Be a part of the 2022 Regards to Rural Conference to help shape the future of rural communities with innovative and inspiring workshop presentations. Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) is searching for high impact presenters for the Regards to Rural Conference held Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21 at Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton, Oregon. Click here to submit a proposal today.

The Regards to Rural Conference is a unique event that offers educational and skill-building sessions, as well as networking opportunities for community members and leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The conference provides an opportunity to share best practices, discuss rural priorities, explore innovative economic models, share success stories, and spark new innovative ideas for strengthening the economic and social vibrancy of rural communities.

Presentations will be selected based on the general appeal, fit with the conference theme, and consider the following areas of focus:

• Equitable Access to Resources: How do rural communities build local expertise and attract more capital and philanthropic investment?
• Rural Matters: What public policy strategies help elevate our collective and diverse rural voices?
• Equitable Economies and Entrepreneurship: How can rural places encourage place-based investment and creative ideas to promote community vitality for all populations?
• Diverse and Inclusive Rural Leadership: How can rural places ensure inclusive community vitality?

For more information, click here to download the Request for Proposal. Submission deadline is Sunday, October 3, 2021. Selections will be made by November 5.