To achieve equitable rural prosperity, we need ways of thinking and acting that are powerful enough to move communities to action, build shared purpose across regions, and change the status quo. The Thrive Rural Framework weaves together current rural innovation and tested approaches for a wide range of issues integral to achieving equitable rural prosperity that is both sustainable and durable. It’s built on Aspen CSG’s decades of work in regional and rural development, community development philanthropy, and whole family prosperity efforts.
The framework is directly informed by rural practitioners and researchers. We worked with advisory committees, numerous local and regional organizations, national networks, and research partners for several years to formulate the Thrive Rural Framework. Critically, the Thrive Rural Framework confronts and seeks to address the unique types of rural structural discrimination people in rural communities and Native nations face. Discrimination based on place (size or location of the community), race (racial, immigrant, or cultural identity), and class (wealth or income) vary from place to place, but they affect every aspect of life — from who is included in decision-making groups, to the design of policies and regulations. The Thrive Rural Framework is designed to help community leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and other rural prosperity champions to take stock, target action, and gauge
