Focusing on the Future of Rural Communities
Main Street Project is a grassroots cultural organizing, media justice and economic development initiative working to help rural communities face today's realities with hope. We provide creative and practical tools to give rural residents of all ages, cultures, economic and immigration status the opportunity to more fully participate in all aspects of community life.
Because we're based in the Twin Cities, we put some of those same tools to work with communities of color, including other communities that have been historically marginalized in the metro area.
New on Main Street
MEDIA JUSTICE
Feb. 22, 2010
More of "What's Your Internet Story?"
Rural and Native peoples add their voices
- Watch more stories on Main Street Project's YouTube channel
NEWSLETTER
Feb. 18, 2010
Main Street Project moves into 2010 with great expectations and strong partnerships
MEDIA JUSTICE
Feb. 15, 2010
Community organizations agree on need for universal, affordable Internet access at Feb. 15 forum -- part of MAG-Net National Day of Action
Net neutrality, ability to own content also cited as important; Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie highlighted civic participation digital potential and barriers
More pictures (Photos: Natascha Shawver)
EVENT
Feb. 15, 2010
Minneapolis Community Forum on Importance of the Internet, hosted by Minnesota Digital Justice Coalition
Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to speak on civic participation and the Internet
MEDIA JUSTICE
Feb. 10, 2010
More than 30 organizations have already taken the digital inclusion pledge
Add your voice to the call for universal access, equal access, self-representation and non-discrimination
- Take the pledge: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
- View the list of Digital Inclusion Champions
EVENT
Feb. 26-27, 2010
The 10th Annual Globalization and Social Responsibility Conference, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Regi Haslett-Marroquin part of panel discussion: "Immigrant Activism and Empowerment"
EVENT
Feb. 16, 2010
The Home Grown Economy 2010, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall
Rural Enterprise Center's Regi Haslett-Marroqiun is part of 'Voices from the Field' panel
ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE
Jan. 29, 2010
Edyael Casaperalta of the Center for Rural Strategies is named to Main Street Project Board of Directors
REPORT
Jan. 29, 2010
Midwest Rural Assembly publishes report of 2009 gathering
Broadband access, economic development, health care access and civic engagement all identified as priorities
IN THE NEWS
Jan. 23, 2010
Minneapolis Star Tribune profiles Regi Haslett-Marroquin and the Rural Enterprise Center's agripreneur training project
Sustainable farming, energy conservation, self-sufficiency for low-income immigrants, humane animal treatment, healthier food are all factors -- Kristin Tillotson
2010 CENSUS
Jan. 22, 2010
Multi-language Community Census Guide is available to support census outreachGuide addresses concerns of immigrants, low-income, and communities of color (English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong)
- Order copies for your organization
- Download guide: English/Spanish (PDF) or Somali/Hmong (PDF)
EVENT
Jan. 23, 2010
2010 Census Leadership Training and Conference will focus on practical plans for encouraging participation in under-represented communities
Sponsored by Main Street Project and Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing
MEDIA JUSTICE
Dec. 13, 2009
Minnesota Digital Justice Coalition recommends standards for broadband 'anchor institutions'
Community centers, schools and libraries are critical to providing Internet access for all
IN THE NEWS
Dec. 8, 2009
Edible Twin Cities profiles Hillside Farmers Cooperative
The co-op puts Latino immigrants on the path to earning livelihoods, according to article
MEDIA JUSTICE
Dec. 8, 2009
Minnesota Digital Justice Coalition launches 'What's Your Internet Story?' project
Main Street Project is part of coalition gathering stories from historically disenfranchised communities about Internet issues
MEDIA JUSTICE
Dec. 2, 2009
Rural Broadband Policy Group submits recommendations to FCC
Comments address broadband access, literacy, and relevancy to rural communities
MEDIA JUSTICE
Nov. 30, 2009
Main Street Project joins group submitting comments on the federal Broadband Initiative Program
Greater collaboration and transparency are among recommendations
IN THE NEWS
Nov. 19, 2009
American Pastured Poultry Association (APPA) interview Rural Enterprise Center's Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin
Article describes an efficient new model for raising chickens and building communities
- Read article (PDF)
