Center for Rural Affairs

Our Mission

Establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities. 

Our Values

Since its inception, the Center has resisted the role of advocating for the interests of any particular group. Instead, we have chosen to advance a set of values - values that reflect the best of Rural America. Ultimately, we believe it is in the interest of all to create a future reflecting those values.

We value:

RESPONSIBILITY placed upon each of us to contribute to our community and society. 

CONSCIENCE that balances self-interest with an obligation to the common good and future generations. 

PROGRESS that strengthens rural communities, small businesses, and family farms and ranches. 

Genuine OPPORTUNITY for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place. 

Citizen INVOLVEMENT and ACTION to shape the future. 

Widespread OWNERSHIP and CONTROL of small businesses, farms, and ranches by those who work them.

FAIRNESS that allows all who contribute to the nation's prosperity to share in it.

STEWARDSHIP of the natural environment upon which all of us - current and future generations - rely. 

We live in an era of profound change - when institutions, policy, and life are being fundamentally reshaped. It is a critical time for people of conscience to work together in guiding change to reflect our highest values.

Donate now to show your solidarity with rural America.