Organizing Communities to Sustain Rural Landscapes: Lessons from New York

Abstract

Growing social diversity in rural communities and increasing integration with urban areas contribute to the need for community organizing strategies that build coalitions to sustain rural landscapes. Drawing on the notion of social capital formation and based on analysis of Extension strategies in Orange and Dutchess Counties in New York state, we examine the process and outcomes of community organizing that integrate production and consumption interests in rural landscapes on the urban fringe. This analysis suggests that effective community organizing to sustain the rural landscape involves the intentional creation of "forums for interaction," where social capital can be generated and social, political, economic, and environmental interests can intersect. The development of "bridging ties" between single issue groups and networks is emphasized over attempts to form actual multi-issue coalitions. We demonstrate how identifying and building capacity at the local level forms the basis for effective regional policy change.