A Community-Driven Approach to Rural Innovation
At AscendRural, we believe that lasting change in rural America doesn't come from top-down mandates or outside solutions imposed on a community. It comes from within. It's rooted in the lived experiences, the deep understanding, and the unwavering commitment of the people who call these communities home. That's why our approach is fundamentally community-driven.
We start by listening. We immerse ourselves in the local context, engaging with residents, community leaders, and local organizations to understand the real needs and aspirations of the people we serve.
Prioritizing Community Engagement:
We prioritize building trust and fostering open communication. Community engagement informs every step of our projects, from identifying challenges to developing solutions that improve the well-being of rural residents. We ensure that our work reflects the authentic needs and priorities of the people we serve. By focusing on a community-centric approach, we hope to foster a sense of ownership and ensure that our projects are sustainable and truly impactful.
Connecting Communities with Resources:
Once we understand the community's needs, we connect them with potential products and services to test for feedback. Examples include partnering with technology companies to implement and pilot new approaches for solving problems. Our role is to facilitate these connections, creating powerful collaborations that drive meaningful change.
AscendRural aims to be known for our ability to bring together and activate key stakeholders to improve rural well-being:
Community Members: The heart and soul of our work. We prioritize their voices and ensure their needs are at the center of everything we do.
National Experts: We connect communities with leading experts in various fields, providing access to knowledge and best practices.
Cutting-Edge Technology: We leverage technology as a tool for innovation, connecting communities with the resources and solutions to unlock new solutions.
We're the bridge between these vital components, connecting the dots to solve local issues with innovative solutions. We believe that by fostering collaboration and empowering communities, we can improve the well-being of rural America.