Bulletin #1

There is incredible work happening across the the National Rural Assembly. Your efforts are creating actual policy movement and sparking honest conversations, all informed by a growing awareness among key decision-makers that rural America matters. 

Greater connections among all of us will only strengthen this work.  We hope you’ll want to contribute to the activities shared in this space.  Just email Whitney with your stories, news, or events.  

Thanks!

Whitney Kimball Coe

on behalf of the National Rural Assembly and Center for Rural Strategies 

TAKE ACTION

Coming to a state near you

The Rural Broadband Policy Group is tracking an alarming trend across state legislatures that would release large telephone companies from the obligation to provide basic landline service, including emergency 911 service to rural and isolated residents. 

Bills that would deregulate basic telephone service for rural residents are coming before legislators in Kentucky, Ohio, and Mississippi.  The bill in Kentucky was recently pulled due to the efforts of rural broadband advocates and other rural groups.    

But the fight is just beginning.  We’d like to know:  Is this happening in your state?  Please contact Edyael Casaperaltawith information on measures like this and help us share the letters, articles, and good work.  

Learn more about the recently routed Kentucky bill.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The National Congress of American Indians is highlighting the tribal and rural impact of the VAWA legislation that is likely coming before the U.S. Senate for reauthorization this week.

New provisions would expand efforts to reach Indian tribes and rural areas, particularly through provisions that protect the safety of Native women in Indian country by restoring tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit crimes of domestic violence and dating violence.

The bill has seen reauthorization several times since it was first introduced in 1994 and until recently has received broad, bipartisan support.

National Congress of American Indians urges you to contact your Senator and ask them to support reauthorization of VAWA.

INVESTMENT IN RURAL AMERICA

Chuck Fluharty’s testimony before the Senate Ag CommitteeEarlier this month, RUPRI President Chuck Fluharty testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee on the need for more investment in rural sustainability by the government, commercial lenders, and foundations.  “American philanthropy continues to distribute less than 3% of its annual payout to the people and places of rural America…” he says.   

Read Fluharty’s testimony at the Daily Yonder and view video of his testimony below.

Drawing Resilience: Caryl Hale

Caryl Hale is the executive director of the Norton Regional Health Foundation and amember of the Norton Arts Council in Norton, Kansas. Hale brings her experience in farming and foodsystems with her to both roles, helping to create rural health policies that center art and food production.

Read More »

Everywhere Workshops

Extend your Everywhere experience by registering for one or more of three workshops hosted with partners Aug. 6- 8th, the week following our mainstage programming on Aug. 1. 

Read More »