Rural Voice Follow-On Events Set for Wadena and Long Prairie
A packed house gathered Sept. 15 at Drastic Measures Brewing in Wadena for Rural Voice 2025, a town hall conversation exploring mental health and social isolation in rural communities. The event, moderated by Minnesota Public Radio’s Kerri Miller, featured local voices and community perspectives that sparked hope, creativity and action.
With generous support from Sourcewell, the Initiative Foundation is offering nearly $40,000 in grants for projects in communities with populations of 5,000 or less. These grants will support ideas that emerge from the Rural Voice events.
The Initiative Foundation, together with partners The Sowing Room and Project Optimist, is building on the energy of the Wadena gathering with two upcoming follow-on events designed to deepen the conversation and spark solutions:
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 – The Depot, 100 Aldrich Ave. SW, Wadena
- 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 – Long Prairie Country Club, 406 6th St SE, Long Prairie
Both events are free and open to the public. Registration is required as food will be served: sowingroom.org.
“Rural Voice 2025 is more than a town hall—it’s a launchpad for action,” said Amy Trombley, vice president for community at the Initiative Foundation. “Through shared purpose and joyful connection, we’re creating a space where great ideas can grow into meaningful projects that strengthen rural life.”
The Wadena Rural Voice town hall was part of a four-stop 2025 Greater Minnesota tour. Each conversation was recorded for later broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio.
Join the conversation and register today: sowingroom.org.