Rural Coalition

Coalition Members

Organization List

Description	Interests
AFGE Local 3354 AFGE Local 3354 represents USDA employees in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Our slogan is: “For the Public Good! Against Private Greed!” Our strategy is to build strong relationships and alliances of mutual support between public employees, other workers, and the working and poor people who are supposed to be served by USDA’s programs in order to defend and improve the role of the public sector.	Rural Coalition Members

Agricultural Missions, Inc. Agricultural Missions, Inc. seeks to establish and maintain longterm relationships of accompaniment with rural people's movements (including peasant, women's and indigenous groups), and with farmers' organizations and select NGOs for the purpose of encouraging sustainable governance and development, and for acting as advocates, spokespersons and liaisons for these groups among the churches and in wider advocacy/policy networks in the U.S. In particular, greater communication and collaboration is sought between rural groups in the U.S. and abroad with an eye to cross-fertilization and coalition building. Board members include denominational representatives, small farmers, and rural activists. An ecumenical and agrarian rainbow.	Rural Coalition Members

Alborada de San Luis Potosi, A.C. This organization is dedicated to providing education and training for projects in agriculture production, alternative health and culture. Training programs and activities prepare members of the rural community to seek appropriate development and teach the people to be self sufficient. Alborada (which means twilight) works to build links between the communities and the land, and assure that the voices of the people and the strength of the groups at the base community level will be heard and known. Specific programs deal with: Fhealth promotion, Fconsumer and production cooperatives, Fecological projects, and Fcultural programs. Alborada sponsors the “Hope of the People,” a production cooperative which processes agricultural products.	Rural Coalition Members

American Indian Movement The American Indian Movement works to restore the civil and human rights of indigenous peoples throughout the hemisphere. Through survival schools and the International Indian Treaty Council, AIM unite people of color in struggles to fight environmental racism and reeducate the Americans to the rights of indigenous peoples and their lands, resources and families.	Rural Coalition Members

Appalachian Community Fund The Appalachian Community Fund, formed as a partnership of community activists and donors, supports progressive social change in the central Appalachian states, where recent economic trends and the recession have brought new levels of poverty. Board members are all community activists who live and work in central Appalachia, representing the region’s diversity in terms of race, sex, class, age and sexual orientation. ACF exists to leverage money into the region for organizations addressing the root causes of social problems, and to provide technical assistance to grassroots organizations.	Rural Coalition Members

Asian Pacific American Network in Agriculture APANA serves as a conduit through which issues of common interests and concerns of the members are addressed. APANA membership is open to all USDA employees. Holds meetings featuring well-known subject matter expert(s) as speaker(s), Plans and organizes activities, including the commemoration of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month during May of each year, and *Provides networking and outreach opportunities to its membership and individuals outside the USDA	Rural Coalition Members

Center for Community Change The Center for Community Change is committed to reducing poverty and rebuilding low income communities. Believing that poor people themselves need to lead efforts to eliminate poverty, the heart of our work is helping grassroots leaders build strong organizations that bring people together to become a force for change in their communities. We help organizations build their communities' capacity for self-help, develop strong leaders, provide critical services, build homes, develop businesses, give residents a say in their community's future and give low income people a sense of hope.	Rural Coalition Members

Comite de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agricolas CATA was formed to 1) provide relief to farm workers by assisting them in fulfilling their special needs including their needs to obtain decent housing, health care, employment and education. 2) To educate the public in general and farmworkers in particular about the problems encountered by farmwokers. 3) To defend the human and civil rights of farm workers.	Civil and Human Rights Community-based Organization Education Employment Farmworkers Health Care Housing Rural Coalition Members

Comité de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agricolas CATA was formed to 1) provide relief to farm workers by assisting them in fulfilling their special needs including their needs to obtain decent housing, health care, employment and education. 2) To educate the public in general and farm workers in particular about the problems encountered by farm workers. 3) To defend the human and civil rights of farm workers.	Rural Coalition Members

Community Food Security Coalition Community food security is as much about building community as it is about providing food for hungry people. CFS is about building partnerships between public and private sectors, between consumers and producers. The food policy council, which brings together stakeholders from the diverse sectors of the food system to address problems and create solutions, embodies the community food security approach.	Rural Coalition Members

COSYDDHAC An organization dedicated to the promotion and defense of human rights in the State of Chihuahua. COSYDDHAC is doing very important work to expose and fight against the violation of human rights in the indigenous communities of the Sierra Tarahumara due to the current militarization in Chihuahua. We also promot the Civil, Political and Economical rights of the whole population.	Rural Coalition Members

Empire State Family Farm Alliance Empire State Family Farm Alliance was formed to promote family farmers getting a fair price for their products. Our goal is to maintain a strong voice for the family farmer, to educate legislators as to what is necessary to keep our family farmers producing our food instead of relying on imports and factory farms. We work to support and work with other groups with similar sustainable goals including the land as well as the farmer, and to provide education to consumers to help them choose a healthy diet for their families for a reasonable price while providing a decent living for the farmer.	Rural Coalition Members

Equal Exchange Equal Exchange helps farmers to build better lives for themselves and their families by paying a fair price, working with democratic cooperatives, offering affordable credit and supporting sustainable agriculture. Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 to create a new approach to trade, one that includes informed consumers, honest and fair trade relationships and cooperative principles. As a worker-owned co-op, they have accomplished this by offering consumers fairly traded gourmet coffee direct from small-scale farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa and Asia. In 1991, Equal Exchange became the first U.S. company to officially adopt European Fair Trade standards as guiding principles.	Rural Coalition Members

Family Farm Defenders Family Farm Defenders is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to the creation of farmer-controlled and consumer-oriented food and fiber production. We adhere to the principle of democracy by empowering farmers to speak for and represent themselves in the quest for economic justice and responsible sustainable agricultural policies.	Rural Coalition Members

Farm worker Association of Florida, Inc. The Farm worker Association of Florida, Inc. (FWAF) is a membership organization of over 6,500 farm worker families from predominately Mexican, Haitian, Afro-American, Guatemalan and Salvadorian communities. The goal is to build a strong multiracial economically viable organization of farm workers in Florida empowering farm workers to respond to and gain control over the social, political, economic, and workplace issues that affect their lives. Members of the FWAF work mainly in ferns, foliage, citrus, vegetables, and mushrooms. FWAF also addresses pesticides, field sanitation, and other health and safety issues, educating and training members to learn their rights.	Rural Coalition Members

Farmworker Association of Florida Inc. The Farmworker Association of Florida, Inc. (FWAF) is a membership organization of over 6,500 farmworker families from predominately Mexican, Haitian, Afro-American, Guatemalan and Salvadorian communities, which was begun in 1983 and incorporated in May, 1986. The goal is to build a strong multi-racial economically viable organization of farmworkers in Florida empowering farmworkers to respond to and gain control over the social, political, economic, and workplace issues that affect their lives. An elected Board of Directors sets policy, guarantees implementation of work plans, and monitors finances. The members of the FWAF work mainly in ferns, foliage, citrus, vegetables, and mushrooms. Since the early 90’s, the Association has addressed pesticides, field sanitation, and other health and safety issues, educating and training members to learn their rights, secure the passage of Florida’s Right-to-Know law to protect farmworkers, working to improve wages and benefits for farmworkers, providing AIDS outreach for education and prevention, peer counseling for pregnant women, and the development of economic development projects to benefit farmworkers.	Cooperatives Farmworkers Rural Coalition Members SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund Resource and advocacy organization involving 25,000 low income rural families, organized into 100 cooperatives, credit unions & community groups.	Cooperatives Marketing Minority Farmers Rural Coalition Members

Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is a resource and advocacy association involving 25,000 low-income rural families, organized into 100 cooperatives, credit unions and community-based economic development groups across the South. The federation works with rural poor people who are trying to help themselves end the cycle of poverty. Members learn the skills of farming, business and working together in cooperatives at the Rural Training Center near Epes, Alabama. The federation works in coalition with other progressive farm groups for better prices, more accessible credit and special rights for farmers of color to compensate for decades of discrimination and neglect by USDA and other government agencies.	Rural Coalition Members

Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund Resource and advocacy organization involving 25,000 low income rural families, organized into 100 cooperatives, credit unions & community groups.	Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Frente Democratico Campesino Frente Democratico Campesino was formed in 1988 as a result of the small-scale producers' movement in Mexico for better prices for corn and beans. FDC, based in Chihuahua City, Mexico, represents more than 117 rural and farming communities.	Rural Coalition Members

Global Telematics Global Telematics is a policy research and consulting firm focused on the use of advanced telecommunications for economic and social development. In small towns and rural areas the firm has assisted progressive leaders to understand and take advantage of the Internet and other communications technologies to increase opportunity, equity, and hope. HC serves social justice groups and others through education, computer assistance, and via a web site (also known as Hill Connections) — that links Contemplation and Social Justice, faith with action.	Rural Coalition Members

Grassroots Economic Organizing Newsletter Grassroots Economic Organizing Newsletter (GEO) is a bimonthly forum and resource on all forms of community-based economic development with special emphasis on worker owned enterprises, board-based democratic coalitions, sustainable communities and locally-controlled financial institutions and approaches. Services include a subscriber bulletin board, “finding funding,’ and a calendar of events and conferences. Subscription and calendar are available for a price. website:www.geonewsletter.org	Rural Coalition Members

Grassroots Economic Organizing Newsletter (GEO) GEO, the Grassroots Economic Organizing Newsletter, is a bimonthly forum and resource on all forms of community-based economic development with special emphasis on worker owned enterprises, board-based democratic coalitions, sustainable communities and locally-controlled financial institutions and approaches.	Community-based Organization Economic Justice Rural Coalition Members Small Business

Group of Organized Producers of Ejido Benito Juarez Group of Organized Producers of Ejido Benito Juarez is an organization of chile and cotton producers, seeking to bring economic vitality to their community. Grupo de Productores Organizados del Ejido "Benito Juárez" * PSM Esta es una organización de productores de chile y algodón, que procura llevar la vitalidad económica a su comunidad.	Rural Coalition Members

Growing Power Growing Power is a not-for-profit organization and land trust supporting peoples from diverse backgrounds and the environment they live in through the development of community food systems. Growing Power serves the nation through three offices in Alaska, Wisconsin and Illinois, developing and preserving resources and programs that support community self reliant food systems through education, conservation, networking, advocacy, marketing, growing and processing. We teach the young and old about ecological and economic interdependence by directly showing how we can grow our own food through techniques in agriculture, horticulture, vermiculture, aquaculture and much more.	Rural Coalition Members

H.O.M.E. H.O.M.E. is a cooperative community dedicated to economic and social reconstruction. It began in 1970 in rural Maine as an outlet for home workers’ crafts and has expanded to include a free health clinic; soup kitchen; food bank; homeless shelter; a learning center; job and craft training; pottery, leather, and weaving shops; recovery barn; greenhouse; organic gardens and farmers’ market; and a sawmill and shingle mill. H.O.M.E. is also an ITV site for the local State University System, offering classes for students who are working towards degrees.	Rural Coalition Members

Hill Connections HC serves social justice groups and others through education, computer assistance, and via a web site (also known as Hill Connections) — that links Contemplation and Social Justice, faith with action.	Rural Coalition Members

Hispanic Organizations Leadership Alliance Hispanic Organizations Leadership Alliance is a coalition of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hispanic employee organizations leadership. The HOLA mission is to ensure equitable access and distribution of USDA programs and resources to Hispanic rural Communities in need, and advocates the fair and just treatment of Hispanic employees and equal access for opportunities in employment to potential Hispanic employees.	Rural Coalition Members

Hmong American Community, Inc. Hmong American Community, Inc. Hmong American Community Inc. (HAC)'s mission is to promote better health and economic welfare in the Hmong Community. We deliver effective and culturally sensitive programs to meet the needs of the Hmong Community. HAC seeks to empower the Hmong to make systematic changes in their health and lives. In doing so, HAC is committed to: · Preserving the Hmong culture. · Providing health education, leadership training, and participation in events and issues, which effect the daily lives of community members. · Providing viable social and economic development programs that will help sustain the community and lead to self-sufficiency. · Being recognized as a provider of effective community change.	Rural Coalition Members

Hmong American Cooperative Inc. The Hmong American Cooperative concentrates on helping small farmers with the marketing of specialty products, community development and education.	Cooperatives Marketing Minority Farmers Rural Coalition Members Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Hmong National Development, Inc. The Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND) is a nonprofit organization which assists Hmong communities throughout the U.S. in achieving economic self sufficiency, quality education, and resource development. HND provides technical assistance, workshops, and presentations to Hmong organizations and individuals in the areas of planning, public relations, communications, forming networks, finding resources and writing proposals and business plans. The Hmong are an ethic group who settled throughout Southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Thailand. Most of the Hmong resettled in the U.S. are refugees from Laos.	Rural Coalition Members

Homeworkers Organized for More Employment HOME is a nonprofit grassroots organization serving in areas of unemployment, education, housing, and cottage industries.	Cooperatives Marketing Minority Farmers Rural Coalition Members Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Housing Assistant Council The Housing Assistant Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit corporation created to increase the availability of decent housing for rural low-income people throughout the United States. Established in 1971, HAC provides seed money loans, technical assistance, program and policy analysis, research and demonstration projects, training and information services to public, nonprofit and private organizations. These activities have stimulated the development of rural housing programs at the national, state and local levels.	Rural Coalition Members

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Research and policy center committed to fostering sustainable rural communities.	Other Rural Coalition Members

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy works for the economic, social and environmental health and well-being of rural people, communities and regions as an independent, non-profit research, education and advocacy organization. Operating on local, national and international levels, we address key issues on food safety, security and health; conservation-based agriculture and forestry; rural development; agricultural trade; and civil society. We advocate for openness and democracy in global agencies and decision-making, using information technology to raise non-governmental organizations' capacities.	Rural Coalition Members

Institute for Local Self Reliance Institute for Local Self Reliance Founded in 1974, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance is a non-profit research and education organization that provides technical assistace and information to citizen organizations, city and state governments, and small businesss to promote community-based and environmentally sound economic development. The Institute involves citizens, government and private enterprise in the development of a comprehensive materials policy oriented toward efficiency, recycling and maximum utilization of renewable resources, including plant matter.	Rural Coalition Members

Intertribal Agriculture Council The Intertribal Agriculture Council(IAC) is a non-profit corporation of member tribes who together control 79% of the 54 million acres held in trust by the U.S. for Indian people. IAC promotes improvement in Native American and Alaskan Native Agriculture.	Cooperatives Marketing Minority Farmers Rural Coalition Members

Intertribal Agriculture Council The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) is a nonprofit corporation of member tribes who together control 79 percent of the 54 million acres held in trust by the United States for Indian people. Founded in m1987, IAC promotes improvement in Native American and Alaskan Native agriculture. Governed by an elected board of directors of tribal representatives from each of the 12 regions of Indian Country, IAC reflects the diverse character of Indian agriculture.	Rural Coalition Members

Intertribal Agriculture Council The Intertribal Agriculture Council(IAC) is a non-profit corporation of member tribes who together control 79% of the 54 million acres held in trust by the U.S. for Indian people. IAC promotes improvement in Native American and Alaskan Native Agriculture.	Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Intervale Foundation Intervale Foundation serves as a small farms incubator program training new farmers in organic vegetable and flower production. It has a commercial compost project in partnership with the Chitterden Solid Waste District. As well as a land restoration of the city’s flood plain to be an agricultural, social economic and natural resource. Advocacy for healthy food, a local economy, motivate environmental solutions,etc.	Community-based Organization Ecological Concern Economic Development Food Systems Organic Farming Rural Coalition Members

Jesus People Against Pollution Jesus People Against Pollution’s mission is to work to obtain envirnmental justice for Columbia, Mississippi and use this as a model for helping all communities suffering from toxic exposures to secure equal justice in their own community.	Rural Coalition Members

Just Food Just Food is a non-profit organization creating economic, social, and environmental justice through local sustainable food systems. We nurture collaborative projects that develop community leadership, support the region’s farms, boost local food production, promote equitable food distribution, preserve clean environments and create jobs. Just Food initiated and coordinates The City Farms program that fosters urban agriculture, provides food and access to those most in need, promotes community-based entrepreneurship and economic opportunities, and builds public support for open space preservation. Just Food’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program promotes agricultural sustainability on a larger scale, connects rural Northeast farmers with New Yorkers of all income levels, and builds lasting relationship based on both trust and shared interests. The CSA Coordinator is available to provide technical assistance to organizations (especially those within the Rural Coalition) interested in starting up CSAs in their communities.	Rural Coalition Members

Kentucky Appalachian Ministry The ministry of KAM is directed toward meeting social, economic, educational and spiritual needs of Kentucky Appalachia. KAM works to develop specific way the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can join with other denominations in regional ecumenical ministry, and to discover way to relate to the special social and economic needs of Kentucky Appalachian people as they work together in their own church and community-based organizations.	Economic Development Education

Kentucky Appalachian Ministry Kentucky Appalachian Ministry is directed toward meeting social, economic, educational and spiritual needs of Kentucky Appalachia. KAM works to develop specific ways the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can join with other denominations in regional ecumenical ministry, and to discover ways to relate to the special social and economic needs of Kentucky Appalachian people as they work together in their own church and community-based organizations.	Rural Coalition Members

Kentucky Appalachian Ministry The ministry of KAM is directed toward meeting social, economic, educational and spiritual needs of Kentucky Appalachia. KAM works to develop specific way the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can join with other denominations in regional ecumenical ministry, and to discover way to relate to the special social and economic needs of Kentucky Appalachian people as they work together in their own church and community-based organizations.	Rural Coalition Members Rural Ministry

Kiee Luiu (Flor Viva) The main objective of this indigenous organization Kiee Luiu (Flor Viva) is the production and marketing of organic jamaica (hibiscus tea) to improve the income of producers. Their areas of work include: Fseeking collective benefits by collaboration in production and marketing; Fprograms to preserve the land, using only organic production methods; Freforestation; and Ftraining, human rights, and health protection among other issues.	Rural Coalition Members

La CASA del Llano - Communities Assuring Sustainable Agriculture La CASA del Llano - Communities Assuring Sustainable Agriculture C.A.S.A del Llano is a grassroots community based organization that is working with two unincorporated colonias in Hereford, Texas. Our organization consists of members from both of these two colonias and members of a church community with a volunteer staff serving as an Advisory Board to help insure project goals are consistent. The project is dedicated to shaping southern plains agriculture and communities toward sustainability based on sound land stewardship, ethical principles and the Judeo-Christian heritage. Programs Offered at C.A.S.A. are: 1. Coronado Acres Water Committee 2. Rural Hispanic Women Group 3. Summer Youth Program 3. ESL Program (English as a Second Language) 4. Spanish Program 5. Computer Classes 5. Children’s Library 6. Basic INS Information	Rural Coalition Members

Land Loss Prevention Project The Land Loss Prevention Project (LLPP) is a nonprofit law firm based in North Carolina that addresses legal and economic problems associated with the decline of family farmers and minority landowners. LLPP provides legal assistance to low-income landowners who are in danger of losing their homes and businesses because of massive debt and economic burdens, discrimination, environmental problems and encroaching development. We also work with other organizations to improve the economic health of rural communities.	Rural Coalition Members

Land Stewardship Project The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) was founded in 1982 to foster an ethic of stewardship for farmland, to promote sustainable agriculture and to develop sustainable communities. LSP is a grassroots membership organization made up of farmers, as well as rural and urban residents working together to: secure a healthful food supply, preserve soil, water and wildlife, support diversified, profitable family-sized farms, organize communities for positive change, hold corporations and government accountable, and create a new sustainable vision for our food and agriculture system. Our work is concentrated in three areas: Creating a New Regional Food System - by linking farmers & consumers; Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices - through education, research and demonstration; Creating a New Vision for Agriculture - by organizing communities for positive change.	Rural Coalition Members

Mi Luw Nangaj Ndec, S.S.S. Mi Luw Nangaj Ndec, S.S.S. MLNN promotes the economic benefit of the member families, services to the community, and growth in solidarity and organizational cooperation. Current programs are: Fcollective farming for self-consumption; Fproper use of infrastructure (sharing a community tractor); Fmarketing of crafts, sesame seed and maritime products; Ftechni-cal training in the use of natural dye coloring by women artisans; and Fincreas-ing the purchasing capacity and distribution of consumer goods.	Rural Coalition Members

Minnesota Project The Minnesota Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable development and environmental protection in rural Minnesota. Our mission is to increase the viability of rural communities. We connect rural leaders and perspectives to state and national policy development. We celebrate the enduring value of rural landscapes, lifestyles, stories and culture. We promote the understanding that socially, environmentally and economically healthy rural communities are vital to our society.	Rural Coalition Members

Mississippi Association Of Cooperatives The Mississippi Association of Cooperatives is a nonprofit organzation that aids poor farmers and poor economic communities in need of learning in their struggle to become self-sustaining.	Cooperatives Marketing Minority Farmers

Mississippi Association of Cooperatives The Mississippi Association of Cooperatives' members consist of cooperatives, credit unions, and others across Mississippi whose activities range from small scale farmers marketing and purchasing together in their production. MAC is chartered to 1)administer, coordinate, and supervise technical assistance, educational training and financial programs for members 2)seek training programs to improve the skills in the areas of policy-making and management for its members; 3)identify and solicit financial assistance primarily for the implementation of the membership program; and 4)identify resources and persons with technical expertise.	Rural Coalition Members

Mississippi Association Of Cooperatives The Mississippi Association of Cooperatives is a nonprofit organzation that aids poor farmers and poor economic communities in need of learning in their struggle to become self-sustaining.	Rural Coalition Members Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Mississippi River Basin Alliance The Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) is a network of diverse organizations and individuals whose purpose is twofold: 1) Protect and restore the ecological, economic, cultural, historical and recreational resources in the basin, and 2) Eliminate barriers of race, class, and economic status which divide us in the quest to achieve these purposes	Rural Coalition Members

Missouri Action Research Connection Based in the Department of Rural Sociology at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the Missouri Action Research Connection (MARC) assists communities and community-based organizations through collaborative efforts to identify and answer research questions significant to their quality of life. Facuty and students work with those groups that demonstrate a commitment to active partnerships for seeking solution to community problems and are underserved by the research community. The purposes of MARC are as follows: 1) to facilitate linkages between communities, organizations and researchers, 2) to empower communities by providing research assistance and enhancing the capabilities of community residents and their organizations, 3) to empower researchers by increasing their awareness of, and interaction with, issues that are socially relevant, 4) to raise levels of citizenship and participation in a democratic society.	Rural Coalition Members

Missouri Rural Crisis Center CenterThe Missouri Rural Crisis Center is a non-profit organization founded in October 1985 by a group of family farms, and rural activists. The mission of MRCC is to preserve family farms, promote stewardship of the land and envirnmental integrity, and strive for economic and social justice by building unity and mutual understanding among diverse groups, both rural and urban. In its efforts to realize these goals, MRCC runs five programs throughout the state: farm financial counseling and advocacy program, rural recovery program, Women’s Action Network, Communities in Crisis Program, Farm to City Marketing Program. These programs seek to empower rural people through information, community organizing and economic development.	Rural Coalition Members

National Network of Forest Practitioners The mission of the National Network of Forest Practitioners is to promote the mutual well-being of workers, rural communities, and forests by supporting individuals and groups that build sustainable relationships between forests and people. The network seeks to accomplish these goals by providing:Peer training and technical assistance; Opportunities to benefit from the shared knowledge and practical experience of fellow members; Support to local and regional networks on an ongoing basis; Access to policy makers, agency officials, funding sources, research, and researchers; Collective clout in the development of national policies; National visibility for practitioners by acting as a clearing house	Rural Coalition Members

NCAT's Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development NCAT's Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development projects provide services and information to help farmers reduce their use of pesticides and other expensive inputs, add a diversity of crops and livestock that add strength and flexibility to farm operations, incorporate new ways to market and add value to what they produce, improve soil fertility and water quality, and educate on how to become better stewards of natural resources and the environment. NCAT's Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development projects help low-income rural communities to explore community-based approaches and appropriate technologies to holistically address chronic problems such as unemployment and illiteracy.	Rural Coalition Members

Northeast Neighborhood Alliance Northeast Neighborhood Alliance NENA is committed to revitalization of Northeast Rochester through citizen empowerment and ownership. The NENA plans and coordinates development projects in the Upper Falls, South Marketview Heights and North Marketview neighborhoods, and serves as the NBN Sector 10 planning committee. Neighborhood residents and our partners sit at the table of the NENA Council. The Council makes plans for neighborhood revitalization and coordinates development activities. We work the areas of Community economic development; Housing and conservation; Public Safety; Education; Health and Human Services; Youth; Governance.	Rural Coalition Members

Oklahoma Landowners and Tenants Association Oklahoma Landowners and Tenants Association OLTA is a community-based organization which provides assistance to underserved farmers and rural communities. The mission is to define, address, and assist in the resolution of issues which effect the well being of underserved farmers.	Rural Coalition Members

Operation Spring Plant Operation Spring Plant is a grassroots organization started and operated by farmers. OSP serves limited resource small, largely African America producers in North Carolina through: technical assistance and training; developing on-farm demonstration projects that demonstrate modern and sustainable production techniques; owning and operating a retail marketing facility for farm and agribusiness products; and assisting area farmers work through financial hardships. OSP also advocates for the civil rights of Black farmers by helping to file discrimination complaints against USDA and other government agencies. OSP also operates a Harvest for the Hungry Program that provides food for low-income people in NC.	Rural Coalition Members

Organic Consumers Association (OCA) OCA is a grassroots non-profit public interest organization which deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, corporate accountability, and environmental sustainability. The focuse is exclusively on representing the views and interests of the nation's estimated ten million organic consumers.	Ecological Concern Environmental Justice Food Systems Organic Farming Sustainable Agriculture

Organización en California de Líderes Campesinas, Inc. (Líderes Campesinas) The mission of Organización en California de Líderes Campesinas, Inc. (Líderes Campesinas) is to develop leadership among farmworker women (campesinas) so that they serve as agents of political, social and economic change in the farmworker community. Our approach emphasizes capacity building, democratic decision making, peer training and leadership development as well as a mixture of traditional and innovative education, outreach and organizing methods such as house meetings and theatrical presentations at community venues.	Rural Coalition Members

Organización Regional Nahuatl Independiente, S.S.S. (ORNI) Based in the highlands of Puebla Organización Regional Nahuatl Independiente, S.S.S. (ORNI) was founded to fight against inequality, hunger and injustice. ORNI is based in the municipality of Huachinango and is formed by residents of the indigenous towns of Papatlazolco, Xaltepec, Papatlatla, Tlalmaya, Xalte-puxtla, Tenango de las Flores, and Colonias. The objective of ORNI is to: Fpromote collective organized work; Fstudy, learn from, and rescue cultural and spiritual values; Frestore harmony in the community and the environment; Ffind sustainable alternatives for production and marketing; and Fbuild solidarity and a participatory economy to achieve sustainable development. ORNI, which operates a training center and demonstration site on bioorganic agriculture, also places great importance on its efforts to protect indigenous rights.	Rural Coalition Members

Politics of Food Politics of Food works to create a sustainable food system in which farmers and the community they serve are enabled to bring food of quality to all.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Advancement Fund The Rural Advancement Fund has assisted small farmers and rural organizations for more than 50 years. We are currently helping farmers’ organizations and individual farming operations in North and South Carolina in crop selection, farm management and marketing. Through sessions and workshops, the fund provides technical assistance and training in farm planning, cash flow analysis, loan packaging, crop diversification and marketing.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Community Development Resources Rural Community Development Resources has helped over 100 limited resource Hispanic producers enter agriculture and build successful collaborative businesses. It's Center for Latino Farmers helps beginning Latino farmers with limited English skills to establish their own family farms with the help of USDA programs. The Center staff provides workshops and one-on-one training sessions to Latino farm operators who want to have access to the USDA programs; as well as assisting them in filling out the required USDA forms.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Development Center An agricultural training and resource center for low-income families in the Salinas Valley. We provide an intensive Small Farm Education Program focusing on organic farming, followed by three years of farming on the center's 112 acres.	Cooperatives Farmworkers Marketing Minority Farmers Rural Coalition Members Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade

Rural Development leadership Network The Rural Development leadership Network is a national, multicultural social change organization that supports community-based development in poor rural areas through hands-on projects, education, leadership development, peer exchange, and networking. Participants implement a field project in their own community, pursue independent study, and attend a month-long Rural Development Institute at the University of California at Davis to earn academic degrees. RDLN markets rural women's products online and convenes Assemblies, delegations to international meetings, and Writing Retreats for Community Builders.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Opportunities Inc. Rural Opportunities Inc. (ROI) is a nonprofit human services and community development organization that operates in six states and Puerto Rico. ROI advocates for improved educational, employment opportunities, a living wage, benefits, healthy and safe living and working environment and decent, affordable housing for migrant and seasonal farm worker families and other low and moderate income participants. Services include Adult Training & Employment, Child Development, Economic Development, Emergency and Support, Health and Safety, Housing, Property Management, Real Estate Development and Youth and Adult Education.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Vermont Rural Vermont was by farmers fighting for fair taxation. Over the last 15 years, Rural Vermont has grown to take on the multiple challenges facing small farms and rural communities -- from the introduction of biotechnology into agriculture, to the sweeping corporate consolidation of the food system, and the proliferation of factory farms. Rural Vermont believes that environmental and economic sustainability go hand in hand, and that Vermont's rural life, environment, and sense of community depend upon securing economic justice for farmers.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Virginia Rural Virginia is a statewide public interest organization, organized in 1979, whose members are committed to a revitalization of the rural economy and the preservation of our natural resources. Rural Virginia operates by educating the pubic on issues of importance to rural communities, by serving as an advocate for the issues in the public and private sectors and by providing services to individuals and community groups.	Rural Coalition Members

Rural Virginia Inc. Rural Virginia is a statewide public interest organization organized in 1979, whose members are farmers, other rural residents and urban citizens committed to a revitalization of the rural economy and the preservation of our natural resources. Rural Virginia operates by educating the public o issues of importance to rural communities, by serving as an advocate for these issues in the public and private sectors and by providing services to individuals and community groups.	Community-based Organization Ecological Concern Economic Development Education Rural Coalition Members Small Farms Sustainable Agriculture

Sin Fronteras Sin Fronteras was founded in 1983 by farm workers and activists to fight injustices and inequalities faced by agriculture laborers in west Texas and southern New Mexico. Sin Fronteras is directed by and for farm workers and promotes the advancement of the Border Agricultural Workers Union to support their struggle and hope for a better life.	Rural Coalition Members

Small Farm Resource & Training Center Small Farm Resource & Training Center The Small Farm Resource and Training Center located in Fresno California is a one stop resource and training center for small and minority farmers in the Central Valley. We work with many farming groups including, but not limited to Hmong, Lao, Minh, Latino and African American. We serve to empower the small and minority farmers with correct information and resources to gain social and economic self-sufficiency. Technical assistance and training provided include topics such as soil management, soil preparation, pesticide health and safety, pesticide labels, record keeping, marketing and business courses.	Rural Coalition Members

Solidarity Committee The Solidarity Committee is a worker support organization which is firmly rooted in the universal labor movement, with strong emphasis on human rights and civil rights, protecting and improving environmental quality and preserving wilderness, advocating for and protecting family farmers, farm workers everywhere, and advocating for a wholesome, plentiful, and safe food system (from earth to table), through our work with farmers, peasants, indigenous peoples, and workers, across borders.	Rural Coalition Members

Southern Rural Development Initiative The Southern Rural Development initiative (SRDI) is a recent collaboration of 32 community-based organizations working in the rural South. Formed in 1992 and incorporated in 1994, SRDI is responding to the severe shortage of capital — philanthropic, religious, corporate and public — available for sustainable economic and human development in the South's rural communities. The region has 34 percent of the nation's population, but disproportionately carries 42 percent of its poverty and only 11 percent of its philanthropic assets.	Community-based Organization Economic Development Fundraising

Southern Rural Development Initiative The Southern Rural Development Initiative (SRDI) is a bottom-up intermediary -- a regional collaborative of members and strategic partners working together to increase the flow of development and philanthropic capital to the South's poorest rural communities. Our members play a critical role in building community owned and controlled assets - financial, human, physical and institutional. SRDI's primary strategies are: 1. To build the capacity of our member institutions and their networks to attract and effectively use capital to build just, sustainable and prosperous communities 2. To build new institutions in undeserved parts of the region 3. To create supportive public and private environments for this work.	Rural Coalition Members

Southern Rural Development Initiative The Southern Rural Development initiative (SRDI) is a recent collaboration of 32 community-based organizations working in the rural South. Formed in 1992 and incorporated in 1994, SRDI is responding to the severe shortage of capital — philanthropic, religious, corporate and public — available for sustainable economic and human development in the South's rural communities. The region has 34 percent of the nation's population, but disproportionately carries 42 percent of its poverty and only 11 percent of its philanthropic assets.	Rural Coalition Members

Stepping Stone Association Stepping Stones Association a nonprofit Tennessee corporation which is dedicated to constructing, operating and maintaining rental housing and related facilities suited to special needs and living requirements of elderly rural residents of low- or moderate-income or other low-income rural residents, detecting and pinpointing needs and problems of the community and finding solutions for them.	Housing Rural Coalition Members

Stepping Stones Association Stepping Stones Association a nonprofit Tennessee corporation which is dedicated to constructing, operating and maintaining rental housing and related facilities suited to special needs and living requirements of elderly rural residents of low- or moderate-income or other low-income rural residents, detecting and pinpointing needs and problems of the community and finding solutions for them.	Rural Coalition Members

T.C.O. de Santo Domingo Petapa The objective of this organization T.C.O. de Santo Domingo Petapa is the formation of groups which—through the analysis of reality and inspired by the Word of God—make the commitment to organize and work for social justice and brotherhood and sisterhood, recovering the love for the land and the culture of the elders to strengthen men, women, and communities. Their programs include: Ftraining members; Fmarketing of products; Fpromoting more savings and credit, more consumer stores; and Fproduction of basic products for self consumption.	Rural Coalition Members

T.C.O. of Tehuantepec T.C.O. of Tehuantepec is an association of community-based groups working together with the support of the Catholic Diocese of Tehuantepec on a wide range of economic and social issues, with special attention to the health, and the self-reliance and nurturing and the economic and social development of the communities and the people.	Rural Coalition Members

The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Inc The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Inc We work for and with rural people and communities in Oklahoma, in Florida, and across the nation and globe. Our focus is on education, with program staff producing a variety of publications for use by farmers and ranchers and agriculture professionals. We also produce a free newsletter, Field Notes, as well as reports on public policy for citizen groups and opinion leaders. The Kerr Center's president and staff professionals are available to give speeches and presentations. A sustainable agriculture is environmentally responsible, profitable for family farmers, and equitable-- giving farmers fair prices, fair access to markets, maximum opportunities, and a good quality of life. By improving the quality of life for farmers, a sustainable agriculture also supports healthy, vital rural communities.	Rural Coalition Members

The Markham Center The Markham Center is a nonprofit organization established in 1965 to carry out educational research and programs and collected funds for scholarships. The center now works on the application of telecommunications for rural communities and establishing skill centers in rural communities on telecommunications linkups. The center works mostly in the rural northeast.	Rural Coalition Members

Trueque Trueque is a an organization which sells and markets products of artesans, such as textiles, coffee, pottery, & honey. Trueque * PSM Esta es una organización que vende y mercadea los productos de los artesanos, tales como textiles, café, cerámica y miel de abejas. Dirección: García Vigil No. 702, Centro Oaxaca, Estado de Oaxaca, Código Postal 68000. Teléfono y FAX: (951) 6-1621. Representada por María del Refugio Castrellón Vásquez.	Rural Coalition Members

UMC General Board of Church and Society The UMC General Board of Church and Society is one of four general program boards of The United Methodist Church. It challenges members to work through their own local churches, through various venues to advocate and act to ensure the rights and access of all people in their communities and in the world to peace and social justice. Because The United Methodist Church is spread across rural USA with at least one church in all but 100 counties, it reaffirms its historic commitment to rural ministry and agricultural concerns such as the farm crisis, the crisis of rural community, and the global ecological crisis affecting rural areas.	Rural Coalition Members

Unión de Comunidades Indígenas de la Región del Istmo Unión de Comunidades Indígenas de la Región del Istmo (UCIRI) is an alliance of small coffee producers from 53 indigenous community organizations from the region of the Istmo of Tehuantepec based in Oaxaca. UCIRI objectives are: Fdefense of Mother Earth; Fdefense of the work of the producers in selling their products outside the region and to cooperatives of the area; Fgrow more corn, beans, vegetables, and fruits to end dependency in coffee production; Fimprove health and gain better means of transportation, Fbe self sufficient, Fimprove youth development; Fcontrol and accountability of resources provided by the government and their own resources; and Fmaintain the culture and traditional knowledge of the people.	Rural Coalition Members

United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society The General Board of Church and Society is one of four general program boards of the United Methodist Church. It challenges members of The United Methodist Church to work through their own local churches, through ecumenical and secular channels, through public and private institutions, and through personal advocacy and action to ensure the rights and access of all people -- in their communities and in the world -- to peace and social justice. Because The United Methodist Church is spread across rural USA with at least one church in all but about 100 counties, it has reaffirmed its historic commitment to rural ministry and agricultural concerns. Of particular concern is the nature of three intertwined crises -- the farm crisis, the crisis of rural community, and the global ecological crisis affecting rural areas.	Community-based Organization Ecological Concern Rural Coalition Members Rural Ministry Small Farms

Washington Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, Inc. A community development corporation specializing in business technical assistance, training and access to capital for new and emerging businesses in rural America.	Cooperatives Marketing Minority Farmers Rural Coalition Members Small Business Small Farms SuperMarket Project Sustainable Agriculture Trade