Rural Community Alliance

Rural Candidates: Doc Washburn

The Rural Candidates series has taken a turn to interview a gubernatorial candidate, Doc Washburn. Washburn was host of a local talk radio show in Little Rock for over seven years. He now does a national podcast with listeners in all 50 states. He is running for the Republican nomination for Governor. Two priority areas […]

Rural Candidates: Mattie Allison

Longtime community advocate, Mattie Allison, is throwing her hat in the ring for Mayor of Marianna. Allison, a retired educator, has worked diligently over the years for her community and all of Lee County. With decades of public service experience, Allison feels now is her time to lead her town into the future. Listen to […]

Rural Candidates: Alan Yarbrough

Alan Yarbrough, retiring Searcy County School District Superintendent, is running for the newly-drawn Arkansas House of Representatives District 27. The district includes Baxter, Izard, Newton, Searcy, and Stone counties. A 30+ years rural, public educator, Yarbrough’s vision includes improving educational and career training opportunities for students, and creating easier access to quality healthcare and mental […]

Rural Candidates: Series trailer

In this new series, we’ll talk with rural candidates from across the state of Arkansas. Whether they’re running for school board or State Senator, we want to hear from them. If you’re a rural candidate or know of someone running, please contact us at rca@thenewrural.org Listen to Podcast

Rural Roots: Shalondra Smith

With a passion to cultivate leaders, Shalondra Smith tells us about the love she has for Hughes and the importance of raising strong, young leaders. Arkansas Board of Apportionment: https://arkansasredistricting.org Listen to Podcast

Rural Roots: Bob King

From Marshall, Bob King joins us to share life in Searcy County. With a true vision of building a rural Arkansas that we’d all be proud to call home, Bob speaks on the importance of strengthening rural infrastructure and capacity. Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloRiverHistoricJailandMuseum/ Arkansas Legislature: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us. RCA Rural Pitch Competition: https://tinyurl.com/RCAPitch2021 […]

Rural Roots: Coach Johnny Lomack

We’re joined by Coach Johnny Lomack from Elaine for this Rural Roots episode. Coach Lomack moved back home in 2019 and has since started an AAU team in his hometown. To learn more about the Delta Kings and Queens, follow them on Facebook at DELTA KINGS. Coach Lomack can be contacted at coachlomack@gmail.com or (870)253-3198. […]

Rural Roots: Chris Scallion

We’re joined by Chris Scallion from Paron for the second episode of our Rural Roots series. Take a listen as Chris describes life growing up in rural Arkansas and his aspirations for the future of the place he calls home. Signup for RCA emails at:rca@thenewrural.org Listen to Podcast

Rural Roots: Ebony Broadnax

We’re kicking off our Fall 2021 season with a series titled Rural Roots. We’re talking to individuals residing in or from communities that RCA works with and alongside. On the first episode, we have Ebony Broadnax from Dermott, Arkansas. Ebony is a health and wellness specialist who moved back home to help create a better […]

Conversation with Kristin Higgins: Redistricting and Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Kristin Higgins (UADA-AR Public Policy Center) joins us to discuss proposed constitutional amendments and redistricting. Subscribe to the AR Public Policy Center monthly newsletter on ballot issues: https://tinyurl.com/4dvpchbj uaex.uada.edu/ballot uaex.uada.edu/ppc https://www.uaex.edu/business-communities/public-policy-center/arkansas-redistricting.aspx Listen to Podcast