Empowering the next generation of rural organizers, staff, and candidates.
We provide training and long term mentorship to support organizers, staff, candidates, and legislators who are working towards an equitable and just democracy in rural America.
Our theory of change revolves around recognizing the inherent political power of rural citizens in American democracy and supporting the organizing, policy, and narrative work necessary to build a better future together.
The future of progressive power depends on investing deeply in rural organizing.
THE COLLABORATIVE
Trainings for rural leaders, by rural leaders.
The tools and tactics for rural organizing are unique.
The Collaborative is a training collective that grew out of a recognition — from our experiences as well as others’ — that existing institutions are not always well-equipped to provide the catered localized support that many rural changemakers need.
Our training programs—Cohorts—provide in-depth, personal, community-oriented, long-term support to ensure vitality, stability, and integrity in rural organizing. These trainings are available nationally to all, with a combination of in-person and virtual trainings, bringing in voices from across this field.
To date, we have trained 70+ rural leaders from 29 states, and 37 Dirtroad candidates were on the ballot in 2024.
Take the next step, register for a training today!
Hear from past Cohort members!
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"It’s not too late to make amends, to rebuild our relationship with the quiet roads of rural America. We have to hit the ground running, today, this cycle, and recommit ourselves to the kind of politics that reaches every corner of our country."
- Chloe Maxmin and Canyon Woodward, Co-Founders of Dirtroad Organizing
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"When I asked about her approach to politics, Maxmin told me rural communities are moral communities that respond more to personal stories and values than to specific policies. Building trusting relationships is the key. This takes time and effort and demands humility and a willingness to learn."
- Robert Reich
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"Clearly, Maxmin knows how to win in rural America — and she can teach vital lessons about persuading those supposedly unreachable voters."
- Katrina vanden Heuvel
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"Let’s follow the example of Maine’s state Sen. Chloe Maxmin. Let’s ask for her advice. Let’s go to rural voters and show them we care. Let’s talk about the issues they care about."
- Lanny Davis
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"A new generation of progressive organizers and activists, spurning the advice of expensive consultants and the fund-raising tactics of seasoned politicians, are developing strategies to encourage accord within the Democratic Party, and to win over Independents and work with Republicans, from the ground up."
- Dorothy Wickenden
