Three Imperatives for a Better Rural Future

Poverty, access to health, and having basic needs met have been challenges for a long time in rural areas, and these challenges are exacerbated when a pandemic, economic downturn, or natural disaster strikes. However, America’s rural communities are also flush with opportunity. In fact, many rural communities are beacons of placed-based solutions to national or global problems. They boast bountiful natural resources; cooperative, community-focused cultures; and tenacious resilience. This is the result of strong community leaders seeking to improve their community and to foster rural resilience. By tuning in, and tapping into, rural ingenuity and tenacity, the nation as a whole can become stronger and more resilient. 

RuraLead is a network of organizations that support rural and Indigenous leadership development. During the pandemic, RuraLead went on a learning journey throughout rural America. Over the course of 18 months, we conducted 100-plus interviews with rural and Indigenous stakeholders, developed an inventory of nearly 400 rural leadership development efforts, held four regional events exploring rural leadership, and hosted a culminating national summit of rural and Indigenous leadership development practitioners. We had a finger on the pulse of rural America during a historic pandemic; we emerged with a clarity of vision and purpose.

RuraLead builds upon three foundations – three imperatives for a better rural future:

Support and develop rural leaders guiding local change. Rural people are resourceful and innovative, and the development of local, community-based leaders working together is critical to overcoming the complex challenges they face.

Support the advancement of equity in rural places through leadership development. Focus on strategies and programs that create more opportunities for all people.

Make the right investments in rural and Indigenous America. Investments in leadership development and capacity building are long-term investments toward thriving, equitable and healthy rural communities. 

Furthermore, the federal government and philanthropies have severely underfunded rural communities. Meaningful investments from the public and private sectors, disaggregated rural data, equitable policies, and the use of intermediaries who understand rural areas are critical to generate better rural outcomes. Rural communities are largely responsible for nationwide food systems and natural resources, and play a critical role in supply chains. As the nation resets after the devastating pandemic, any new investments must plan for long-term resilience in rural communities—for the sake of the entire United States and the Indigenous nations therein. There is an opportunity to rebuild communities to be healthier and more equitable. 

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