In a recent editorial in The Hill, Rural Climate Partnership Director Josh Ewing argues the Inflation Reduction Act has the potential to be a real economic winner for rural America.
In the last three months, Rural Democracy Initiative approved $3.4 million to 56 creative, effective groups engaging rural voters, shaping policy, and building support. Working with the Tides Foundation, we advised another $3.1 million for civic engagement and communications in rural areas and small cities. With this round of grantmaking and our first quarter grants, we have committed close to $10M and advised an additional $6M total in 2022. Thanks to our generous donors, these funds support organizations at a critical moment to defend democracy, secure policy victories, and build momentum ahead of the 2022 elections.
Voters in Enfield, North Carolina elected Mondale Robinson, a progressive champion and founder of the Black Male Voter Project. The election results show how rural leadership rooted in community relationships leads to progressive victories.
A narrative framework for working people across race and place
Progressive policies drive job growth, provide opportunity, and build the middle class. But the Right Wing has held a consistent advantage in trust on jobs and the economy - which are typically among the top priorities for most Americans. That trust advantage appears to be part of what has drawn some working people - across race - to the Right in recent years.
The Blueprint for Rural Policy Action in the States includes policy priorities, example legislation, and the context for how these issues impact people in rural communities.
The Heartland Fund, Rural Democracy Initiative’s nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, is launching an ambitious Rural Climate Partnership to mobilize rural-led solutions to climate change. This new initiative will help create lasting jobs and build rural communities strong enough for young people to want to make homes there, shifting the narrative about climate in rural America to one of opportunity.
When regressive forces sought to create anger over COVID protections and curriculum that acknowledges the history of racism, the Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) responded by supporting communities and school districts across the state.
Native Peoples Action Community Fund (NPACF) teamed up with The Mobilization Center to build lasting relationships with Alaska Native communities. The groups reached out to Alaska Native peoples and held thousands of long-form, deep-canvass phone discussions on climate change, representation in government, hunting and fishing rights, and youth engagement.
By electing local leaders to the city council, mayor, board of supervisors, and school boards, Pennsylvania United is creating local governments that address local needs and include the community in decision-making.
RDI grantees are building and engaging a network of electric coop member-owners across multiple states to lead the transition to more equitable and sustainable energy and advocate for reinvestment in rural communities.
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