VISION 2007

Project Overview
Organizations with statewide policies often seek a rural voice that can guide them as they develop training, policy and programs and implement grants. Rural Partners strives to participate in as many venues as possible in order that there is a rural perspective shared as early in the process as possible. Nationally, Rural Partners participates on the board of Partners for Rural America; advises on the development of accountability standards and NRDP professional development programs; and various NRDP list serves. In Illinois, we are represented on the boards of the Illinois Community Technology Fund, Peace Corps Fellows Program WIU, Governor’s Rural Affairs Council and Extension Partners. We are also represented on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity/Small Business Development Center’s Advisory Board and the Illinois Coordinating Committee on Transportation. Additionally our board members and our general membership represent rural interest across the state.

This Initiative will bring Rural Policy Forums to the rural areas of the state to gather input on rural needs in order for policy to be developed. These Forums will be held over a one year period and the information obtained will be utilized to direct the rural goals and objectives for the state.

There will be six forums held across the state to gather information from the rural communities. Opportunities will be given for testimony on specific issues both orally and written. The results of previous forums will also be shared. Once the information is received, it will be posted on Rural Partners web site. Information received from participating in these venues allows us to help guide the policy leaders and ensure that rural Illinois issues are clearly defined and are heard on with a united voice.

To help facilitate this process, we ask that you take the time to complete The Rural Leaders Survey and email, fax or post it to:

Rural Partners

3085 Stevenson Drive, Suite 308

Springfield, IL 62703

Phone: 217-585-9242

Fax: 217-585-1601

Location's for Forums during 2006-07:

September 21st- Amboy

Amboy Community Building

280 W Wasson Rd.

Amboy IL

6:00-8:00pm

October 17th- Rantoul

Lincoln's Challenge Academy

205 Dodge Ave.

Rantoul , IL

6:00-8:00pm