Description

Join us for an enlightening series of conversations with inspiring leaders making a difference in our communities.

It seems the rural story has already been told. Small towns keep getting smaller. Churches, schools, clinics, businesses, and now post offices, have closed their doors as the lucky few migrate out to the big cities. This deficit framework dominates how we discuss and envision our rural communities. However, the story of rural America since 1970 is rich and diverse, with positive trends occurring under the radar. Learn how positive changes around migration, community involvement, economic development, and regional living have diversified this landscape that require us to rewrite the narrative of rural community change.

This session you'll hear from Ben Winchester, Rural Sociologist and Researcher. Ben has been working both in and for small towns across the Midwest for over 25 years. He lives in St. Cloud, Minnesota with his wife and two children, is trained as a Rural Sociologist and works for the University of Minnesota Extension. He conducts applied research on economic, social, and demographic topics. He received the Rural Renewal Research Prize in 2021 for this work surrounding the theme of “rewriting the rural narrative”.  Ben will share his insights on community engagement and economic growth.

Plan to join us online? REGISTER HERE

Zoom LINK