At the end of April, the Rural Action Network cohort convened for the final workshop of a five-part series and to celebrate their time together as a collective group.

The workshop was focused on policy solutions and opportunities. They spent the day exploring solutions to the transportation, workforce development, housing, environmental, and childcare challenges that face their communities. The day ended with a graduation ceremony celebrating the cohort's dedication to improving the communities they live and work in. While the learning cohort may have come to an end for now, the Rural Action Network project is just getting started! Last week, MDC launched the application for the Rural Action Network leadership council - a group across the Sandhills region of NC that will work together to set regional policy priorities and work collaboratively to amplify the voice of rural leaders. The leadership council is for all kinds of community leaders - both grass tops (local elected officials, business owners, etc.) and grassroots (nonprofit leaders, community organizers, etc.) are welcome to apply. Click the link in our bio to get more information on the leadership council and apply!