New England in the fall
The Radically Rural Summit in Keene, New Hampshire, broadened my perspective about small towns and put me in proximity to some excellent journalists.
This week, my sister and I attended the Radically Rural Summit held in Keene, New Hampshire, population around 23,000. When I told friends and colleagues about the trip, many expressed surprise. What’s in New Hampshire besides the famed presidential primary and fall foliage? Turns out, plenty.
I participated in the journalism track at the summit, met some fantastic people in Keene and from around the country who are doing great journalism and learned strategies that will help propel Black Iowa News forward.
Sitting in the sessions, we listened to people speak passionately about reimagining rural, and I had an aha moment. When people discuss rural areas, it is often rural vs. urban. Or urban vs. suburban. Or, people talk about small towns in a way that implies that people who live in urban areas lack values and goodness — and urban neighborhoods lack uniqueness, which is not the case.
But the forward thinkers at Radically Rural championed small towns — and also inclusivity — which is forward thinking and fresh. And, the beauty of Keene underscored it.
So, shout out Keene, New Hampshire, and the organizers of Radically Rural, the Keene Sentinel and the Knight Foundation! Thanks for an inspiring summit.❤️ #radicallyrural2023
Keene, New Hampshire — Radically Rural Summit 2023
IOWA WRITERS’ COLLABORATIVE
Have you explored the variety of writers we have in the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative? They are from around the state and contribute commentary and feature stories of interest to those who care about Iowa.
Ahh! New England in the Autumn! I’m glad Black Iowa News found new and informative ways of reaching smaller communities, since Iowa is primarily populated by them. It will be so important to get that perspective as we head into the 2024 electoral year. I have found more liberal towns in Eastern Iowa. Perhaps you may find stringers for smaller community coverage.
I would like to more about small towns. I work in two small Iowa towns and I love the community spirit even in the midst of despair.