Course Details

911: What's the Matter With Rural America? Maybe less than you think? Or maybe more?

July 6-8
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
In-Person

The political, cultural, and economic gaps between urban and rural America seem to be getting worse. This study group will examine definitions of rural, the causes of and possible solutions for those gaps, and examples of past and present alternative rural voices, both individuals and institutions. Examples from the past include Henry Wallace, FDR's VP, and North Dakota in the early 20th century. Current examples include Rural Voices, an online newspaper, recent state elections on choice, and many local organizations.

Class Type: Lecture and Discussion

Class Format: In-Person

Hours of Reading: Less than 1 hour/session

Study Group Leader(s):

Joe Belden

Joe Belden has previously taught an OLLI study group on how Trump won the rural vote. He spent 40 years working for nonprofits focused on rural poverty, affordable rural housing needs and programs, and agricultural issues. He is the author of two books and numerous articles on rural housing and agricultural and food issues.