Tuesday Aug 18, 2009
Discovering a Rural Renaissance
Our first stop of the day was Richmond Community College where we helped with a local community service event affiliated with President Obama’s United We Serve program. Secretaries Vilsack and Duncan worked alongside volunteers and students to package high-protein meals for children in need. It was a matter of minutes before one of the volunteers struck the gong – signaling that 10,000 meals had been packaged and sending up a loud cheer.
Shortly thereafter we arrived at the rural community forum and were entertained by the music of Hamlet-born jazz great John Coltrane while the Secretaries made their way on stage.
The audience of 600 – one tenth of the community’s population - was excited and after brief introductions, questions poured in. The main topic was the role education plays in revitalizing and rebuilding rural America but it wasn’t long before the local residents presented their own ideas for a 21st century economy. Questions ranged from expanding opportunities of local biomass production to the availability of funding for community colleges with a high-technology focus.
The highlight of the event came when Secretary Vilsack stated “One thing that sets us apart, as a people, is our capacity to innovate.” The crowd affirmed this statement with a loud applause. The pride and determination of the local residents to make Hamlet part of the new economy was so strong it was almost tangible.
With communities like Hamlet, NC leading the way, Secretary Vilsack said it best: There's a rural renaissance about to take place if we just put the resources behind it.
Permalink | Posted at: 02:17PM Aug 18, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA | Add Your Comment Here [0]
Monday Aug 17, 2009
Renewing America’s Promise: USDA Makes Connections In Person, and Online
On the Rural Tour site you will notice a few new features. First, and most important, you are invited to Join the Conversation. We know that communities across the nation are struggling, and we have seen at every stop thus far the spirit and drive individuals have to address these challenges. Whether or not we make it to your town, visit the site and tell your story.
You can easily find upcoming tour dates, and follow the blog for reports from the road. We also included a section to share What’s Working through Recovery Act projects and stories from people across the nation who are making a difference.
Of course, we’re still tweeting from the road and have a new USDA Twitter account that shares the latest news, stories from the blog, events around the Department and we’ll let you know when new photos and videos are available.
On our Facebook page, you can check out news and information regarding our ongoing mission around the U.S. and across the globe, and share your thoughts along the way. Events, the latest blog posts and other information will be posted – stop by and become a fan!
We will be posting more videos from the tour, and invite your own stories as well, that are featured on our YouTube channel. Other sights from tour stops are captured and collected on Flickr.
On YouTube you will find weekly updates, educational videos and public service announcements. Other special features such as the Department’s work in Afghanistan are available on the site. Flickr will provide the best of the best images from all areas of activity within the Department. Print quality photos will be offered on a range of events and topics rom the Rural Tour and People’s Garden to collections representing the work of USDA’s agencies.
The USDA has more than 100,000 employees and 7,000 offices around the world. From forests to food, research to education and everything in between, the USDA touches the lives of every American – and millions of people around the world – every day, in every way. Spend some time checking out the new content and services, learn something new and share your own story.
Permalink | Posted at: 10:02AM Aug 17, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA | Add Your Comment Here [1]
