Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
100 Rural Women Podcast Episode 16
Voting Plan & Ballot Builder
Rural Democracy Summit
Podcast - Featuring Fallon Ryan
🎙️ Welcome to 100 Rural Women and Their Stories — Episode #16
In this episode of 100 Rural Women and Their Stories, Fallon Ryan shares her unexpected journey from working in local food systems in rural Minnesota to becoming a bankruptcy attorney in Vermont. Fallon reflects on the women who inspired her, her love for rural communities, and why meeting the needs of her community has always mattered more than following a conventional career path.
✨ Her story is a reminder that meaningful work is often shaped by curiosity, service, and the courage to embrace unexpected opportunities.
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
Civic Engagement
State Profile Minnesota
The next statewide election in Minnesota is the Minnesota Primary Election on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
More than 2,557 positions are up for election ranging from federal positions such as U.S. Senate - Minnesota to state offices like Minnesota District Court Judge - District 4, Seat 54. Following this election, the Minnesota General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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:
Fall Summit
The conversation around rural democracy continues. Join in on October 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for the Rural Democracy Summit 2026: Our Past, Our Place, Our Moment at the Armory Event Center in Moorhead.
Be part of the conversation as community members, leaders, and changemakers come together to explore the future of rural democracy. Through thoughtful discussions and collaboration, we’ll share ideas, strengthen connections, and discover ways to build resilient, thriving communities.
This event includes three panel discussions, featuring:
Tonya Allen, place-based leader and President of the McKnight Foundation.
Jon Lauck, author, lawyer, professor, and Editor-In-Chief of Middle West Review.
Lori Sturdevant, author, Minnesota historian, and retired Minnesota Star Tribune political columnist.
Heidi Heitkamp, former United States Senator and founder of One Country Project.
Nicholas Jacobs, professor and author of The Rural Voter.
Joel Heitkamp, KFGO talk radio host and former North Dakota State Senator.
Chris Vondracek, writer, teacher, and correspondent at the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Kevin Lindsey, change-maker and CEO of Minnesota Humanities Center.
Anna Wasescha, catalyst, connector, and President of West Central Initiative.
Tane Danger, as moderator, co-creator and host of The Theater of Public Policy.
Leave with new ideas, valuable connections, and practical ways to get involved in your community. Whether you’re an elected official, nonprofit leader, volunteer, or simply care about the future of rural Minnesota, you’ll find inspiration and opportunities to make a difference.
Lunch is provided. This event is free and open to all, and spots are limited!
RSVP by Monday, September 28 to save your spot!
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.