Conjure up your "rural" image, particularly those of you that live in Portland with me. Then, imagine yourself in a room with 300 "rural policy advocates." Now, what do you think we talked about at this year's National Rural Assembly? ...You're wrong.

Without a doubt, this meeting had the most diverse group of participants of any meeting I've ever attended. The diversity in the room was inspiring. Note that the theme, Building an Inclusive Nation, doesn't say "rural." To the people in the room, it includes you and your diversity. We didn't make it out of the morning session before one strong woman rose among the 300-plus to ask the 'elephant-in-the-room' question, "As a member of the LGBT community, does a focus on youth and diversity specifically include LGBT youth?" The question - before the panelists even responded - got an overwhelming round of applause. 

 A few other quotes from the meeting:

“We have hope. Remember, we’re the people who put a dead seed in the ground.”

“We need urban as much as they need us.”

“Unfortunately rural America never votes what’s in its best economic or social best interest.”                                                

 “If you take one thing away, let it be this: rural youth of color matter.”

In every session, there was a stated expectation for the role that Federal investment must play. There was racial diversity standing together. There was a strong commitment to restoring the standing of Native Americans. There was a recognized reliance on collective action and community organizing. There was a desire to demand more from public transportation and quality of education. Still sound like the rural you're told exists?

I guarantee that this post isn't nearly as inspiring as the people at the Rural Assembly. What I ask is; go back to your initial mental image of rural America and throw it out. Replace it with a set of folks that share your passion for diversity, inclusivity, equity, and commitment to sustainability.