This resource does not include specific activities or lesson plans, but emphasizes the importance of building relationships with your audiences. This is a solid list of tips to keep in mind when working with rural audiences. This might be particularly helpful if you don’t come from a rural background or are new to the community.

Just as with any new community, it is important to take time to understand the audience (see the Guidelines for Excellence In Community Engagement!). Rural communities are typically tight knit, so your best educational resources are often the people who live there. In my experience, mainstream EE can feel a little out of place in rural communities, even though we share many values and goals. Taking time to build trust and rely on local knowledge and relationships can be key to success.

General Tips for Working in Rural Areas