Lessons learned from rural partnerships

Discover unique qualities

Success in rural communities requires local, culturally aware approaches, patience, and adapting to capacity and partnership realities rather than relying on one-size-fits-all models. Embrace what is unique about your community to identify strategies that build local strengths. 

Watch: Embrace what is  unique about rural communities

Identify community champions

Champions are someone with influence, compassion, or authority who can model support and inspire others to join. Whether it's a county attorney, an EMS partner, or a sheriff, champions build credibility, reduce resistance, and create momentum for lasting success.

Watch: Find a champion

Establish impactful partnerships

Strong partnerships require choosing the right people who are committed, trustworthy, and action-oriented, who value communication and a shared focus on community needs. Creative and diverse collaborations, from law enforcement to animal shelters to faith communities, expand reach, build trust, and make solutions more effective.

Watch: Build partnerships

Maximize your common ground

Lasting collaboration in rural communities depends on finding common ground, even when partners have different perspectives, priorities, or ways of communicating. By listening with openness, adapting to others' language, and focusing on shared goals, communities can build trust, reduce silos, and create collective success.

Watch: Find common ground

Embrace a culture of sharing

Sharing resources, whether it's space, staff, equipment, or knowledge, can make a powerful difference in rural communities where assets are limited. By avoiding duplication, building trust among partners, and uncovering hidden capacities, communities can stretch their impact and meet needs more effectively together.

Watch: Share resources

Establish trust

Building trust takes time, consistency, and genuine care for both partners and the broader community. By showing up, following through on commitments, and demonstrating long-term investment, practitioners can build credibility, reduce stigma, and create stronger collaborations.

Watch: Build trust with partners and the community

Celebrate your success 

Sharing successes openly with the community builds trust, reduces stigma, and inspires continued collaboration. By celebrating progress, telling real stories, and keeping partners and residents informed, communities create motivation and reinforce the value of their collective efforts.

Watch: Share your success with the community

Staying the course

Persistence is essential when building programs and partnerships in rural communities. By staying flexible, learning from setbacks, and waiting for the right timing, practitioners can turn resistance into support and create lasting impact.

Watch: Be persistent