A Rural Renewal Initiative prize to be announced at the organization’s upcoming annual symposium will recognize community leadership in Oklahoma. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services)

Rural Renewal Initiative symposium set

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Media Contact: Brian Brus | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-6792 | BBrus@okstate.edu

The Rural Renewal Initiative is seeking nominations for the citizenship prize to honor Oklahomans working to develop their communities at the annual Rural Renewal Symposium. The winner of the prize will receive a plaque and $1,000.

The symposium will be held at Oklahoma State University Oct. 12, during which the Rural Renewal Citizenship Prize will be awarded as well as the Rural Renewal Research prize. Nominations for the citizenship prize must be received by Sept. 1. Information for both awards is available online.

The Rural Renewal Initiative’s purpose is to expand and empower a network of collaborating faculty, students and community leaders engaged in renewing rural areas across topics such as health care, youth leadership development and broadband access. Contributors range from university researchers to OSU Extension experts to individuals anywhere in the state.

This year, a pre-event workshop is being added Oct. 11 that will feature breakout groups for community members to identify and respond to grant opportunities. The workshop also is designed for researchers interested in developing new collaborations and for government leaders wanting to learn about successful policies and programs to stimulate rural renewal.

Audrey King, RRI’s assistant director, said the citizenship prize can be won by any Oklahoma resident who has exhibited leadership in contributing to rural development and is a role model in promoting community welfare. Both awards include a plaque and cash prize.

For registration and more information, contact ruralrenewal@okstate.edu.