Reclaiming Appalachia

Investing in Community, Cooperation and Change

In September, we met with our network organizations and partners to discuss transformative solutions that address rural poverty. In partnership with network member Fahe, we offered a peer-learning opportunity to generate innovative ideas and approaches and establish the valuable connections necessary to produce long-lasting, systemic change.

Persistent poverty is an enduring problem in rural America. Geographic isolation, lack of resources and economic opportunities, and disinvestment have led to high poverty rates for decades. Rural and small town poverty rates are highest in the South, where more than half of all rural and small town persons in poverty reside. Even more disconcerting is that the number of persistent poverty counties is on the rise, having increased by 8 percent from the year 2000 level.

Presentations

Sessions at our rural conference covered topics like comprehensive community development, housing and economic development and organizational resilience. View the presentations below. Each also includes workshop notes that highlight key discussion points, themes and overall impressions.

The discussion continues with #InvestInRural. Tag us @neighborworks with your questions and insights about the presentations above.

Highlights from Our Rural Convening

Highlights from Hope in the Delta

This year's conference builds on the strategies and discussions from last year's summit, “Hope in the Delta: Turning the Tide on Persistent Rural Poverty." Watch clips from our webcast to understand the unique perspectives of rural communities.