Next Steps – Participant Thoughts RUPRI volunteer to sponsor working groups similar to C. Davis’s Need strong position statement focusing on rural research Future conference dominated by grassroots perspective – bridge researchers with people on the ground; get grassroots stories/perspectives Effort for more funding for competitive grants for the South Targeted funding on specific regions of the South for Black Belt, Delta

Next Steps (cont.) Those doing the research, those doing the action, should gather the questions Deal with the issues in real language When we bring the grassroots, we bring the diverse voices to get the whole picture. Build collaborative relationships with these grassroots organizations to make them part of the research but also part of the solution. Keep their voice always included in the process. Pay attention to the rhetoric used to describe the problem. Need to communicate the issue to the people in a manner in which they will listen.

Next Steps (cont.) Researchers need a link to the other groups involved in the issue; need a facilitator/database Instead of studying “poverty,” study the elements such as transportation, education those things that feed into poverty Clear links from land-grant and Extension and accountability needed Focus too often on agricultural community instead of a commitment to the people in the area and poverty

Theoretical framework needs more depth for application in Extension Theoretical framework needs more depth for application in Extension. We need a road map from the theory. Where are the critical gaps that researchers can fill in? Researchers also need to participate in grassroots activities, not just vice versa. Need more than one voice to represent the diverse voices of grassroots organizations. Critical time is during government time, not election time.

How do we separate our literature from the rest of the pile How do we separate our literature from the rest of the pile? What do we do to get our work more visibility? Mail is worst way to get information to Congressmen. Schedule meetings when in home states. Bring local people also. Don’t be afraid to work with their staff, develop relationships, cultivate over time. Email is best—more likely to get read and get a response.

Success stories are important to highlight. Future conferences devote time to research that is community based from other groups such as Walton, Ford, etc. More interaction with researchers and foundation/nonprofit funding entities. Connect with pending rural poverty/voting/civil rights empowerment initiatives.