Abstract

A public educational program is being conducted to inform policy makers and the public about the status, change, and policy needs of rural people, communities, and environments in America. The effort is prompted by the publication of a book by the Rural Sociological Society in 2003.

Issue

Rural America is home to 20 percent of the United States population, or nearly 60 million people. Two thirds of United States counties are rural, and three quarters of the United States' land, water, mineral, and energy resources are located in rural counties. Rural areas have experienced dramatic social, economic, demographic and environmental changes recently. Sociological research provides an informed basis for public decision making about rural people, environments, and communities.

Response

The book's co-editors have mounted an aggressive public educational effort to bring these research results contained in this book to public officials, private decision makers, and the public. Policy briefings have been held in each region and for the United States Congress in Washington D.C. The editors have appeared in several public forums, and have been interviewed on numerous radio programs and in the press.

Impact

Public awareness of challenges, problems, and opportunities in rural America has been enhanced. Rural public policy is better informed.

Funding Sources

• Private (e.g., commodity groups, foundations, companies)
• Ford, Kellogg, Rural Sociological Society

Collaborators

• Colorado State University
• Rural Sociological Society
• Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA)

Key Personnel

• Louis Swanson, Department of Sociology, Colorado State University,