Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
100 Rural Women Podcast Episode 8
Rural Assembly Everywhere
Civic Engagement - Voting and Funding
Podcast - Featuring Charity Anderson &
Staci Gilpin
🎙️ Welcome to 100 Rural Women and Their Stories — Episode #8
In this episode, host Teresa Kittridge engages in a deep conversation with Staci Gilpin and Charity Anderson about the importance of empowering rural women and the work being done through their organization, Rural Pathways. They discuss personal influences, the realities of rural communities, and the significance of care infrastructure in supporting women’s leadership. The conversation highlights the need for women to embrace their roots, take risks, and prioritize happiness while navigating their professional paths.
🎧 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!
Rural Assembly Everywhere, the national virtual broadcast from Rural Assembly, will go live on July 23, 2026. This free virtual gathering welcomes rural leaders, community members, advocates, and allies. It is a space to imagine new ways of expanding opportunity, share resources, and build a more connected, thriving rural America. The broadcast will feature conversations with leading voices in rural life and culture, along with spotlights on inspiring communities across the country. Throughout the event, you’ll be able to participate in a live chat—connecting with neighbors, friends, and fellow community members in real time as the conversations unfold.
Webinar
Webinar: “Voting Rights 2026: Navigating the Policy Landscape” on June 9 at 2pm ET, speakers will share insights into the recent Callais case, its impact on redistricting and voter representation, and short- and long-term strategies for nonprofits gearing up to engage their communities this fall.
Attendees will hear from:
Michael Li, Senior Counsel, Democracy at Brennan Center for Justice
Adrienne Kelly, Executive Director of Democracy North Carolina
Brian Miller, Executive Director of Nonprofit VOTE
Most importantly, you’ll receive clear, considered recommendations about what nonprofits should be doing right now ahead of elections just months away—including tips on voter education, registration, and activation, as well as opportunities to plug into election protection efforts.
Civic Funding
Minnesota Civic Resilience Fund – Open for Applications!
In an effort to protect democratic participation and bolster community voice, applications have opened for the Minnesota Civic Resilience Fund. Housed at MCF, this one-time, pooled fund is dedicated to strengthening long-term civic infrastructure and supporting nonpartisan voter engagement across the state.
The fund will provide a total of $300,000 in grant funding, awarding $25,000 grants to 12 selected organizations.
Purpose and Priorities
The Minnesota Civic Resilience Fund aims to strengthen voter participation and civic confidence, particularly ahead of the 2026 election. The fund will support strategies that:
Build Civic Capacity: Expand nonpartisan voter engagement activities and build community power.
Promote High Turnout: Share accurate, nonpartisan information with voters statewide.
Defend Voting Rights: Support sustained election preparedness, protect election rules and infrastructure, and ensure election officials can administer voting safely and fairly.
How to Apply
The application process will close on June 22, 2026.
Funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or fiscally sponsored nonprofit organizations) conducting nonpartisan voter education, community organizing, legal advocacy, or efforts to counter disinformation.
Elected Officials
Let your voice be heard—Share your experiences and suggestions with 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.