The approach of the Rural Futures Lab encompasses core principles around equity,
diversity, collaboration, and sustainability that will ensure rural people and places
can be full partners in the stewardship and development of rural-based resources.
One of the perspectives the Lab will be using to assess the potential of the economic
drivers is what we are calling “social equity.” This is a term with many possible
interpretations, but one which comes closest to the Lab’s principles has been framed
by Ecotrust’s Reliable Prosperity initiative (www.reliableprosperity.net):
“Social equity implies fair access to livelihood, education, and resources; full
participation in the political and cultural life of the community; and self-determination
in meeting fundamental needs…Inequities magnify the challenge of creating reliable
prosperity in several ways. Those who are marginalized may be tempted to eat into
reserves of nature and society to meet immediate needs, while those with abundant
choices may seek conspicuous forms of consumption which – unintentionally – have
the same depleting effect. Current toxic production activities are extremely unjust,
with increased health impacts along racial and class lines…Social equity leaves
plenty of room for individuals, households, and communities to seek the mix of economic,
social, and ecological assets that best reflects their values. It critically depends
on diverse local economies that provide a wide range of work options for those of
all ages and skills.”
OUR WORK
RUPRI Rural Futures Lab Foundation Paper No. 3, July 2011
By: Tom Seekins, Craig Ravesloot, Bethany Rigles, Alexandra Enders, Nancy Arnold,
Catherine Ipsen, Tracy Boehm, and Charles Asp (RTC:Rural, Rural Institute, University
of Montana)
This Foundation Paper addresses the issue of social equity through the lens of disability
in rural America. It concludes that people with disabilities – children, youth,
adults, elderly, or veterans – are a big part of rural America’s future. Not only
can they benefit from investments in community infrastructure, they can also contribute
to community development. People with disabilities can help build rural communities
of the future. Overall, to see these new realities emerge in the future of rural
America, people with disabilities need a seat at the table, and their concerns need
to be integrated into the broader agenda. Reciprocity suggests, however, that other
sectors receive benefits from expanding the circle of engagement.