Seeing Rural America for Who It Really Is: A Reflection on the LISC Rural Seminar

By Saba Aregai

If you close your eyes and imagine what a rural community is, what comes to mind? Some may picture tractors, endless fields of crops, barns—the cradle of Americana—images and values that the media and pop culture have ingrained in us for generations. While some aspects of this mythic image may hold true to an extent, the reality is that rural areas make up 97% of the U.S.'s mainland, and each is unique in geography, ethnic makeup, history, culture, and challenges. So, why can't our imaginations adjust??

With this question in mind, I flew into California’s Coachella Valley a week ago to meet and hear from some of the country's leading rural community developers, funders, and supporters at the 2023 Rural LISC Annual Seminar. In the course of that time, I deepened my understanding of what rural America truly represents and came to appreciate the importance of uniting rural community developers nationwide who might not otherwise have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and establish partnerships with other practitioners. (If you haven't seen the #RuralTalks daily roundup videos, I recommend checking them out here to gain a better understanding of what I saw-- watch day one , two , and three recaps.)?

As a native East Coaster who grew up, studied, and works in major metropolitan areas, rural life in America feels a bit distant and unfamiliar. But just a few years of working at LISC has shown me the critical need for organizations and governments across the country to prioritize rural programs just as much as urban programs. LISC chose the Coachella Valley for the gathering because of its long history of investments and partnerships, notably with the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition . CVHC has secured more than $127 million in funding from LISC and its affiliates, leveraging these funds to construct affordable housing and promote inclusive communities through local programming.?

The seminar further revealed what rural communities in California truly are: ethnically and economically diverse places to live, work, and innovate. I also got a firsthand look at what comprehensive community development in the Eastern Coachella Valley looks like, thanks to a tour by CVHC—showcasing multiple possibilities of affordable housing and their applications in a diverse community.?

On the tour I overheard many comments about how inspiring and beautiful the affordable housing developments were. But they also commented that the communities they serve back home may never see such infrastructure, innovation, and access without more capital support and capacity building. Their communities face barriers to assets and opportunities, making our industry and rural convenings such as #RuralTalks critical for keeping their communities connected and growing alongside other rural areas and even more densely populated urban areas.?

At the seminar, participants networked and shared stories of struggle and isolation. But more importantly, they showed unwavering determination to push through barriers and steer their rural communities toward growth and resilience. I witnessed the power of partnership and collaboration, of thinking through strategies and of ideas sparking innovation. It was refreshing to see stereotypes of rural America being put to rest in a roomful of rural practitioners who remain dedicated to their mission, regardless of the resources they have.??

I also had the honor of speaking on a panel about digital communications in community development. As a social media manager for LISC HQ, the stigmas of rural communities are apparent throughout the platforms, conveyed through tired and outdated imagery and rhetoric. But the "antidote" to this, as we discussed, is inclusive representation—allowing rural communities, their leaders, and residents to own and tell their stories. This trickles up and down to more funding and support so rural community development leaders can do their jobs well.??

What I take away from my three days at #RuralTalks includes a response to my initial question above, along with a heightened appreciation for our rural program, its robust staff, and the dedicated efforts of partners, funders, and residents working tirelessly to strengthen communities all while dispelling stigma and uplifting rural awareness. There is still plenty of hope in the eyes of the rural practitioners who make their way to our convening each year, and that hope, and their deep understanding of what rural America really is, are what keep their communities moving forward.??