Designed to support rural communities in Colorado, the Rural Action Project (through Colorado State University’s department of Engagement and Extension) works to bring individuals together to shape their community’s future by providing support and funding for community projects that work to address community needs and strengthen bonds.
CSU needs your voice as part of the Rural Action Project. They’re seeking local community organizations who will act as Host Organizations for the program. Organizations might be: nonprofit groups, advocacy organizations, city or county officials, libraries, school boards, or other organizations already working to strengthen community (SUCH AS YOUR NEWSROOM).
The project aims to include a wide range of organizations across rural Colorado and encourage applicants from different fields and backgrounds.
A successful Host Organization for the Rural Action Project will:
Attend a virtual onboarding process when the program kicks off in November 2022.
Organize three community talks, on designated days in February and March 2023, that result in the creation of a community project that addresses needs and builds bonds across the community.
Recruit and partner with diverse community members and organizations for the talks.
Provide an inclusive meeting environment that offers access to a virtual segment of the workshop as well as space and facilitation services for in-person conversations.
Write and submit mini-grant proposals to support the community project
Lead and help implement the project
Manage project funds
Selected organizations will receive:
A one-time $700 hospitality stipend to assist with meeting space, refreshments, interpretation, childcare, or other logistical needs for the community conversations.
Will be eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support their community projects at the end of the program.
Throughout the program, Colorado State University (CSU) Extension faculty, campus faculty, and community partners will provide assistance and advice to help Host Organizations with their work.
During the November onboarding session, CSU will provide host organizations with community engagement training to prepare for the community conversations.
During the Community Conversations, Colorado State University will host the virtual segment during the first half of the workshop and will provide an agenda, discussion guide, and electronic versions of materials needed to conduct the in-person discussions.
CSU will also provide draft recruitment and promotional materials for each meeting that Host Organizations can use to solicit community participation.
CSU extension agents and faculty will be available to assist with grant applications and, in some cases, may additionally be available to help with or consult on project implementation as needed.
Important Dates
November 10, 2022: Host Organization Onboarding (Virtual), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
February 21, 2023: Community Conversation 1: Community Strengths and Needs (Virtual and In-person), 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
February 28, 2023: Community Conversation 2: Creating Community Stories, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
March 7, 2023: Community Conversation 3: Building Community Engagement, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
March, 2023: Communities write and submit mini-grant proposals
April – June 2023: Communities implement projects
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