Horror stories, like Idaho s, are being echoed across the country as social and economic justice groups scramble to address the new political climate of devolution. Many organizing and social policy organizations are based in urban areas. In the context of devolution, we need to broaden our outreach to include rural and suburban communities throughout the country. Rural community organizing provides us with a powerful strategy to regain power and win concrete victories at both the local and statewide level.
Rural communities pose unique challenges to organizing.
Nearly every phone call is long distance, making communication with members and between leaders very expensive. The expense of travel over long distances and the more relaxed perception of time also present unique challenges and opportunities. While event planning requires innovation to save money and ensure turnout, more people, as in the example of the CHIP campaign, are willing to travel long distances for important issues. A home visit is when a staff or leader meets one on one with another member or potential member. These meetings usually happen in the member s home and last about thirty to forty-five minutes.