It has been nearly a month since a Norfolk Southern Train derailed and devastated the community of East Palestine - a small town in northeastern Ohio. One of our grantees, River Valley Organizing (RVO), is based in the community and has thrown themselves into documenting local residents’ experiences, helping to raise their voices and take action for immediate solutions.
Blue Tent reviews RDI's strategy and work.
70% of rural residents don’t have a college degree, and they demand a compelling economic vision that puts working people first. That’s why RDI provided catalytic support for the Winning Jobs Narrative (WJN) that rural advocates use to connect more persuasively with working-class voters.
Rural Democracy's Sarah Jaynes outlines the strategic lessons behind this year’s rural gains and how an economic agenda and narrative focused on rural working people also contributed to success and points the way toward 2024.
People in rural communities are concerned about flooding, the water crisis, extreme weather, and other impacts of climate change. In an Associated Press article, Rural Democracy's Sarah Jaynes stresses the importance of policies and messaging directly geared to rural communities.