Abstract:
The Center for Rural Affairs, a private, non-profit organization, is working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.
Since its inception, the Center has resisted the role of advocating for the interests of any particular group. Instead, we have chosen to advance a set of values - values that reflect the best of Rural America. Ultimately, we believe it is in the interest of all to create a future reflecting those values.
We value the responsibility placed upon each of us to contribute to our community and society.
We value conscience - conscience that balances self-interest with an obligation to the common good and future generations.
We value progress - but progress that strengthens rural communities, small businesses, and family farms and ranches.
We value genuine opportunity for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place.
We value citizen involvement and action to shape the future.
We value widespread ownership and control of small businesses, farms, and ranches by those who work them.
We value fairness that allows all who contribute to the nation's prosperity to share in it.
We value stewardship of the natural environment upon which all of us - current and future generations - rely.
We live in an era of profound change - when institutions, policy, and life are being fundamentally reshaped. It is a critical time for people of conscience to work together in guiding change to reflect our highest values. To that we commit the Center for Rural Affairs.
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