ABOUT US

For 45 years, we have served as a voice of African-American, American Indian, Asian-American, Euro-American and Latino farmers, farmworkers, and rural communities in the US, as well as indigenous and campesino groups in Mexico and beyond.

Photo of our board members during our 2023 Winter Forum in Washington, D.C.

In 1978, Rural Coalition’s charter members joined together on national policies affecting rural people and communities.

The following are the guiding principles upon which they, and all Rural Coalition Members to this day, subscribe to:

  • Justice and equal opportunity are the right of all people regardless of race, gender, or place of residence.

  • All rural people are entitled to the goods and services essential to a decent quality of life, including education, health and employment services, housing, and basic community facilities. They are also entitled to democratic community institutions dedicated to serving their interests.

  • The long-term viability of rural communities rests on effective control and use of resources by the people living in rural areas, including family members, local business people and working people of all walks of life.

  • Community-based organizations are instrumental in the development of rural communities. Public policy should encourage their growth and strength.

  • The federal government has responsibility to ensure the rights of all citizens and to help secure the fulfillment of these rights.

Consistent with its commitment to these guiding principles, RC continues work toward two long-range goals:

  1. The development and implementation of progressive policies responsive to rural needs.

  2. The development of the capacities of rural organizations and people to work effectively for and to sustain institutional and systemic change.

Our Roots

Our Purpose

Our Vision & Values

Our Mission

Born of the civil rights and anti-poverty rural movements, Rural Coalition has worked to assure that diverse organizations from all regions, ethnic and racial groups and genders have the opportunity to work in solidarity on the issues that affect us all. The foundation of this work is strong local, regional, and national organizations that work to assure the representation and involvement of every sector of this diverse fabric of rural peoples.

We strive to improve the condition of the rural poor, the rural underprivileged and rural victims of discrimination, and develop and disseminate knowledge among diverse groups and persons of the needs of rural areas.

We work together toward a new society that values Unity, Hope, People, and the Land.

Together, we seek just and sustainable food systems that bring fair returns to our diverse small farmers and ranchers, tribal and other small communities; fair working conditions and dignity for farmworkers and food chain workers; protection of mother earth now and for our children’s children; safe, adequate and healthy food for all, especially the elders, youth, and most vulnerable of us

Together, we endeavor to build an equitable and sustainable food system that is beneficial to people of color, small farmers, rural and tribal communities; and to protect the environment and enhance our communities by fighting for legislation that ensures that we all — everyone, everywhere — are guaranteed healthy food, safe housing and working conditions, and access to healthcare among other services needed for community well-being.

What We Do

Do you want to join our Coalition?

As a coalition, all our work is collaborative and community-based. If your organization is aligned with our ethos, please consider joining our coalition and participating in our work.