Rural Mythticism: Fake News about Rural America
Setup
Rural America has come to the nation’s attention. But much discussion in the media and coffee shops, at conferences and dinner tables, relies on incorrect or no data, largely idyllic or dystopic tropes and images, and opinion uninformed by rural experience. The full picture of rural America is quite different. It has gained population in the last two years. Agriculture employs less than 4 percent of the rural workforce. Rural leaders are generating productive economic and social innovations just as in urban America. Immigrants are helping revive rural economies and culture. Placemaking is rampant. Impact investing is on the rise. The voting map is red and blue and purple. Start the day with a frank and revealing exchange with rural doers, knowers, and advocates. Bring all those questions about rural America you have always wanted to ask. Help foster a truer narrative about America’s rural people, places, culture, and economy.
Speakers
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Janet TopolskyExecutive Director of The Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Grou... -
Jennie StephensExecutive director of the Center for Heirs’ Property -
Sarah SmarshJournalist and author -
Heidi HeitkampDirector of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics -
Art CullenEditor of The Storm Lake Times -
Ines PoloniusCEO of Communities Unlimited -
Kari MaillouxProgram officer at Hutchinson Community Foundation -
Alece MontezDirector of programs at Orton Family Foundation
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