Media Contact
Resources for press and media to share the challenges and successes of rural people
The path to progress for the entire country runs through small towns and rural communities
The Rural Democracy Initiative network supports the efforts of more than 150 groups working in 25 states as they transform the lives of people in rural communities, towns, and small cities. We can connect press and content creators with community leaders, engaging storytellers, subject matter experts, and people with newsworthy experiences in rural America.
Contact Rural Democracy
Media outlets can contact us by using the form below.
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Rural Democracy Initiative Executive Director
Sarah Jaynes
Sarah grew up in a small town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state and began her career organizing on climate issues in rural communities.
She’s been a trailblazer in the progressive movement. Sarah led the development of one of the first state progressive donor networks—Washington’s Progress Alliance—and has coached emerging donor alliances from Alaska to New Hampshire to Alabama.
Sarah’s an innovator, obsessed with winning, and may be the nicest person in politics. She’s dedicated 30 years to working for shared prosperity, democracy, and a healthy environment. When she’s not working, Sarah is raising four kids and enjoying the spectacular Washington mountains.
Sarah Jaynes’s Publications
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- Making the case for engaging rural voters: The Importance of Rural Voters
- Sharing a strategy to bridge divides: How to Unite Across Geography
- Sarah on our distinctive approach: Interview with Sarah Jaynes
- Reminding us to invest in small towns: Don’t Abandon Small Towns
The Latest
Rural Democracy Initiative in the News
Rural Democracy Co-Authors Op-Ed for America’s 250th
A 250th anniversary op-ed shows how rural organizers are reclaiming power and keeping “We the People” alive.
Building Bridges and Building Power
Inside Philanthropy highlights Rural Democracy’s work.
Rural Democacy in The New Yorker
Committed and trained leaders fuel highly effective grassroots efforts
Changes to rural postal service will delay mail and disenfranchise voters
Rural Democracy provided analysis to media outlets.
Rural Democracy Grantees
People in rural communities offer newsworthy stories showcasing what it looks like when rural people work together to improve our communities
Grantee Stories
Youth Organizing in Georgia
Georgia has placed obstacles to voting, making it harder for people to participate in elections. To overcome these obstacles and ensure robust civic engagement, Rural Democracy sees a huge opportunity for youth organizing and groups like Collective Renaissance Georgia, which engages young people in rural areas and small cities, supports emerging leaders, and builds Black political power.
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Swiftly mobilizing to support community in East Palestine
River Valley Organizing is based in East Palestine and documenting local residents’ experiences, helping to raise their voices and take action for immediate solutions.
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Helping Rural Schools to Thrive
School districts in Wisconsin faced right-wing attacks, and over 16 recall attempts focused on manipulating and driving hysteria around issues like Critical Race Theory and COVID vaccines. When regressive forces sought to create anger over COVID protections and curriculum that acknowledges the history of racism, the Wisconsin Public Education Network responded by supporting communities and school districts across the state. The organizing worked, and public education prevailed against the attacks.
Helping Rural Schools to Thrive
Rural Numbers
RDI supports work that shines a light on the reality of rural America. This includes the challenges small cities and rural areas face, the demographics of the people who live there, and the policies and priorities rural people care about. For rural communities to receive the resources and support they need, they have to be seen and understood.
25 point
swing for rural voters age 18 to 29 from 2016-2018
24%
are Black, Indigenous, and people of color
1/10
rural counties are majority Black, Indigenous, and people of color
64%
support “Expand Medicare to cover All Americans”
Seeing Rural
RDI provides tools and original research to better understand rural voters.
Rural Map and Dashboard
Rural classifications to the country’s census tracts, counties, congressional districts, and states.
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Rural Policy Action Report
Featuring priority legislation and executive action that supports working families and strengthens rural communities. The report also highlights numerous policy successes and the ongoing challenges people in rural communities face.
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