUNITY LEADERS ALIGN SYSTEMS TO POSITION LOW-INCOME YOUNG PEOPLE FOR SUCCESS

The Network for Southern Economic Mobility (NSEM), created by MDC, brings together leaders from Southern cities to align systems and strategies that expand opportunities for low-income youth. By fostering cross-city collaboration, NSEM helps communities analyze barriers, share solutions, and implement structural reforms aimed at advancing equity and upward mobility. Leaders describe how the network deepens local engagement, challenges entrenched inequities, and builds collective power to change systems that shape economic outcomes. This aligns with Aspen CSG because it underscores the importance of systemic, place-based approaches to economic mobility—centering community voice, dismantling structural barriers, and creating pathways for young people in under-resourced regions to thrive.

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
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Volunteer places a 'Vote Here' sign outside a rural community center before polls open.
A Reminder To Reporters: If You’ve Seen One Rural Place … You’ve Seen One Rural Place

By shaping accurate narratives, we can drive fair and just investments and policies that honor the people and places at the heart of rural and Indigenous communities.

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Measuring Community Capacity Building Workbook

This is a workbook focuses on improving the ability of individuals, organizations, businesses, and government in their community to come together, learn, make well-reasoned decisions about the community’s present and future, and work together to carry out those decisions.

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Ten Books for Rethinking Rural and Indigenous Development

Stories shape how we understand people and places. This list highlights narratives and research on the systemic forces affecting rural and Indigenous communities.

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How Rural Development Hubs Can Strengthen Rural Health Transformation Program Implementation

Rural Development Hub leaders say new funding like RHTP works best when regions interpret it against existing priorities, coordinate it through existing partnerships, and adapt it to local context — rather than treating it as a distinct program.

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Ten Podcasts Focused on Rural Community and Economic Development

Check out our roundup of podcasts highlighting important issues about and to rural communities and Native nations.