Thrive Rural Field Perspectives Series

The Rural Equity Research Advisors (RERA) is composed of academic researchers focusing on rural development issues — with a particular focus on issues impacting rural communities of color. This group convenes to identify gaps, understand and promote current research, and advise/author upcoming briefs.

The RERA was formed in consultation with researchers Brian Dabson and Marjory Givens, who provide ongoing strategic guidance and support. 

Research Brief
Connecting MSI and Rural Research report cover
Connecting Minority-Serving Institutions and Rural Research

Exploring the potential for MSIs to produce more rural research and integrate rural perspectives into established and developing rural-focused research systems. 

Research Brief
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Building Trust With Community-Based Participatory Research

This research brief explores how rural MSIs and approaches to community-based participatory research can be used to better understand MSIs’ nature and practices.

Research Brief
Equitable Food systems report cover
Using Networks To Build Collaborative & Equitable Food Systems

This brief focuses on local food systems as vehicles for collaboration and racial equity among multiple stakeholders and networks.

Report
Rooting a new rural legacy report cover
Stewardship + Equity: Rooting a New Rural Legacy

Rural and Native communities have been stewarding the land for generations. Many are developing new ways of growing nature and…

Report
Enduring Capital for Rural Prosperity Report Cover
Securing Capital for Rural Prosperity

This third in the Thrive Rural Field Perspectives series offers a call to action to restructure and reorient public, private…

Report
Native Nation Building Report Cover
Native Nation Building: It Helps Rural America Thrive

Native nations and rural communities, working side-by-side and together, can strengthen the potential for thriving rural regions.

Research Brief
Rural Health Practices Report Cover
Rural Development & Health Alignment Opportunities

This first in the Thrive Rural Field Perspective Series describes the main trends and catalysts for change that emerged from…

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group