Workshops
Three workshop options are available during the weeks following our Sept. 17 Rural Assembly Everywhere virtual event. Choose from a range of virtual workshops designed to dive deeper into the topics that matter most to you and your community.
Book Discussion: The Serviceberry, An Economy of Abundance by Robin Wall Kimmerer
September 23
7-8 p.m. Central
Join your neighbors from around the country online for a conversation about Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance. This conversation will be facilitated by April Martin, founder of the Wild Rose Center on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Together, we will discuss gift economies and how we can all lean into the example set by the serviceberry.
Navigating Difficult Conversations: A Two-Part Series on Conflict Management
September 25 & October 2
12-1 p.m. Central
Do you struggle with holding difficult conversations? Avoiding conflict may feel easier in the short term, but it often leads to disconnection, resentment, and missed opportunities for growth. This interactive series explores how to approach hard conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion at home, at work, and in your community.
Session 1: Understanding Conflict & Taking the First Steps
Conflict is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. In this session, we’ll explore the common causes of conflict, its hidden benefits, and the real costs of avoidance. You’ll learn three practical steps to help you initiate a difficult conversation with greater ease. Homework will be assigned to help you apply what you’ve learned between sessions.
Session 2: Building Your Conflict Toolkit & Sharing Lessons Learned
We’ll begin with a brief recap and space to share your reflections from the homework. Then we’ll deepen your skills by developing a personalized toolkit for navigating tough conversations. You’ll break into small groups to exchange insights and strategies, and we’ll close with a full-group discussion to reinforce learning and encourage continued practice.
Getting Ready to Attend
To support learning deeply, we encourage you to come to both sessions. If that is not possible, you are welcome to attend one or the other. Sessions will not be recorded, but slides from the presentation will be shared with registrants.
About the facilitator
Merry Brown is a writer, speaker, mediator, podcast host, and philosopher dedicated to guiding individuals and organizations through difficult conversations and conflicts. As the founder of Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services LLC (3P), Merry is on a mission to train and empower employees and businesses to deal with conflict swiftly and justly, with a win/win restorative mindset that is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. You may contact Rural Assembly at [email protected] with questions or for assistance.
Small Town Magic: Turning Possibilities into Real Change
September 29
3-4 p.m. Central
Discover real-life success stories and practical, easy-to-implement strategies to bring new energy to your community. Based on the inspiring book From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town, this free, live webinar will share proven ideas to fill empty buildings, spark creativity through the arts, engage youth, and support local businesses—even in times of scarcity.
Join us on September 29 to learn how other small towns are making magic happen—and walk away with tangible steps you, your friends, and neighbors can take right now to create lasting change in your own town.
About the facilitator
Deb Brown grew up on a farm outside of Geneva, Iowa, population 141. Her first entrepreneurial venture was raising a hog. You’d find her either with her nose in a history book or out exploring abandoned houses and buildings. Funny, things haven’t changed much, she’s still working on filling empty buildings in small towns.
A wealth of experience includes leading a small town chamber of commerce, foreign casualty insurance underwriting, bartending, retail management, selling knives, and working with small towns. Deb has lived in tiny towns, small towns, small cities and a major metro city. Deb is a relentless optimist and knows how to build possibility in your small town. Better yet, she inspires you to take small steps towards a brighter future for your community.
These workshops are offered free of charge as part of Rural Assembly EverywhereRural Assembly Everywhere is the annual virtual gathering of the Rural Assembly. The virtual broadcast features speakers, conversations, music, and other elements of rural culture. Now in its fifth year as a virtual gathering, Rural Assembly Everywhere brings together people from across the country who care deeply about their rural places, neighbors, and community issues. Rural Assembly is a program of The Center for Rural Strategies.
This year’s theme is A Bigger Pie: Cultivating Abundance in a Time of Scarcity. Learn more and register at www.ruralassembly.org/everywhere
