Representing Rural artwork

Representing Rural

39 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

Representing Rural is a podcast by Arkansas nonprofit, Rural Community Alliance (RCA). Initially, RCA was established in 2003 to fight rural school consolidation. The organization has since grown to advocate for broader rural issues. Vision=just and thriving rural Arkansas.

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Episodes

Champions of Rural Arkansas: Dirk Merle

November 17, 2023 19:52 - 1 hour - 59.6 MB

Dirk Merle was born in Columbus, Ohio, to a military family. He lived much of his life abroad and throughout the USA. Following in his father’s footsteps, he served in the US ARMY in both the 82nd Airborne Division and the 18th Airborne Corps. He has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Arkansas Tech University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute, holding a Welch honors distinction. He studied Financial Management from Cornell Univ...

Champions of Rural Arkansas: Dorothy Singleton

November 10, 2023 18:29 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

Dorothy Singleton is no stranger to rural advocacy. Once serving as the Lead Organizer for Rural Community Alliance, Singleton has always been keen on "lifting as you climb," recognizing the importance of bringing young people into the work to continue the fight for a just and thriving rural Arkansas. Retired, Singleton is continuing to volunteer in her community. Tune in for a rich conversation with one of the founders of Rural Community Alliance

Champions of Rural Arkansas: Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris

November 03, 2023 18:18 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

On this episode, we had an opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris. Take a listen as she shares her journey of coming back home to serve and the pure love and care that she has for her community. Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris has been on the staff at Lee County Cooperative Clinic since 2010. However, her time at LCCC dates back to her childhood. Her father, Dr. L.C. Mitchell, moved his family to Marianna in 1976 to be the Dentist at the Clinic. So, Dr. Farris has stro...

Champions of Rural Arkansas: Andy McCutcheon

October 25, 2023 17:45 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Join us for our new series featuring individuals recognized as Champions of Rural Arkansas this summer by Rural Community Alliance. First up is Andy McCutcheon from St. Joe. Andy McCutcheon is currently a member of the Ozark Mountain School Board, Vice President of the Searcy County Cattlemen’s Association, and the President of St Joe Futures, a non-profit organization founded to promote stability and growth in the St Joe School and community.  Previously, he served as the President of the Se...

Rural Candidates: Mayor Talitha Hardin

September 26, 2022 21:51 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MB

Since 2011, Mayor Talitha Hardin has secured over $1.5 million for infrastructure improvement projects in Leslie. Hardin is currently running for the Mayor of Leslie seat once again to continue building on all she's been able to accomplish for the town that she loves and calls home. Hardin credits the help of former RCA staff and board members, Renee Carr and Lavina Grandon, with helping kickstart the town's revitalization.

2022 Election: Ballot Issues w/Kristin Higgins

September 19, 2022 19:23 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

Kristin Higgins, Program Associate with UA System Division of Agriculture | Cooperative Extension Service, joins us to discuss the 2022 November Election Ballot Issues. Kristin gives a breakdown of each issue and what a vote for or against would mean for Arkansans.  On Nov. 8, 2022, Arkansans have four constitutional amendments to decide in the general election. The Cooperative Extension Service provides voters with neutral, research-based information on all of the statewide ballot proposals....

Rural Candidates: Tyesha Williams

September 12, 2022 22:55 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

Raised in Elaine, Arkansas, Tyesha has returned to her hometown committed to make a difference. Initially contested in the race to become the town's City Clerk, she is now the lone candidate in the race due to her contender not being eligible to run. Williams has plans to bring more transparency to the position and city business. 

Rural Candidates: Rep. Mary Bentley

August 15, 2022 18:38 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

Representative Mary Bentley is serving her fourth term in the Arkansas House. For the 93rd General Assembly, Rep. Bentley serves on the House Public Health, Welfare & Labor Committee, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs Committee, and the Joint Performance Review Committee. She represents District 73 which includes portions of Yell, Pope, Perry, and Conway counties. Winning the primary bid in May, Bentley is set to continuing serving the now District 54. Find m...

Rural Candidates: Rep. David Tollett

August 10, 2022 03:37 - 1 hour - 73.5 MB

Representative David Tollett is a career educator, beginning in a rural district in the early 2000s. He served as the Superintendent for the Barton-Lexa School District for six years overseeing the development of a system for learning and technical opportunities for students in the Arkansas Delta. Though his most recent bid for re-election in May’s primary was not successful, he continues to be an advocate for public education and rural communities throughout the state.

Rural Candidates: Nick Cartwright

June 27, 2022 21:04 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Nick Cartwright is running for Arkansas Senate District 18. Cartwright's career experience includes working as a policy associate for Community Farm Alliance, a rural community organizer, city council member, organizer of the Rose Bud Veterans Memorial, and chair of the Democratic Party for White County. Learn more about Nick and his campaign at cartwrightforarkansas.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickcartwrightforarkansas, Twitter: https://twitter.com/ncartwrightAR

Rural Candidates: Scott Finkbeiner

June 20, 2022 19:52 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MB

Committed to cleaning up the county, Scott Finkbeiner is running for Hot Spring County Sheriff. A retired Union Pacific Engineer, Finkbeiner secured the Republican nomination for Hot Spring County Sheriff during the May 24 primary election. If elected, one of his goals includes rebuilding trust between citizens and the Sheriff department. For more information on Scott's campaign, you can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cleanupourcounty or email him directly at scottfink81@gm...

Rural Candidates: Demetris Johnson Jr.

May 24, 2022 03:33 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

Demetris Johnson Jr. is running for State Representative District 35. At the age of 22, Demetris has accomplished so much and has a vision to do more in and for the Delta. Coming from Earle, Arkansas, Demetris is no stranger to public policy as he's a current city council member for the city. Inspiring and engaging the youth, and connecting rural communities to resources are priority of his platform. Learn more about Demetris' campaign on Facebook at Djohnsonforstaterep

Rural Candidates: Dr. Chris Jones

May 02, 2022 12:00 - 43 minutes - 40.7 MB

Launching his campaign with touring every county in Arkansas, Dr. Chris Jones has a vision of spreading opportunity all over the state. He believes this begins by spreading PB&J across the state—expanding preschool to all families, affordable broadband for every home, and economic development focused on creating high wage jobs. To learn more about Dr. Jones and his campaign, visit https://chrisforgovernor.com/. Check voter registration: https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView To be a g...

Rural Candidates: Ricky Dale Harrington Jr.

April 27, 2022 00:19 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

Pursuing the Libertarian party nomination for Governor, Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. has adopted the state's motto,“Regnat Populus”, as his official campaign slogan: The People Rule. Ricky has prioritized changing the narrative around politics and hopes to make state government easier to understand and participate in for everyday citizens. To learn more about Ricky and his campaign, visit rickyharrington.com. Check voter registration: https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView

Rural Candidates: Doc Washburn

April 11, 2022 18:51 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

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 for Washburn, if elected, include overhauling the state's child welfare system and assuring that veterans have access to all benefits they are entitled to. To learn more abou...

Rural Candidates: Mattie Allison

March 28, 2022 19:22 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

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. 

Rural Candidates: Alan Yarbrough

March 07, 2022 03:43 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MB

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 health services.  For more information, visit www.yarbrough4arkansas.com

Rural Candidates: Series trailer

March 07, 2022 03:42 - 1 minute - 1.43 MB

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 [email protected]

Rural Roots: Shalondra Smith

October 23, 2021 17:23 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MB

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

Rural Roots: Bob King

October 08, 2021 16:45 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

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...

Rural Roots: Coach Johnny Lomack

October 01, 2021 18:40 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MB

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 [email protected] or (870)253-3198.

Rural Roots: Chris Scallion

September 24, 2021 19:23 - 23 minutes - 22 MB

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:[email protected]

Rural Roots: Ebony Broadnax

September 10, 2021 14:38 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MB

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 community. You can find information about Ebony’s business here: instagram.com/mothernectarfarms Arkansas Redistricting information can be found here: arkansasredistricting....

Conversation with Kristin Higgins: Redistricting and Proposed Constitutional Amendments

April 09, 2021 17:11 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

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

Be polite. Be personal. Be personable.

February 08, 2021 23:29 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Williams provides an update on Week 4 of the Arkansas 93rd General Assembly.

2021, we’re here!

January 23, 2021 03:29 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

On this episode, Williams talks about some of the bills and issues that RCA will follow during the 2021 AR Legislative Session. Arkansas Legislature website: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us

Rural Challenges and Post Election 2020

December 31, 2020 22:56 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB

RCA staff Lincoln Barnett and Tanya Broadnax joined to talk about challenges in their regions.

Rural challenges and Post Election 2020-Part 2

December 31, 2020 19:51 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

Part 2 of the sit down with RCA Staff-Matt Grandon and Candy Webb.

The Arkansas Coalition for Community Schools

November 16, 2020 19:30 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MB

Jerri Derlikowski (Forward Arkansas)  joined us to talk about the Arkansas Coalition for Community Schools and how they are moving to support community schools in rural Arkansas. Jerri can be directly contacted at [email protected] 

2020 Election: Arkansas Ballot Issues

October 26, 2020 22:15 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

Kristin Higgins with the Public Policy Center(UA System Division of Agriculture | Cooperative Extension Service) joins us to breakdown the four ballot issues for the 2020 Election. You can find more information about each issue here: uaex.edu/ballot

Supporting entrepreneurship during COVID: Tiffany Henry

October 16, 2020 20:53 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

Tiffany Henry, with the Conductor, joins us to talk about how the Conductor supports entrepreneurship and how they’re creating a collaborative table for policy change.

Leading a rural city during COVID: Mayor Lincoln Barnett

October 16, 2020 20:23 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

Mayor Lincoln Barnett shares his journey as he’s led the city of Hughes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schooling during COVID-19

October 02, 2020 21:30 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

Three RCA Youth Network members join us to give brief perspectives of how COVID-19 has effected them and changed learning delivery. This is Part 1 and we will follow up with them towards the end of this semester to check in and have a conversation.

Dr. Mara Tieken

September 25, 2020 22:16 - 32 minutes - 30.4 MB

With her research focusing on racial and educational equity in rural schools and communities, Dr. Mara Tieken has been a RCA partner for over a decade. On this episode, she gives her perspective on the present education landscape and potential challenges and opportunities ahead.

Brad Cameron- Arkansas Counts: 2020 Census

September 18, 2020 19:20 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

On the fourth episode, Brad Cameron joins us to talk about the importance of Arkansans being counted in the 2020 Census.

Lisa Hicks-Gilbert, Descendants of the Elaine Massacre of 1919

September 11, 2020 22:43 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Lisa Hicks-Gilbert, a direct descendant of the 1919 Elaine Massacre candidly shares how she learned about it and work that she is currently doing to make sure that this story is never buried again.

Who we are....

September 04, 2020 22:20 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Join Rural Community Alliance staff as we give an overview of our current work.

Superintendent Henry Anderson

August 21, 2020 22:08 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

On the first episode of Representing Rural, we have a conversation with Superintendent Henry Anderson of the Marvell-Elaine School District. He answers questions about how he and his district have prepared for the upcoming school year and public education during a pandemic.

Introduction to the Representing Rural podcast

August 17, 2020 23:02 - 1 minute - 1.41 MB

In this introductory episode, Candace Williams gives an overview of the podcast.

Twitter Mentions

@ncartwrightar 1 Episode