You are cordially invited to attend a public engagement session utilizing the tools of deliberative dialogue.

The deliberate dialogue originates from an Oregon State University national project in partnership with eight other universities across the country, supported by the Kettering Foundation, https://www.kettering.org/. The multi-state, multi-year project stems from concern gathering sessions conducted in a number of communities across the country, leading to the development of a ‘rural issue guide.’  

Based on the hypothesis that rural communities and small towns in the United States face unique challenges, a key question that emerges is how to achieve and sustain community vitality as communities transition to meet the future. Through a process that weaves communal conversation and individual art with public deliberation, this work will intentionally consider issues affecting the future of rural communities.  

As we spend time with you over the course of the evening, our goal is to engage the community in identifying its own community capacity and leadership as we discuss a ‘Rural Issues’ framework designed to support you as you explore options for strengthening your community and ensuring the vitality of its identity.

We hope you will accept our invitation to engage with OSU Extension as we convene this important community conversation. Please RSVP to Tanya Kindrachuk at kindract@oregonstate.edu by September 26.  

If you have questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact Tanya or our Regional Administrator Patrick Proden at patrick.proden@oregonstate.edu.

We look forward to your participation.