Rural People Rural Policy

Based on the premise that the brightest potential for rural America emerges when a critical mass of rural people are stronger, more organized policy actors, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched Rural People, Rural Policy (RPRP) in 2004 to connect and build the capacity of rural advocates both regionally and nationally for policy action. Network Impact first consulted to the foundation on the design of the initiative’s network strategy, then led the network development component of RPRP, including support for member recruitment, the orientation of new members, building and strengthening network ties within and across sectors, and increasing the capacity of rural advocates to build and use networks for policy change.  

In all, more than 80 nonprofits joined RPRP, organized in seven networks: four regional, two national and one state-based. Several collaborations initiated under RPRP are active today, demonstrating the staying power of social impact networks even as they evolve over time. The Central Appalachia Regional Network continues to promote policies that address the needs of rural Appalachia on issues ranging from broadband access to severance tax policy. 

Project engagement: 2004-2009