Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
100 Rural Women Podcast Episode 12
Summer Conferences
Aging Survey
Civic Engagement
Independence Day
Podcast - Featuring Kris Shelstad
🎙️ Welcome to 100 Rural Women and Their Stories — Episode #12
In this episode, discover how Kris Shelstad is transforming her hometown through Madison Mercantile—a vibrant community gathering space where art, hospitality, and connection come together. Kris shares how she builds meaningful relationships in rural communities by understanding local dynamics, creating welcoming spaces, and bringing people together.
✨ She also reflects on her inspiring journey from military service to grassroots community leadership, offering insights into both the rewards and challenges of strengthening rural communities.
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
Upcoming Conferences
Rural Assembly Everywhere, annual virtual gathering, is back July 23rd with a compelling lineup of rural authors, leaders, musicians, and artists.
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.
Thirty communities will host gatherings locally; stay tuned to hear if there’s an Everywhere gathering in your area.
Join hundreds of ambitious, high-achieving businesswomen across industries for WomenRising 2026—a dynamic half-day virtual conference designed to empower, elevate, and ignite the next chapter of your leadership journey.
Whether you’re aiming for the next promotion, navigating complex leadership dynamics, or simply seeking renewed purpose, this is your moment to rise.
July 13, 2026, 12 pm - 3 pm Central | Live Virtual Event
Aging Survey
2026 Minnesota Comprehensive Aging Survey
If you are 60 or older and live in Minnesota, we want to hear from you. The Minnesota Comprehensive Aging Survey asks older adults about their daily lives and needs. Your answers will help improve services statewide. The survey is run by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Board on Aging, with help from Vital Research, an independent research company.
Take the survey online at http://vtlr.us/cas26
Call toll‑free (833) 508‑6398 or email cas@vitalresearch.com to take the survey by mail or phone.
Spanish Language Option / Opción en español:
Para solicitar información sobre esta encuesta en español, por favor llame al (833) 508-6398 o envíe un correo electrónico a cas@vitalresearch.com.
Visit to learn more: https://mn.gov/dhs/aging-survey
Civic Engagement
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:
In the last Issue:
Check out: Our Civic Resources Page LINK
Happy Independence Day!
As we gather with family and friends this Fourth of July, may we take a moment to reflect on the values that unite us: service, kindness, freedom, and the shared responsibility of building stronger communities for future generations.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we’re grateful for the women who lead with courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to their communities.
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.