RD278 - Center for Rural Virginia 2008 Annual Activities Report


Executive Summary:
As a collaborative group, the Center for Rural Virginia and our partner organizations are engaged in statewide rural initiatives to influence statewide policy development on a multitude of diverse issues with special importance paid to rural as a place. A place we live and work, and a place which deserves our very best. This alliance of rural partners considers the current status, changes, and future of rural communities to provide the basis on which rural policies can be best made. Past experiences in the strategic thinking process have generated credibility and direct access in decision-making.

The collaborative is committed to developing and sharing solid, experience-based information for success and/or best practices. Current collaborative members and information resources include, but are not limited to: The Virginia Association of Counties - Rural Caucus, Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc., Virginia Municipal League, Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Housing and Community Development, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Rural Health Association and numerous others located throughout rural areas.

The Rural Center brings both public and private partners to the table, (i.e., representatives of industry, communities and government), to address important sectors that are key to economic prosperity, to support policy needs and to raise statewide awareness about our Core Competencies which include:

• Capital Access – Financial sources education and promotion
• Community Capacity – wealth creation/retention, philanthropy, innovation and entrepreneur culture civic engagement, inclusion and leadership development
• Education and Workforce - youth engagement, equipping a new generation of economic leaders
• Healthcare -- accessible, affordable
• Broadband Infrastructure –true last mile, accessible, affordable
• Agriculture and Natural Resources – conservation, sustainable preservation and land-use planning, environmental support

The Rural Center advocates for policy and promotes strategic initiatives focused on comprehensive approaches to regional economic and civic development. The following action areas are integral to that process.

• Create networks to educate and mobilize community leaders
• Promote and lead collaborative coalitions
• Address issues for sustainable regional development
• Design comprehensive initiatives to impact areas for long term transformation.

In summary, the Centers' on-going agenda is focused on one or all of the six core competency areas at any given time with the intent to improve the quality of life and build stronger rural communities.