Global Rural Challenges Round Table Discussions
In an effort to create a mutually beneficial, applied learning opportunity for Quad participants and members of the rural development community in Vermont, we will hold discussion round tables centered on specific questions. In addition to providing generous financial support, our rural development sponsors have submitted questions related to challenges they face in their work. Rural Quad participants will be assigned one question to consider prior to arrival at the meeting. During the meeting the participants will work in teams to prepare responses to the question. On Thursday afternoon, July 18, we will gather at Middlebury College with representatives from the sponsoring organizations to hold round table discussions of each question. The goal is to promote engaged and collaborative interaction from international perspectives on global challenges present in rural communities.
Question 1:
Lessons from rural community development: can a town grow socially, culturally, and economically in an ecologically sustainable fashion without gentrification?
TEAM 1: Valentine Cadieux, Alison Caffyn, Sara Epp, Ryan Gibson, Nathalie Gravel, Keith Halfacree, Maria Kennedy, Peter Nelson, Kristin Smith, Tony Sorenson, Laura Taylor
Question 2:
Are new technologies such as Lyft, Uber, and AVs impacting how older adults meet their transportation needs in rural areas? Are there other models for addressing transportation needs for older adults in rural areas?
TEAM 2: Ryan Bergstrom, Lisa Harrington, Christy Jean, Felipe da Silva Machado, Aimee Morse, Andrew MacLaren, Karin Patzke, Martin Phillips, Doug Ramsey, Guy Robinson
Question 3: What are the best model immigration policies and engagement strategies to attract and help optimally settle international immigrants in rural areas?
TEAM 3: Nik Luka, Cheryl Morse, Avantika Ramekar, Bruce Scholten, Darren Smith, John Smithers, Aileen Stockdale, Levi Van Sant, , Bill Wetherholt, Jeffrey Widener, Michael Woods
Our Higher Education Sponsors
The Rural Quadrennial has also received generous financial and in-kind support from the higher education institutes and departments listed below.
Geography Department, Middlebury College
International and Global Studies, Middlebury College
Food Studies, Middlebury College
Environmental Studies, Middlebury College
