The Rural Urban Bridge Initiative invites all of us to think differently, talk differently and act differently in order to understand the causes of the rural-urban divide and then do something to repair it. We develop political, economic and communications strategies that build bridges and serve the common interests of all working and middle class Americans.
Community Works reduces the intensity of partisan polarization
A new evaluation shows that places with Community Works don’t get pulled as far into the partisan divide as similar communities without it. Over the same period when political dislike and division increased elsewhere, these communities stayed more stable.
The evidence suggests that local, visible civic activity changes how politics is understood. Instead of telling people what to think, Community Works reshapes where politics shows up — less in national shouting matches, more in the everyday work of community life.
Our Work
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Trainings and Briefings
We deliver trainings that get to the bottom of the rural-urban divide and how Democrats lost rural and working-class voters, and provide actionable strategies.
Our monthly briefings on topics related to rural-urban polarization and rural politics feature thought leaders in politics, media, communications, and academia.
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Community Works
While politicians in Washington are fighting partisan battles, we are finding common ground.
Community Works chapters partner with local civic, church, school, and community groups to strengthen our rural communities and restore trust among neighbors across political differences.
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Distilling Best Practice
RUBI has produced a series of manuals on how to run non-polarizing, issue-based campaigns in rural districts and how to communicate effectively with rural voters.
Our guidance is based on original research as well as research conducted by pollsters, academics and strategists.
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Policy Solutions
The Rural New Deal is a positive vision for a fair economy for everyday people and a pragmatic blueprint for how we can help build rural prosperity.
The RND was co-authored by RUBI and Progressive Democrats of America with input from rural development practitioners, advocates and leaders.
The Latest
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![Event flyer for a discussion with Rich Logis, CEO and founder of Leaving MAGA, scheduled for July 8th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm EST. The flyer features a photo of Rich Logis wearing glasses and smiling, set against a rural background.]()
Our July Briefing with Rich Logis of Leaving MAGA!
Watch our briefing with Founder of Leaving MAGA, Rich Logis!
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![A smiling woman with gray hair wearing sunglasses on her head and a blue shirt standing in a grassy outdoor area with trees in the background, alongside a promotional flyer for a community works event.]()
Community Works Info July 29, 6:30PM ET
Find out how to get involved in RUBI’s on-the-ground work to build trust, address concrete local needs, and increase collaboration across the ideological divide in rural and working class communities.
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![RUBI's latest series with The Guardian]()
RUBI in the News
RUBI's latest series with The Guardian.
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![A woman speaking outdoors near a glass door, with a news headline overlay about small-town protests against big tech and data centers.]()
Rethinking Rural
RUBI’s monthly column in The Nation
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![Promotional graphic for a November briefing with author Barbara Kingsolver. The graphic includes a photo of Barbara Kingsolver, the book cover of "Demon Copperhead," and text detailing the event's topic, which covers her work and recent book, along with efforts to combat the drug epidemic.]()
Featured briefing
Barbara Kingsolver joined us for a discussion with Anthony about Appalachia, the challenges working people face every day, and efforts to fight the drug epidemic in the region.
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![2025 Community Works Summit]()
Community Works Summit
Highlights from the first national CWorks Summit, with National Director Meredith Dean, DNC officer Wendy Davis, local leaders and volunteers, and 200 participants.
