It began with a community meeting in Hastings, Nebraska, in August of 2018. Since then the long-standing partnership between Civity and the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) has grown and flourished. This seven-year collaboration is more than just a joint venture; it is a testament to the power of relationship-building at a local level.
CFRA, an advocate for rural Midwest communities for more than 50 years, has taken civity and made it their own, integrating it into the very fabric of their work. CFRA understands the profound impact personal relationships and intentionality have on a community.
The Civity-CFRA partnership emphasizes storytelling – a tool that transcends mere words and becomes a means of creating deep, person-to-person connections. In rural communities, where the bonds of kinship and neighborly ties are important, the power of storytelling is amplified. By sharing personal narratives and lived experiences, individuals break down barriers, challenge preconceived notions, and foster a sense of understanding often lacking in today’s polarized society.
After a recent Civity train-the-trainer session with the CFRA team, Bobbi Jo Howard, CFRA’s Farm and Community Director, said,
Civity provided our team with invaluable insights into the underlying principles behind each activity, enhancing our understanding of the whys and hows of the training. This deeper perspective has prepared us to effectively bring this impactful training into the communities we serve.
The Center for Rural Affairs uses a civity framework to create spaces where community members can gather, share their stories, and grow together – whether at a local farmers market or town hall meeting. This approach has proven build connected communities and empower individuals to see the value in their own experiences and perspectives. This is transformative. When individuals feel connected to their neighbors, they are more likely to engage in civic activities, support local initiatives, and work together to address the challenges facing their communities and beyond.
Howard added,
Partnering with Civity has significantly enriched our approach, equipping us with the tools and knowledge to foster meaningful change and engagement within those communities. We are excited to implement what we’ve learned and continue to build stronger, more inclusive connections.
Seven years on, the ripple effects of the Civity-CFRA partnership extend far beyond Hastings. By fostering connectedness in rural communities throughout Nebraska and into Iowa, the CFRA is contributing to a broader movement of understanding and empathy that has the potential to affect communities across the nation. In a time when division and discord dominate the national conversation, CFRA’s relational work serves as a beacon of hope – and a reminder that true change begins at the community level, where the power of storytelling and person-to-person connection can build bridges that extend far beyond the boundaries of rural America.