Radically Rural

Join us for the 7th annual Radically Rural summit in downtown Keene. Every person who cares about their community will love attending Radically Rural. Each year, we promise you will leave overflowing with inspiration, ideas, connections, and tools that will be useful in your personal, professional, and community life. Our sessions spread throughout downtown Keene will inspire you to reimagine rural under the backdrop of a quintessential New England main street with the fall breeze on your face.

Keynote Panel: Regenerating Rural by Reweaving Our Frayed Social Fabric

Trust is the foundation we need for any community development to succeed. After a half century of civic unraveling, America is reeling from a crisis of connection, with many feeling isolated, divided, and lonely. Our lack of connection and trust has led to problems as diverse as declining life expectancy and mental health, rising deaths of despair (suicide, addiction, violence), persistent social and racial tension, and political gridlock. Solutions don’t just require systems and legal changes. They require cultural change.

The Aspen Institute’s Weave: the Social Fabric Project started six years ago to support and invest in the local leaders weaving a strong, inclusive social fabric. You’ll hear from the program’s executive director and three innovative, grassroots, rural “weavers” who are bringing their communities together around what people share. From farming and food systems to travel clubs for rural youth, you’ll hear how to unleash the power of community to tackle the pressing needs and hopes where you live.

For more details on breakout sessions, speakers, and activities visit www.radicallyrural.org.