About us
Founded in 2022, Dirtroad Organizing is a 501(c)4 non-profit that empowers rural people to build power for a resilient, equitable, and democratic future.
We support local organizing, provide trainings, cultivate grassroots leadership, and offer resources for community change.
We combat ideological polarization and increase civic and electoral engagement for issues that are important to us through face-to-face conversations rooted in shared values, listening, respect, personal stories, democratic values, and empathy.
"When I asked about her approach to politics, Maxmin told me rural communities are moral communities that respond more to personal stories and values than to specific policies. Building trusting relationships is the key. This takes time and effort and demands humility and a willingness to learn."
- Robert Reich // January 15, 2022
Our Work
In our first year, we're building the foundation for a powerful organization. Our work focuses on building community power by providing direct organizing support, trainings, coaching, and community events.
In 2022, we've partnered with Protect Our Winters to Get Out the Vote in rural counties our West. We've offered trainings and educational screenings of Rural Runners to engage many non-political communities with this work. And we're working hard behind-the-scenes to make sure that this organization can support rural organizing with all the force that it deserves.
Please reach out if you'd like to work with us! We'll also be adding more content to this website as we build our work.
Below are some of the programming and support that we can offer:
- Rural Canvassing 101.
- How to Train Volunteers for Rural Canvasses.
- Deep Canvassing: how to have real, authentic, and meaningful conversations with rural voters.
- Universe Creation.
- Media and Mail.
- Public Presence: Social Media and Signs.
- If you need training not listed here, we’ll work with you to create a training that serves your needs.
We offer 1-1 coaching for rural organizers.
Need help navigating the VAN? Creating a door-knocking universe? We can help!
- The core of rural organizing is listening. We’ve created a deep canvassing training to learn and practice this technique..
- Are you starting your own organization? Running a campaign? Leading a group? We can help you develop leadership skills such as facilitation, organization development, fundraising, and more.
Are you starting your own organization? Thinking about running a campaign? Leading a group? We can help you develop leadership skills such as facilitation, organization development, fundraising, and more.