About the Dialogues

LISTEN. LEARN. LEAD.

Intent and Design

Data collecting projects are often premised on quantitative data gathering with the intent that these endeavors will offer the most definitive conclusions possible. However, when researching the divides between communities, much of the data lies in the lived experience of people, which is why the Urban Rural Connection Project intentionally relied on qualitative data gathering through the first-hand interviews of diverse leaders.

The Project’s designers understand that in focusing on individuals’ experiences, the content collected would lack empirical rigor. The intent was not to create exhaustive conclusions about what causes and perpetuates divides across geographies, but rather to create spaces where there was a high level of candor, so that portions of this divide could be demystified and shared more broadly.

Ideally, this report, premised from those Dialogues, creates better understanding and furthers collaborations across divides.

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Regional Dialogues

For the first phase of the Urban Rural Connection Project, between January and June 2018, ALF Oregon hosted the Regional Dialogues in six regions across Oregon: 

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• The Willamette Valley Area (Salem)

• Coastal Region (Lincoln City)

• Southern Oregon (Medford), 

• Central Oregon (Warm Springs) 

• Eastern Oregon (Baker City)

• Metropolitan Area (Portland) 

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The attendees, called Regional Participants, consisted of ALF Oregon Senior Fellows (individuals who have completed the ALF Oregon fellows program) and other high-level, seasoned leaders representing the private, public, education, non-profit sectors, along with elected members of various local and statewide governments.  Between 30-45 Participants attended each Regional Dialogue. A targeted effort was made to have a diverse group of participants that represented that region’s cultures, professions, and perspectives.

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