Native American Actor Ed Edmo
June 11, 2009
His dark and shiny hair in braids and with an infectious smile on his face, he raises his thumb in the air to indicate he is well pleased with his world. And the world is pleased with him. Ed Edmo, a nationally acclaimed storyteller, an actor, a writer, a director, a poet,...
read moreWalla Walla
March 16, 2009
Rivers of Renewal Flow Through the Place of Many Waters
In Washington’s south central valley a one-time farm town flourishes through commitment to community.
Since the turn of the millennium Walla Walla has been navigating the rising waves of national and international...
The Power of the Network (2 Stories)
October 20, 2008
Why is a strong and active network so important? When our network is strong, connected and activated, learning is passed between us so that others may learn from our successes and mistakes. Because a strong network is like a strong family. When one member of the family...
read moreLeadership Development Benefits the Entire Community with a Newspaper in Vernonia, OR
September 18, 2008
Scott Laird characterizes himself as “one of those people who doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up.” For now, he’s the co-founder and editor, and head writer for a newspaper that’s been a positive force for the community and local economy in Vernonia,...
read moreSingle Mom and Entreprenuer Succeeds in North East Oregon
September 18, 2008
Angelica Zurita received funding through entrepreneurship programs in Wallowa County to start her own business. Since receiving the grant, she has successfully opened a second restaurant in the adjacent town. Her story gives examples of the funding resources available to...
read moreSocial Capital is Closing a Cultural Divide in Rural Oregon
September 16, 2008
Community members in White City are building social capital and creating relationships that close the cultural divide which has kept their large and growing Latino population under the radar. As a result, the Latino community is integrating into White City’s community...
read moreYoung Entreprenuers for Oregon’s Future
September 16, 2008
Jordan Keck is in his junior year of high school, he’s into music, martial arts, and loves taking pictures around Lincoln County where he lives; at just seventeen Jordan Keck also exemplifies the best of rural Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit. Keck took advantage of...
read moreA Mosaic of Talents Paves a Pathway to Unity
September 9, 2008
The Willamette Valley towns of Independence and Monmouth build on common ground to create a vibrant community for all.
The interpretive kiosk near Talmadge Middle School in Independence is a powerful symbol of harmony between two towns that have historically been at odds. A...
read moreKings Valley Charter School
July 29, 2008
Community members in Kings Valley have used local assets to build a community-centered school that reflects their community vision for academic excellence and has helped students fulfill their potential beyond typical expectations. A community-oriented guiding philosophy has...
RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
2620 River Road, Suite 205 . Eugene, Oregon 97404 . phone 541-684-9077 . fax 541-684-8993