News
June 16, 2017
Appalachian Ohio-West Virginia Connectivity Summit
Workshop: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington State Community College
Town Hall: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Marietta High School
OVERVIEW
In the rural communities of southeast Ohio and northern West Virginia, nearly one-fourth of the population – 14.5 million people – lacks access to high-speed Internet service, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This is unacceptable in an era when broadband plays a key role in our jobs, education, health care and social connections.
The Appalachian Ohio-West Virginia Connectivity Summit is bringing together key players from across the country to brainstorm strategies for bringing broadband access to our rural communities.
Activities will include a day of workshops and panel discussions at Washington State Community College, then an evening town hall meeting at Marietta High School. Please register here if you plan to attend either event.
January 2, 2017
Yonder article discusses how to stop “poverty porn”
Nonprofits can avoid contributing to “poverty porn” by following a few simple rules, say Aaron Phelps of FAHE.
Phelps’ essay appeared in the Daily Yonder and had a flurry of social media shares and comments .
Phelps said organizations should be wary of working with media that appear to want only one side of the story and aren’t interested in solutions. Here’s his explanation of poverty porn:
Appalachia has always had a problem with media outlets wanting to boost their sales by exploiting “poverty porn.” They come get photos and stories of handpicked, downtrodden people, and instead of offering solutions or asking for change, they quote people of privilege whose answer is that poor people should pick up and leave. Or they blame whichever political party they oppose. They are like a carnival barker hawking a sociological sideshow: “Step right up and see a Third World country in your own backyard!”
Phelps said organizations should work with media that are willing to show solutions, not just problems.
January 2, 2017
Dee Davis receives award for media advocacy
Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies, has received a national media-justice award for his work on behalf of rural and marginalized communities.
The Everett C. Parker Award is presented annually by the United Church of Christ Office of Communication, Inc. The Office of Communication has been a pioneer in the field of media justice and civil rights. The award is named in honor of the founder of the UCC Office of Communication. Parker was among the first advocates to approach media policy as a civil rights issue. He died in 2015 at the age of 102.
Also honored at the award ceremony October 13, 2016, in Washington, D.C., was Mignon Clyburn, a member of the Federal Communications Commission. The awards were presented at the 34th Annual Everett C. Parker Lecture. The speaker was be the Rev. Traci Blackmon, a United Church of Christ minister who was part of the pastoral presence in Ferguson, Missouri, after the shooting of Michael Brown in 2014.
July 21, 2015
2015 Rural Assembly: Speakers Update
The 2015 National Rural Assembly is less than two months away, and we want to share some exciting news about our agenda, which focuses on building an inclusive nation for all people, in all places.
Some of the highlights of this event will include:
- Addressing Rural Child Poverty, a conversation moderated by Mil Duncan, Research Director of AGree;
- The Next Generation, a panel of young leaders, moderated by Lisa Mensah, Undersecretary for Rural Development at USDA;
- Closing the Philanthropy Gap, a conversation with national funders about the disparity in rural investment.
- Young Leader's Day, a pre-meeting session on September 8 focused on building communications and advocacy skills. Space is limited, so register now. Scholarships are available!
Don't forget these important deadlines:
- August 3 - Deadline to sign-up for our Hill Day to visit policymakers on Capitol Hill
- August 18 - Deadline to reserve a hotel room at special rates
- Scholarships will be available until the funds are exhausted.
Please share this information with your networks.
We look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C!
Many thanks to our sponsors. If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Whitney Kimball Coe, whitney@ruralstrategies.org.
July 21, 2015
Pushing for the Protection of the EITC for Rural America
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) invites rural organizations to sign-on to a letter urging policymakers to permanently extend the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
If your organization would like to sign this letter created by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, please read the attached letter and contact Ellen Nissenbaum by 12:00PM EST, Wednesday, July 8. Please specify exactly which organization should be listed on the letter of support.
EITC and Rural America:
A recent White House report on rural child poverty identified the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a critical poverty-fighting tax benefit, functioning as a social safety net that rewards working people and families.
Rural Americans in particular depend upon the EITC to kick-start families in their economic success. A recent study conducted by the Center for Rural Affairs found that a higher percentage of individuals that filed for income tax returns in rural areas claimed the EITC compared to urban areas. On average, the percentage of those claiming the EITC in rural areas exceeded those claiming the tax credit in urban areas by 2.7%.
Additionally, the Center for Policy Priorities is holding a webinar on Friday, July 10 at 11:00AM EST to discuss the latest legislative outlook regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit. Register here.
July 21, 2015
Rural Broadband Policy Group Applauds Historic FCC Vote to Include Broadband in the Lifeline Program
Today, the Federal Communications Commission Chairman voted to open a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making that would include broadband service in the Lifeline program. This is the first step to help qualifying low-income Americans to apply for a subsidy that helps them afford broadband service. The vote was split along party lines with Democratic Commissioners, Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel, and Chairman Tom Wheeler supporting broadband in the Lifeline program, and Republican Commissioners, Ajit Pai and Michael O’Reilly opposing the move.
The Rural Broadband Policy Group applauds this vote as a crucial step to ensure all Americans can access essential broadband service that allows them to participate fully in our society. RBPG commends Chairman Wheeler, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel for their leadership in improving this vital program.
The following statement can be attributed to Edyael Casaperalta, Coordinator of the Rural Broadband Policy Group:
“Broadband internet is an invaluable tool for everyone, but for people in rural America and Tribal lands, it can truly be a Lifeline to education, employment, information, improving our communities, and sharing our stories. Broadband is a powerful tool to lift people out of poverty and transform communities, yet 22 million Americans living in rural areas and 63 percent living in Tribal lands cannot access the service. One of their biggest barriers is cost.
We commend the achievements of the Lifeline program in bringing wired and wireless telephone service to low-income rural and Native Americans, and we applaud today’s vote to include broadband service in the Lifeline program. This historic decision will help Americans facing economic hardship get back on their feet. It will help us build an inclusive society where all can fully participate in our economy, culture, and democracy regardless of where they live or what they can afford.
We are encouraged to see Chairman Wheeler, Commissioner Clyburn, and Commissioner Rosenworcel’s sound policymaking and thoughtful leadership in fulfilling the FCC’s Congressional mandate to ensure all Americans have access to advanced telecommunications services. We are disappointed to see Commissioner Pai and O’Reilly oppose such an important step and suggest that the program only serve the poorest of the poor. Good policymaking does not build a hierarchy of poverty. Rural, Native, and low-income Americans cannot afford to be left behind.”
In early March, 21 young advocates from the YouthBuild Rural Caucus participated in a discussion with the Rural Broadband Policy Group about how to improve the Lifeline program. Their conversation consisted of developing a vision of wellness and opportunity for their rural and Tribal communities. Please see the Lifeline Internet principles and recommendations they developed here. Sharell Harmon, a participant from Elkins, West Virginia, was featured in a New York Times article and recently wrote a poignant OpEd for the Daily Yonder about her experiences as a Lifeline telephone recipient who supports including broadband in the program.
Rural Broadband Policy Group Applauds Ms. Parul Desai’s Appointment as Open Internet Ombudsperson
Today, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Alison Kutler appointed Parul P. Desai to serve as the Open Internet ombudsperson, the public’s primary point of contact within the agency for formal and informal questions and complaints related to the Open Internet rules. The Open Internet rules, adopted by the Commission on February 26, 2015 and effective as of June 12, 2015, established “an ombudsperson to assist consumers, businesses, and organizations with open Internet complaints and questions by ensuring these parties have effective access to the Commission’s processes that protect their interests.” Ms. Desai will manage questions or complaints regarding the Open Internet to ensure that small and often unrepresented groups reach the appropriate bureaus and offices to address specific issues of concern. Please see the official announcement here.
The Rural Broadband Policy Group commends the Commission on creating this key position to protect the fair treatment of all individuals online, and applauds Ms. Desai’s appointment as ombudsperson.=
The following statement can be attributed to Edyael Casaperalta, Coordinator of the Rural Broadband Policy Group:
“Ms. Desai has a long history of advocating for the public interest in the telecommunications sector and looking out for the most vulnerable consumers, which include people in rural and low-income communities. Her appointment as Open Internet ombudsperson is a natural fit given her expertise protecting consumers during her time at Media Access Project, Consumers Union, and the FCC’s Consumers and Governmental Affairs Bureau.
Artists, entrepreneurs, activists, and low-income people in rural areas can now report bad behavior from providers slowing down their connection or stifling their voice online. Ms. Desai’s role as ombudsperson is crucial particularly now that a growing number of states have passed laws preventing any state agency from collecting consumer complaints on telecommunications services. This means that the FCC and the Open Internet ombudsperson are increasingly the only recourse vulnerable consumers will have to report bad provider behavior.
We are delighted to see the Open Internet ombudsperson position launch, and will encourage rural consumers to log their complaints with Ms. Desai.”
The Ombudsperson can be reached at: ombudsperson@fcc.gov or 202-418-1155. To file a complaint online, go to consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, click “File a Complaint” in the Internet icon, and select “Open Internet” as the issue area. Complaints can also be submitted by phone at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322), and ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275 or by mail.
July 21, 2017
Rural Broadband Policy Group Applauds FCC Proposal to Include Broadband in the Lifeline Program
Yesterday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler announced his proposal to “reboot” Lifeline, the benefit program that helps low-income Americans afford wireline and wireless telephone service. The Chairman proposes to add broadband to the communications services offered via the successful program created during the Reagan administration. In a blog post announcing his proposal, Wheeler states “Our nation’s enduring promise is opportunity for all, and helping financially struggling Americans access basic communications empowers individuals to pursue new opportunities and build better lives.”
The Rural Broadband Policy Group applauds this announcement as another example of the Commission’s continued efforts to ensure all Americans can access the tools that allow them to participate fully in our society. RBPG commends Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn’s leadership in improving this valuable program.
According to Edyael Casaperalta, Coordinator of the Rural Broadband Policy Group:
“The internet is an invaluable tool for everyone, but for people in rural America, it can be a lifeline to education, employment, information, improving our communities, and sharing our stories. We commend the achievements of the Lifeline program in bringing wired and wireless telephone service to low-income rural Americans, and we strongly support a Lifeline program that also offers internet service.
The internet is a powerful tool to lift people out of poverty and transform communities, but 22 million Americans living in rural areas cannot access this service and one of their biggest barriers is cost. We believe Lifeline would go a long way to help rural low-income Americans access vital internet service and create a nation where all can participate in our culture, economy, and democracy regardless of where they live or what they can afford.”
In early March, 21 young advocates from the YouthBuild Rural Caucus participated in a discussion with the Rural Broadband Policy Group about how to improve the Lifeline program. Their conversation centered on developing a vision of wellness and opportunity for their rural communities. Please see the Lifeline Internet principles and recommendations they developed here. Sharell Harmon, a participant from Elkins, West Virginia, was featured in a New York Times article about her experiences as a Lifeline telephone recipient and her support for including broadband in the program.
A related press release is available here for immediate distribution.
In addition, a New York Times story talking about this plan and its benefits to people like Sharell Harmon is available here.
July 21, 2015
FCC Rural Tour 2015 - Next Stops: Kansas and Missouri
The FCC is doing the next stops on its rural tour, coming to Kansas and Missouri on June 15-18, 2015
Below is an agenda and more information. Please share this with your communities and let's turnout to tell the FCC how important the needs of our rural communities are!
**Update: This has been postponed — Stay tuned for Rescheduling.**
- Ottawa, KS on Monday, June 15
- Train the Trainer Workshop at the East Central Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center. (Non-Public event): 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Meet with Ottawa Law Enforcement: 2:45pm
- Ottawa/FCC Town Hall Meeting at the City Hall: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Parsons, KS and Pittsburg, KS on Tuesday, June 16
- Meeting with Pittsburg Local Officials (Non-public) at 10 a.m.
- Presentation at Pittsburg Public Library at Noon.
- Presentation at Parsons Senior Center at 2 p.m.
- Meet with Parsons Law Enforcement:
- Marshfield and Lebanon, MO on Wednesday, June 17
- Meet with Staff at the Webster County Social Services Department of Family Services Division: 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- Meet the FCC at Webster County Library Kids Book Day: 10 a.m. – Noon.
- Town Hall in Laclede County at the Office of Emergency Management (OEM): 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Private meeting with town officials (Non-Public event): 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Waynesville, MO on Thursday, June 18
- Presentation at Waynesville / St. Robert Senior Center: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Meet with Waynesville Law Enforcement: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Waynesville City Council Meeting. 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Event schedule current as of May 21, 2015)
For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact Lyle Ishida, Chief, Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division at 202-418-8240 or Lyle.Ishida@fcc.gov.
July 21, 2015
Rural Briefing on Technology Transitions
Last week, in Washington, the Rural Broadband Policy Group, Center for Rural Strategies, and Public Knowledge invited policymakers, their staff, and stakeholders to a briefing about the various policy issues implicated in the technology transitions, and how these transitions impact rural communities. We hosted a conversation centered on reaffirming the fundamental values of our communications network – universal service, reliability, consumer protections, public safety, and competition.
The traditional phone network is a great success story in the history of communications service in the United States. Universal Service rules helped extend telephone lines to rural communities, and today, landline telephone is the most available, affordable, and reliable communications service in rural America.
But, the way the telephone works is changing. The telephone network that connects our country has traditionally used copper wires and TDM technology to bring telephone service to your home and business. Now, telephone providers have begun to transition from copper networks to wireless and fiber networks that use Internet Protocol (IP) technology. This change in the underlying technology of our telephone network is a process called the "Technology Transitions."
The transitions present us with the opportunity to improve communications services for all Americans, but they must be handled responsibly. It is our duty to ensure a transition in technology is a true step forward for all Americans and that no one is left without a reliable, affordable way to communicate.
Technology Transitions Policy Issues:
(1) Service Availability (State bills, 214(a) Process)
A change in technologies could change the services available to consumers. A provider might want to stop using its copper lines and offer wireless or Internet-based voice services. But, many rural consumers live in areas with spotty cellphone reception or where Internet service is not available. Retiring copper lines has been a central focus of both state legislation and the Federal Communications Commission’s Tech Transitions efforts. What process should a carrier follow if it wants to retire its copper lines? What services will be in place for rural consumers if their carrier decides to change technologies? Speakers: Mimi Pickering, Appalshop, Kentucky; Jodie Griffin, Public Knowledge, Washington, D.C.
For more information, see:
Public Knowledge - Five Fundamentals of the Network Transition
(2) Network Resiliency (Backup Power, 911 connectivity, additional devices)
Copper wires are able to carry electricity, which allows telephones to continue to work during a power outage. This characteristic makes the traditional phone network resilient, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters when Americans need it most. Today, new technologies (fiber, wireless, VoIP) do not carry their own electricity, and some cannot guarantee a connection to 911 or additional devices such as medical alarms, home alarms, and ATMs. In addition, the new technologies might require consumers to be responsible for securing backup power. Speaker: Randy McDonald, The Broadband Alliance of Mendocino County, Laytonville, California
For more information, see:
(3) Rural Call Completion
In an effort to find the most cost-effective approach to complete calls to and from rural areas, some providers resorted to offshoring “call completion” responsibility to IP-based contractors who did not actually complete the calls. Transitioning to an IP-based technology could revive issues with rural call completion. Speaker: Regina Costa, The Utility Reform Network (TURN), California
For more information, see:
Regina Costa, Telecommunications Policy Director, TURN - Rural Call Completion
(4) Consumer Education
Most consumers do not know what technology their telephone carrier uses to bring service to their home or business. Educating all consumers about the benefits, challenges, and responsibilities they will acquire as our telephone network transitions must be a multi-stakeholder conversation amongst policymakers, telecommunications providers, the FCC, state agencies, and public interest groups. Speaker: Whitney Kimball Coe, National Rural Assembly, Kentucky
(5) Affordable Broadband
53% of rural areas (22 million rural Americans) do not have access to broadband service. As broadband becomes a necessary technology to maintain voice service, we must collaborate to make it available and affordable to all Americans. What tools do the federal government and FCC have at their disposal to expand broadband access in rural communities? Hear from a Lifeline phone service subscriber about how this program could help bring affordable broadband to all Americans. Speaker: Sharell Harmon, YouthBuild North Central, Elkins, West Virginia
For more information, see:
YouthBuild Rural Caucus - Recommendations on Lifeline Modernization