This hybrid talk will take place in person at 306 Coble Hall and virtual through Zoom.
"Community Engagement, Rural Edition: Navigating Local Power and Conquering the Fear Factor" explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities in fostering effective community engagement. The discussion dissects the dynamics of entrenched local power structures, the role of trust in overcoming hesitation, and strategies for empowering residents to claim their power in decision-making processes. This talk aims to provide practical insights for academics, policymakers, and community leaders working to enhance civic involvement in rural settings.
Annie Contractor is the Policy Director at RuralProgress and RuralOrganizing.org. Annie is bridging the gap between community organizing and community development by resourcing rural civic leaders with legislation and advocacy tools. Wins include the writing and introduction of the Rural Prosperity Act, passage of the Postal Reform Act, and passage and rural reach of the Recompete Pilot Program. In past lives, Annie has designed and led four social justice research studies on three continents that have directly impacted food security, environmental justice, housing justice, and low-income mothers' access to quality jobs. Annie likes to run slowly and play the same three songs on the guitar.
Lunch provided for in-person attendees with RSVP https://go.illinois.edu/GRIDAlumLecture