IRSG Network Strategy Session: Messaging and Metrics of Rural Power

As authoritarianism’s sharp edges frame this January’s story, we are eager to continue our collective work in community and care, while resourcing and standing in solidarity with grassroots rural organizations in the fight for a multiracial democracy.

This year, we at IRSG are adapting in an effort to meet the moment—together. Our community gatherings will continue to support learning and peer exchange with some key adjustments:

• Making more space - We will be focusing more on holding strategy conversations and learning gatherings across the year, with shorter virtual IRSG Network Strategy Discussions. Our first IRSG Network Strategy Discussion will focus on “Messaging and Metrics of Rural Power,” picking up the threads of conversations started last year. We’ll gather on Zoom on Wednesday, February 11th from 1:00 - 2:15 pm ET. This year we want to move in ways that meet the energy, time, and needs we all have. We will explore what we can do if we make space, let go of “this is how we do it” ways of planning, and reach for what we need to realize our commitments.

• Taking collective action - We are working toward shaping a campaign for *our* collective action this year, designed to present a roadmap of the rural organizing ecosystem and offer places for philanthropy of all types to plug in. Conversations and coordination together will help us shape our campaign plans and goals. We are eager to gather in groups and connect 1:1 to push this work forward and move power and resources to rural communities. Whether you’re able to join us on February 11th or not, please reach out if you’d like to explore being a part of this collective action (contact IRSG Director Lindsay Ryder at lindsay@nfg.org).

• Growing our group - We are ready to deepen with you, grow our web of networked partners, and expand our community this year. We aim to gather your input about who else should join IRSG and how this group can continue to serve your needs and goals.

We invite you and any funder colleagues interested in deepening their capacity to resource rural power to join us!