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Strengthening Rural America: Building Democratic Infrastructure for the Future

Project 2025 came into full view just prior to the 2024 presidential election, but in rural America, we had already seen it coming. It had been shaping our political landscape for decades. In hindsight, we can see clearly, at least from Trump’s first presidency, that the wheels were in motion: stacking the courts, undermining confidence in every institution with outrageous lies, and the use of lawfare. Trained by the despicable Roy Cohn, Trump soon surpassed his master in his ability to distort and destroy for personal gain.



In rural America, this was not theoretical. We lived it. We do not have the same luxury as many deep blue urban areas. We were introduced to MAGA a long time ago. We watched this insidious ideology take over our school boards, city councils, sheriff’s offices, auditors, and every other elected position. We saw policy changes that reflected a twisted view of the world that seemingly benefited no one, but followed an ideology based on hate and division as its only end.

Sadly, the national Democratic Party does not have a plan of sufficient measure to counter this, and even when given a chance to act, it is more likely to acquiesce. The national Democratic Party also struggles to finish what it starts: voter integrity, equal rights, a woman’s right to choose, and more. All of these could have been reified into law many times over, yet they never were. After researching the Democratic Party’s “Project 2028,” I see that this is still true. There is no plan to save and stabilize our constitutional system. It is a standard platform of better wages, treating people better, and taxing the rich. We need something far stronger. We have seen how easily our nation can be broken, and this cannot happen again. Real changes must be rock solid and impermeable to MAGA rot, or whatever unanticipated ill comes along.


We need something stronger than a party platform. We need a plan to move from values to enforceable structures.


We now find ourselves approaching the most pivotal election in this country’s history, the 2028 presidential election, and there is no plan beyond joining another No Kings rally. The turnout makes it clear the energy is there, but where is the leadership? Where is the plan?



What happens if Democratic values prevail? Will the national Democratic Party correct its errors and make lasting, immutable change, or continue the status quo?


It is time to write our own Project 2028 for rural America. I encourage you to participate. Over the next several months, Rural Americans United will forge a Project 2028 with your help, starting now. It will be a manifesto written by all of us, specific, bullet pointed, and directive. It will not have the same level of detail as Project 2025 written by the Heritage Foundation, but it will be a roadmap we can hang on the wall to give us focus every day.


To start, I would like to articulate some pillars to give structure to your contributions: National Security, Protecting the Constitution, Economic Security, and our Future.


National Security begins with the strength of our people. The citizens of this country are everything. A healthy, educated, and informed population, strong families, and a unified labor force form the foundation of a secure nation. It also requires accountable institutions, including a well managed military and a system that can address threats, both foreign and domestic, while maintaining a reliable information environment.


Protecting the Constitution requires more than belief in its principles. It requires enforceable structures that ensure those principles hold. Without clear limits on power, meaningful oversight, and accountability, constitutional protections weaken and lose their ability to serve the people.


Economic Security requires a stable and disciplined foundation. This includes managing the national debt, ensuring a fair and enforced tax structure, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and investing in education and infrastructure so communities remain strong and viable.


Our Future must be based in science and reality. Healthcare, family support, climate action, and next generation energy will determine whether this country moves forward with opportunity or faces long term decline. A nation that invests in its people builds a future that is resilient and enduring.


If a value cannot be enforced, it does not hold. This work is about turning values into structures that do.


Click: Take the Rural America's Project 2028 Priorities Survey

15 Billboards! On our way to 30!

Your donation to Rural Americans United Education Foundation 501(c)(3) is tax deductible.

Make Rural Voices Count Update


Fifteen billboards have already been contracted, and the work is moving forward.

Our first billboard design workshop was a success, with strong community participation shaping authentic messaging. We are building on that momentum through one on one outreach led by Advisory Board member Odalys Gonzalez, youth engagement led by Ivy Murumbei, and partnerships with local artists.


On May 4th, sixty community members will take part in our first “Can We Talk” workshop to help refine messaging grounded in real experience.


This work is deliberate and community driven, and it takes resources to do it right.

With your support, we can expand placements and ensure rural voices are seen and heard across Washington.

Amy Forest, candidate for Legislative District 15 Representative, and Zeke Morfin, candidate for Legislative District 14 Representative, joined our first community billboard design workshop in Sunnyside, Washington. Ideas were flowing, and some may soon appear on a billboard near you if you live in rural Washington.

We need you


Make Rural Voices Count is a statewide effort, and we need people ready to step in and help move this work forward:


  • Community spokespersons and local ambassadors

  • Thank you note writers to donors

  • Technical assistance

  • Project leads and volunteers

  • Planning and strategy

  • General administration

  • Digital marketing

  • Fundraising

  • Community outreach and stakeholder engagement

  • Advisory Board members

  • Anything else you want to contribute



WAFOOD Survey:


Your voice matters. The WAFOOD survey, led by the University of Washington and Washington State University, helps decide how food access and economic support are delivered across Washington. Take a few minutes to make sure your community is seen, heard, and prioritized.


https://redcap.link/WAFOOD6

May Day, 2026


May Day with Elle Adelante is a Latina led organization focused on building community power and Rural Americans United is a proud sponsor of this day of celebration and empowerment.

Mujeres Poderosas


Mother’s Day with La Oficina, a Latina led organization, and Executive Director Bertha Alicia Garza, who also serves on the Advisory Board of Rural Americans United, is an evening created for women to simply be themselves. As shared with Rural Americans United, this is a space to set aside titles, mother, wife, daughter, girlfriend, and just be women. It is an empowering event, co sponsored by Rural Americans United.

Washington Women's Foundation


hosted a meet and greet for potential grantee organizations. Rural Americans United was humbled to be invited to this event. Washington Women's

May Day, Yakima


Between the Ridges hosts a May Day march and celebration for civil liberties, protection of the constitution and community. Rural Americans United is an alliance partner of Between the Ridges. Join us!

Can We Talk?


Rural Americans United is proud to be the sole sponsor of “Can We Talk.” This facilitated communications workshop is a key part of our messaging strategy for the Make Rural Voices Count project, bringing forward authentic voices from our communities. Through stronger, more effective communication, we build real community power. By elevating those voices, we advance racial and social justice across rural Washington.



 
 
 

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