Mark your calendars: Friday, October 31, 2025—that’s when the Rural Democracy Summit 2025: Toward a Positive Rural Vision takes place at the University of Minnesota Morris.
This half-day gathering invites community members, local leaders, and changemakers from across west central Minnesota and beyond to come together for conversation, connection, and action. Think of it as a space to swap stories, wrestle with tough challenges, and spark new ideas for a hopeful rural future.
To offer a deeper look at the purpose of the summit and the outcomes we hope to see, we asked our Director of Civic Partnerships, Ben Schierer, to share his perspective.
What makes this summit especially relevant for people in our region right now?
I think most people, no matter their political affiliation or backg