Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
100 Rural Women Podcast Episode 11
Rural Stories
Voting & Civic Engagement
Podcast - Featuring Dr. Delaine Anderson
🎙️ Welcome to 100 Rural Women and Their Stories — Episode #11
In this inspiring episode, Delaine Anderson shares her journey from Southern California to becoming a rural family medicine physician. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of community, resilience, and self-care. Delaine offers thoughtful insights on rural health, mentorship, and the power of meaningful connections, reminding us that investing in our communities and in ourselves can create lasting, positive change.
✨ Throughout the conversation, she reflects on choosing joy, embracing challenges, and finding purpose through service. Delaine reminds us that meaningful change starts with showing up, building relationships, and investing in the people around us.
Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you at teresa@100ruralwomen.org.
New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🎧 Tune in and be inspired
Morning Connections
Thursdays@8:30 a.m. CT
Morning Connections is an informal meeting series that consist of light conversation over zoom. If you’re looking for a space to take time for yourself to just connect with others, we invite you to join us. Bring beverages, children, breakfast, pets, or work – the goal is to connect informally with other women and a host who will facilitate. We look forward to networking with you!
Hope to see you on ZOOM Thursday mornings @8:30-9:00a.m.CT
Rural Stories
Flim By 515 Productions
Why Rural Stories Matter More Than Ever
A Conversation with Filmmaker Lynn Melling
By Jacques Hebert
Just like large cities and suburbs, small towns are full of complexities, opportunities and challenges. In Greater Minnesota, rural communities are economic engines that play a critical role in the overall health of our state. Right now, many rural residents are facing a mix of compounding pressures on farmers, immigrants, small businesses, and housing.
In the City of Melrose in rural Stearns County, a strong network of pragmatic people help the town not only survive, but thrive. As we observe the 40th anniversary of the Minnesota Initiative Foundations—organizations that were created from listening to needs and ideas of people across the state—we are sharing stories highlighting the voices and perspectives of people from Greater Minnesota in a number of ways, including through the short film Great(er) Minnesota focused on Melrose.
Jacques Hebert sat down with filmmaker Lynn Melling at 515 Productions to talk about the project and the importance of telling rural stories.
Civic Engagement
Early Voting Begins in Minnesota this Friday for the August 11th Primary
MN US Senate DFL Debate
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig went head-to-head in their first televised debate last Friday night.
Both DFL candidates are running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tina Smith.
Listening Sessions
Land of Neighbors will create space for Minnesotans to speak honestly about what matters to them, listen to others and explore what action might look like together. Where this goes next is rooted in that feedback and guidance.
The Neighbors Team is a group of four organizations: Civic Bridgers, Braver Angels, Common Ground USA and Media Minefield. These groups have come together to facilitate conversations and give Minnesotans space to speak honestly about what matters to them, listen to others and explore what action might look like together.
Elected Officials
Let your voice be heard—Share your experiences and suggestions with MN elected officials! Your voice can guide them to make better informed decisions to represent all of their constituents and create stronger communities that thrive for everyone!
Civic Engagement Resources:
100 Rural Women creates connections and inspires leadership. We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation and the world. We are committed to building leadership through networks, mentorship, education, and civic engagement. Our 501(c) 3 non-profit organization is non-partisan.