The Virginia Rural Center

The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry is hosting a free networking event for beginner farmers on December 12th from 9:00 am - 2:30pm! This event will cover topics for farm financing options and cost share conservation opportunities. We hope to see you there! Please see the website below with more info on the event & videos from last year ?????????????????????????????? https://lnkd.in/gWv9f2NC

Reflecting on this weekend’s Virginia Rural Leadership Institute graduation and the memories created! So wonderful to be surrounded by VA Rural Center board members and friends from across #rural VA to celebrate the accomplishments of this #VRLI cohort!

A great time celebrating this year’s #VRLI Cohort’s Graduation with family and friends from across #Rural VA!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Cohort, Class of 2024! ?????????? From the initial interviews to traversing the Commonwealth, diving into big topics and making lasting friends- it has been a pleasure to grow with you! We know you will do great things for #Rural Virginia!

Food insecurity, youth involvement, senior services, mental health, workforce development, entrepreneurship, the arts, agritourism, and developing future leaders. #VRLI cohort members shared their “why” and goals for their Community Impact Projects.

#VRLI cohort members SHINE as they shared their Community Impact Projects and how they are giving back and leading in their communities. Over the next year, Community Impact Projects will contribute to lasting change and help shape the future of #rural Virginia!

Bryan David, Chair of the Council for Rural Virginia, emphasized to attendees that the journey for #VRLI cohort members does not end at graduation and encouraged them to “continue moving ideas from the abstract to reality.”

“You may be in a rural part of Virginia, but you are not alone.” Senator Creigh Deeds, Chair of the Senator Frank M. Ruff Jr. Center for Rural VA encouraged #VRLI cohort members to build on their experiences and continue to work together to support their #rural communities.

Chandler Vaughan, MPA, Development Consultant with the VA Rural Center, shared the history and creation of #VRLI with cohort members and guests highlighting the lasting impact of VRLI for communities through Community Impact Projects that are completed post-graduation.

“Years ago, the Virginia Rural Center recognized the unique challenges faced by rural localities and that we needed to do more to retain and attract the best and brightest in RURAL VIRGINIA!” Kristie Helmick Proctor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center, welcomes #VRLI cohort and guests to graduation ceremony!