National Rural Youth Assembly Summit
The Rural Youth Assembly Summit was originally scheduled as an in-person event in McAllen, Texas, in April 2020, focused on the theme of “borderlands” and drawing on the work of poet, writer, activist, Gloria Anzaldúa. The event was set to bring a select group of young people together to explore the unique challenges facing rural and Native youth, identify creative solutions, and provide a context for how these issues fit into national rural policy. Participants were chosen through an application process and although the event was canceled, those same individuals form a nucleus of rural young leaders who are actively part of The Rural Youth Catalyst Project. We look forward to sharing their thinking and providing new learning and leadership opportunities in the coming year.
In 2010, the Rural Assembly led the first Rural Youth Assembly, featuring 54 rural and Native young adults from across 28 states at the Institute for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
What?
The Rural Assembly will host the Rural Youth Summit April 2-5, 2020 in McAllen, Texas. Fifty young adults from rural places across the country will gather to discuss the issues that they see as important to their lives and their communities. We will engage a diverse group of young people to build awareness around issues of relevance across rural geographies and identities, including income, race, culture, faith, accessibility, gender, and sexual orientation. Rural young people offer a critical voice and perspective to our national dialogue. Our goals for this summit are to bring a select group of young people together to further explore the unique challenges facing rural youth, identify creative solutions, and provide a context for how these issues fit into national rural policy. The Rural Assembly will cover all expenses (travel, lodging, food) for all selected participants.
Who?
The Rural Assembly is seeking young people who are interested in rural and Native issues and invested in strengthening their communities. We look for individuals who are willing to engage in respectful and sometimes challenging conversations, and are committed to finding common ground to create solutions. Most importantly, we seek participants who are excited and enthusiastic about making an impact in their local communities.
Cost?
The Rural Assembly will cover travel, lodging, and food expenses for the summit. Covered expenses include all airfare, hotel room costs, transportation while at the event, and meals starting with dinner on Thursday, April 2 through breakfast on Sunday, April 5. The Rural Assembly will arrange all travel for delegates in communication with their sponsoring organization, guardian, or family member as appropriate. Delegates or their sponsoring organizations are responsible for all incidental expenses (souvenirs, entertainment, extra snacks, etc.), ground transportation to and from your home airport, and miscellaneous meal expenses while traveling.
The Rural Assembly and Rural Youth Assembly are programs of
