John Crabtree, Media Director for the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, NE, will be
the keynote speaker at the “Grassroots for Prosperity: “Finding Opportunities, Creating Solutions” September 19 – 20 in Bismarck. He describes himself as
unapologetically rural and shares his background:
“I
grew up on my family’s farm near Sheffield, Iowa. As a University of Iowa
alumnus, I am the proud owner of the only Hawkeyes flag on display in Lyons. I’m
a storyteller. I tell the stories of the Center and its work to support rural
people and places. I also manage our message in the media. At the end of the
day media is still about one’s ability to talk with people and build
relationships. Coming from an organizing background, I have some skills in
that. And my many years of moonlighting as a bartender also help. People
describe me as outspoken, opinionated and gregarious. My favorite part about
living in a rural community is knowing my neighbors and having a feeling of
connectedness to the land. I can look out my window at my garden and my flowers
and in two minutes I can be in the countryside.”
John’s
keynote address at the Summit, “Standing Up When Great Forces Align Against Us”
will touch on important national, regional and state policy issues including
the Affordable Care Act, the Farm Bill, immigration reform, hunger and poverty.
John will also offer hope for making change where change needs to happen,
including the role that all North Dakotans play in having a voice about our
future.
Don’t
miss this opportunity! Register for the Summit today!
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