"Rural organizers have it hard. They're woefully under-resourced and often ignored, if not scorned, by urban liberals who see rural America as a MAGA-deranged wasteland that deserves its comeuppance."
"The secret to their success is their ability to reach past party labels and ideological divides and bring members of the community together around shared interests in things like housing, health services, transportation and childcare."
"We broke bread together and had a discussion of the issues affecting our own local community. I facilitated and kept it very focused. We're not here to talk about the President or congress. What's wrong right here, right now."
"Guess what the conservative people said? Lack of affordable housing. Guess what the liberal people said? Lack of affordable housing."
Rural organizers face significant challenges, including lack of resources and urban liberal disdain. Their success lies in transcending political labels to unite communities around shared interests such as housing, health services, and childcare. Listening to community needs is crucial, as demonstrated by Cheryl Tate's initiative in Lake City, Colorado, to create a senior center. Similarly, a potluck in Benzonia, Michigan, brought together conservative and liberal churches to discuss affordable housing, highlighting common concerns that transcend political affiliations.
#rural-organizing #political-polarization #community-engagement #local-solutions #affordable-housing
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