In May, the Rooted in Rural Collaborative gathered in Charleston, SC for a powerful convening focused on Policy, Advocacy, and Rural Power Building for Community Development Infrastructure across the South.

Together, we deepened relationships, strengthened peer connections, and built a shared understanding of the political landscape shaping rural communities today. Through honest conversations, strategy-building, and collective learning, we explored how policy and advocacy can serve as a tool for advancing race-conscious rural community development. This convening centered on the importance of racial equity principles and designing policy interventions that are rooted in the lived experiences, wisdom, and the power of rural communities. Grateful for the leadership, insight, and passion each participant brought to this space. The conversations sparked during the convening will continue to shape a thriving South!