About Us
Our Vision
Rural Community Alliance members have a vision for just and thriving rural communities that offer access to an excellent education, economic opportunity, and rewarding quality of life to all residents.
Our Mission
The mission of Rural Community Alliance is to empower rural communities to effect change by creating opportunities in education, economic development, and youth empowerment to improve quality of life and place.
Our Theory of Change
RCA members believe change happens through informed and organized residents defining the change they want, building collective power, and taking action to improve their lives. We work to bring about change in communities with a process that starts with assessment and visioning, then strategic planning and implementation–all led and controlled by the grassroots. RCA staff supports community members with information, resources, and training.
AROUND ARKANSAS
OUR CHAPTERS
Rural Community Alliance’s 46 chapters are found in every region of the state. Each chapter works on local initiatives to revitalize its community, support its public school, collaborate within its region, and support RCA’s statewide policy work.
Alpena
Altheimer-Dollarway
Arkansas City
Bradley
Bruno-Pyatt
Carlisle
Deer
Delight
Dermott
Des Arc
Diamond City
Doddridge
Earle
Elaine
Eudora
Fairfield Bay
Flippin
Fouke
Hughes
Jasper
Kirby
Lafayette County
Lead Hill
Leslie
Marianna
Marshall
McNeil
Montrose
Mt. Judea
Murfreesboro
Norfork
Paron
Perry County
Poyen
Romance/Floyd
Rose Bud
Rural Special
Shirley
Stephens
St. Joe
Timbo
Valley Springs
Waldo
Western Grove
Wilmot
Witts Springs
Annual Reports
We work through our 46 chapters in rural communities throughout Arkansas to share resources, information, and strategies, and we collectively advocate for policies that benefit low-income families, children, and communities. Our members decide on the issues and concerns they address at the local level as well as state-wide and national issues that we support. Each year, we produce an annual report that shows our progress on chosen issues.
Rural Community Alliance
History & Accomplishments
2022 Highlights
RCA held the first in-person Rural Pitch Competition during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The competition took place virtually in 2020 and 2021.
2021 Highlights
RCA launched two key programs: Afterschool Initiative and Cybersecurity training program.
2020 Highlights
The Representing Rural podcast was launched in August 2020. RCA held its first Rural Pitch Competition in November 2020.
2019 Highlights
The inaugural RCA Youth Day at the Capitol was held in February. Over 250 youth from five rural school districts traveled to Little Rock for a policy and engagement learning
2018 Highlights
The Parent Mentor Program was launched in Eudora. The initial group of six parents/grandparents were placed in Eudora Elementary in February 2018. Originating in Chicago by the Logan Square Neighborhood
