In this episode, "Finding Common Ground in Community Engagement," Michelle welcomes Meredith Dean, the National Director of the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative's Community Works program, to discuss how rural communities are finding common ground and bringing people together, regardless of political differences, to address local needs.

Meredith brings 40 years of experience in community organizing, Democratic politics, non-profit management, and teaching in both formal and informal settings, from adults to higher education to kindergarten. She and her husband settled 39 years ago in a ruby red Virginia county nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains, where they raised their son, 13 cats, four dogs, and a horse.

In this conversation, Michelle Rathman and Meredith Dean discuss the importance of community engagement in rural areas, particularly through the Community Works initiative. They explore the impact of national policies on local communities, the need for trust and collaboration across political divides, and practical steps for individuals to get involved in community improvement efforts. The discussion emphasizes the significance of addressing local needs, fostering relationships, and creating sustainable solutions for rural challenges.

The episode emphasizes how sustainable engagement requires ongoing effort and commitment, and how cross-political collaboration can lead to practical and effective solutions.