We're growing at Rural Communities

Not only is it spring and time for crops to grow, but the Rural Communities Program at IATP is also growing.  Welcome Garat and Christopher!

Garat Ibrahim, Rural Somali Organizer, will build connections among rural Somali communities in the upper midwest and work toward strategies for their long-term success in this region. IATP's newest rural organizer, Christopher Mosel, will work with youth in Midwest communities and assist with rural community organizing.

Watch for future blog posts from our new Rural Communities staff.

Hometown success

I was talking with a friend from my rural hometown the other day.  We conversed about who was still there and what they were doing in our small town.  Most of our friends have moved away, including the both of us.  Why is there still a stigma that says to be successful you must leave your small rural town in search of a better life? 

The town of Brookfield, Missouri decided that telling youth to move away and be successful did nothing to support their town. They chose instead to connect with the high school students to find out what they wanted from their community. And at their graduation they each received a gift: a mailbox with their name on it and a letter reminding them that Brookfield will always be their home.  Read more.

More news from the Summit, youth seek rural life

Rural youth in attendance at the Rural Youth Summit and 2007 National Summit on Agriculture and Rural Life talk about their desires to live and work in rural communities in a Brownfield Network audio piece.  Many are looking for a way to return to, or move to, rural areas to begin farming, but face a lack of access to capitol and high land prices. 

At the Summit, youth discussed these and other challenges, and they worked together to identify sustainable solutions for youth to create a life and a living in rural communities. 

Presidential Candidates Address Rural Youth Summit

Presidential Candidates Clinton, Obama, Edwards and Cox addressed Rural Youth Summit and 2007 National Summit on Agriculture and Rural Life participants on Saturday. They were asked to address rural issues and how they, as President, will strengthen rural communities. This discussion ranged from healthcare to job creation,farming to country of origin labeling and everything in between. You can read more at Daily Yonder, The Ames Tribune or My Main Street News.

The day before the Presidential candidates arrived, the conference focused on youth concerns in rural areas. Participants discussed how to create a youth-friendly climate in rural areas and discussed successes and challenges of rural living. Andy Larson, an Iowa State University graduate student, gave the opening talk and spoke of growing up on a rural Illnois dairy farm. He plans to go back to his home town after college. He talked about the sense of community he grew up in, long standing relationships and the challenges of being a young professional and making plans to move back. He left youth with the message that you can move forward by going back. More information and the program agenda can be found at Rural Youth Summit.

What are you doing October 2nd?

What are you doing October 2nd?  That's the question individuals, farmers and groups who organized a mass candlelight vigil to support Indian farmers are asking you.  Farmers in India feed a large population, yet often cannot provide meals to their own families due to enormous debts. This crisis has led to farmer suicides in many regions of India. 

You can voice your support for farmers and find more information at Our Farmers, Our Food - Indian Agriculture.

Rural Films

Looking for some rural shows?   The Rural Route Film Festival offers a place for folks to submit videos about "rural."  Rural Route travels around and shows the films at various venues.  Check their site for event locations.

Can't make it to a film festival? Then check out videos from some rural youth at on the web.  These young folks share why rural is important to them and discuss the challenges they face when trying to live a rural life.  We'd love to hear from you too.  You're invited to join this You Tube group and submit your own video.