Rural Democracy Initiative

Federal funding cuts and mass layoffs are hurting rural communities. In Wisconsin, Rural Democracy Initiative grantee Wisconsin Farmers Union is connecting hard-hit farmers with mental health resources as many grapple with delays in payments up to $70,000. "(We are) trying to then connect people with farmer mental health resources so that they can also be talking to people and finding the support that they need to get through this chaos," said WFU?Executive Director Julie Bomar. Read more about the widespread negative impacts of these decisions in rural places like Wisconsin.?

The Federal government is breaking contracts and putting farmers on the brink of bankruptcy. Wisconsin Farmers Union and COURIER are supporting farmers to tell their stories and advocate for real solutions.

We could all use hopeful stories right now. Don't forget about the abundant opportunities to make state and local progress. This example from Nebraska Appleseed is a good reminder of the big wins that grow from sustained rural organizing. They spent years laying the groundwork for a ballot initiative campaign for paid sick leave – and when the votes came in, an astonishing 74% of Nebraska voters said ‘yes.’ Read more about this success for working Nebraskans: https://lnkd.in/g7CykZDQ

We’re looking for a strategic thinker to serve as our new Democracy Program Manager. Do you know someone who would be a good fit to develop and manage a portfolio of grantees, plus inform our grantmaking and capacity building? https://lnkd.in/gUjnVynY

Rural Democracy Initiative supports the Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority to mobilize small businesses and support their advocacy. Through their small business members, they identified three key tax policy priorities. 1. Ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes 2. Affordable health care 3. Don’t let the ultra-rich evade our tax rules

Our network supports groups working to protect our immigrant neighbors, who make our rural communities stronger, healthier, and more prosperous for all of us.?

Bird flu is contributing to rising egg prices. It's also a risk to the workers who often don’t have paid sick leave and are particularly vulnerable to the chaos of an outbreak at their workplace. Now is the time to establish safety protections and a living wage. Graham Christensen talks with Public News Service about a recently proposed bill in Nebraska. https://lnkd.in/dceitkcQ

We’re looking for an experienced trainer to work with Heartland Fund grantees to improve their communications and narrative work. Do you know someone who wants to support rural leaders to more effectively build power toward a thriving democracy, healthy climate, and shared prosperity? https://lnkd.in/dq6AchCd

For Rural Democracy grantees like Dirtroad Organizing, the call to run for office in small-town America is louder than ever.? “…it’s never been more urgent to build power at the local and state level,” wrote Chloe Maxmin and Canyon Woodward?in The Nation. “Our future depends on it.” Learn more about how you can get involved with efforts to bolster pro-democracy candidates: https://lnkd.in/gxFPxJbw

HEAL Food Alliance is improving our food systems, the farm work, and the land that is so essential to our rural communities. We're proud supporters and partners of their work.