Celebrating What’s Possible


Dear friends,

Since its beginnings, the Rural Assembly has focused on creating connections among rural people and organizations to gather, partner and advocate for a better future. In 2024 we dialed into our core focus and values by shoring up a network of bright, down-to-earth rural leaders who have imagination and enthusiasm for what’s possible.

We're pleased to share a glimpse of those partnerships, stories, and conversations in our newly published 2024 Annual Report. We hope you'll you learn more about the Rural Assembly and consider where you, your organization, or community could connect and participate in 2025.

2024 Rural Assembly Annual Report

2024 Highlights


• Over 250 people tuned in live for Rural Assembly Everywhere to celebrate and explore stories of rural creativity, innovation, and care – and Everywhere attracted registrants from all fifty states.

• We launched Morning Connections in partnership with 100 Rural Women to provide a gathering space for rural women.

• We visited rural communities to hear stories that upend stereotypes and illuminate rural realities. Our Daily Yonder colleagues joined us in our travels to share these stories with our national audience. Find links to the articles, podcasts, and videos from our partner visits on page seven of the Annual Report.

We hope you'll join us for another year of filled with connection, collaboration, and action.

I'd love to hear from you. Come tell us what you're up to and what you're working on this year. Let's set up a time to connect!

Whether we see you in person or online – you’ll always have a place in the Rural Assembly family.

Taneum Fotheringill
Director of Programs & Partnerships

Explore the report

Drawing Resilience: Maureen Hearty

Maureen Hearty transforms objects, space, and community, seeing art as a tool for action, education, and opportunity. The majority of her community-based work today is on the eastern plains of Colorado, considered one of the most sparsely populated areas in the United States. In Joes, Colorado (pop. 78), she is activating space using art, music, and the collection of story. In 2020, Maureen and her friend Kristin Stoltz were awarded an NEA grant for a project titled “Arts for a Prairie Seas: Farming Fluxus.”

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