Rural Assembly representatives at Congressional summit on rural issues, 2007 (Photo: Mary Annette Pember)

FAQ

What is the National Rural Assembly?

The National Rural Assembly is a network of more than 500 organizations and individuals across the United States working collaboratively to build a stronger, more resilient rural America. We represent the diversity of rural American communities and leadership – from local governments and community-based nonprofits, to regional and national networks working in all areas of rural policy, to national nonprofits and associations.

The purpose the Assembly is to build a common, community-focused rural agenda based on participation of local, state, regional, and national rural leaders; empower rural leaders and their allies to educate policy makers about this agenda; and raise the national visibility of rural issues.

How can I participate?

  • Endorse the Rural Compact, our central organizing document, which states the National Rural Assembly’s values and beliefs. And ask other individuals and organizations to consider endorsing the Rural Compact.
  • Sign up to be a member and participant. By joining the National Rural Assembly, you’ll receive periodic updates on rural policy initiatives, funding opportunities, regional and national activities, and other rural news. You’ll also get information about specific actions you can take on behalf of better rural policy.
  • Learn about the National Rural Assembly’s policy priorities through the Policy Opportunity Snapshots, covering policy recommendations in education, healthcare, conservation, and community investment.
  • Learn more about working groups, which are addressing specific rural issues. Contact the National Rural Assembly or the chairperson of the working group to learn how you can get involved in these work groups.

What is the history of the National Rural Assembly?

The National Rural Assembly began as part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Rural People, Rural Policy initiative in 2007. That year, 350 rural leaders convened outside Washington, D.C., and used an interactive decision-making and discussion process to identify key challenges and opportunities for effective rural policy.

A group of leaders emerged from this first convening to take these findings and make recommendations for further action. These groups formed into the National Rural Assembly Steering Committee. In 2008 the National Rural Assembly convened to endorse the Rural Compact and the Policy Opportunity Snapshots, which laid out policy recommendations for each of the four rural principles. In the following year, the Assembly presented these recommendations to the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government and began laying plans for working to deepen policy makers’ knowledge about rural issues.

Activities have included members’ visits to Capitol Hill, the Midwest Rural Assembly (a regional convening sponsored by groups in the Midwest), public opinion polling about rural issues and attitudes, a national meeting to explore the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on rural areas, and collaboration to create congressional and administration briefings on rural policy.

In the coming year, the National Rural Assembly will produce another national convening of the Assembly, convene a Rural Youth Assembly (scheduled for April 2010), refine policy recommendations to reflect progress and changes in external environments, and strengthen communications and outreach to current and potential members of the Assembly.

How is the National Rural Assembly funded?

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is the Assembly’s major funder. Other funders have included the Ford Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the National Rural Funders Collaborative.