MDC Rural Forward

MDC Rural Forward Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from MDC Rural Forward, Nonprofit Organization, Durham, NC.

MDC Rural Forward identifies, strengthens, and connects leaders, organizations, and coalitions in rural NC to be healthier and more thriving through capacity building and resource development.

More than 1.4 million North Carolinians carry a combined $52.2 billion in student loan debt. For many families, this deb...
05/21/2026

More than 1.4 million North Carolinians carry a combined $52.2 billion in student loan debt.

For many families, this debt affects everyday decisions—from paying bills and saving money to buying a home or planning for the future.

Today, MDC released new policy priorities focused on practical solutions that can reduce financial pressure and strengthen economic opportunity across North Carolina.

Read the priorities here:
🔗 https://sdrc.mdcinc.org/mdcs-policy-and-program-priorities/

05/15/2026

At the end of April, the Rural Action Network cohort convened for the final workshop of a five-part series and to celebrate their time together as a collective group. The workshop was focused on policy solutions and opportunities.

They spent the day exploring solutions to the transportation, workforce development, housing, environmental, and childcare challenges that face their communities. The day ended with a graduation ceremony celebrating the cohort's dedication to improving the communities they live and work in.

While the learning cohort may have come to an end for now, the Rural Action Network project is just getting started! Last week, MDC launched the application for the Rural Action Network leadership council - a group across the Sandhills region of NC that will work together to set regional policy priorities and work collaboratively to amplify the voice of rural leaders.

The leadership council is for all kinds of community leaders - both grass tops (local elected officials, business owners, etc.) and grassroots (nonprofit leaders, community organizers, etc.) are welcome to apply.

Click the link below to get more information on the leadership council and apply! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qdhj7s6ZXA2Kda2rja__PUUe4sN10Fcy/view?usp=drivesdk

Applications close on June 5th! Reach out to Hetal Patel [email protected] or Diana Williams [email protected] with questions.

We’re thrilled to celebrate MDC Senior Program Director Jenna Bryant on her selection to the 2026 Dole Caregiver Fellows...
05/14/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate MDC Senior Program Director Jenna Bryant on her selection to the 2026 Dole Caregiver Fellowship Class with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation

The Fellowship brings together military and veteran caregivers from across the country who are using their lived experiences to build community, raise awareness, and advocate for caregivers and military families nationwide.

Jenna’s leadership at MDC is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community care. Her selection reflects both her professional leadership and the powerful caregiving journey she brings to this work every day.

We are incredibly proud to support Jenna and grateful to see her voice and experience recognized through this prestigious national fellowship.

Learn more about Jenna’s story and the Fellowship here:
https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/fellows/jenna-bryant

What does it take to expand access to food and nutrition supports across North Carolina?A new Catalyst Blog shares lesso...
05/06/2026

What does it take to expand access to food and nutrition supports across North Carolina?

A new Catalyst Blog shares lessons from the Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Support effort, with contributions from Jenna Bryant, MDC Senior Program Director, and other statewide partners.

The work highlights how stronger connections between SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid, along with input from people with lived experience, can improve how families access essential services.

Read the blog to hear directly from the team and learn how collaboration is opening doors for communities across the state!
🔗: https://aphsa.org/resources/breaking-barriers-to-food-access-north-carolinas-snap-coordination-story/

This isn’t the end—it’s a call to act.For over 30 years, Leandro represented a promise: that every child in North Caroli...
04/23/2026

This isn’t the end—it’s a call to act.

For over 30 years, Leandro represented a promise: that every child in North Carolina deserves a sound, basic, and fully funded education. While the recent ruling shifts the path forward, it does not change the reality. Too many students, especially in low-wealth and rural communities, are still being left behind.

At MDC, we remain committed to educational equity for all. Through LENS-NC and alongside our partners, we will continue to advocate, organize, and push for the resources every student deserves.

Now is the time to build power, strengthen community, and hold our leaders accountable.

Read the full statement here:https://mdcinc.org/2026/04/23/the-promise-of-leandro/

Child care providers and early childcare leaders! This is for you!!Join us for a FREE conference designed for those who ...
04/21/2026

Child care providers and early childcare leaders! This is for you!!

Join us for a FREE conference designed for those who know that strong communities start with strong early investments in our children. Held in Forsyth County, NC, this convening brings together passionate leaders committed to shaping a brighter future.

📣: Connect, learn, and be inspired alongside others who are making a difference every day.

Don't miss your chance - register now!
https://www.earlychildhoodblueprint.org/

In a recent op-ed, MDC’s Harrison Dale reflects on immigration, citizenship, and history, drawing connections between pa...
04/20/2026

In a recent op-ed, MDC’s Harrison Dale reflects on immigration, citizenship, and history, drawing connections between past and present to examine how legal status, belonging, and protection can shift over time.

The piece challenges us to consider how we define citizenship and what it means to build a society rooted in dignity and safety for all.

Check out the article by clicking the link: https://mdcinc.org/2026/03/17/anne-frank-and-what-is-a-citizen/

04/20/2026

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We want to see you! Join MDC on April 20, 2026, for an important discussion on how state and federal budget choices are ...
04/16/2026

We want to see you!

Join MDC on April 20, 2026, for an important discussion on how state and federal budget choices are influencing opportunity across the rural South.

As funding priorities evolve and resources become more limited, rural communities are being challenged to find innovative ways to sustain and build toward prosperity. This webinar will break down where public dollars are going, who they’re reaching, where gaps remain, and what kinds of investments can drive meaningful, long-term change.

Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, funder, or advocate, you’ll gain insight into the tradeoffs, challenges, and possibilities shaping rural communities—and what it will take to help them thrive today and in the years ahead.

Be sure to register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I9aCq6ozTh2dW6VBJYIFTg?fbclid=IwY2xjawRN_tVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1aXpqTEt4bFFPeWgwNnMwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmCP7F8PjIcjyahi1HE7t794_r1AKV_N7qL_TvAvZ8goCiu9e09FcdRGcNij_aem_TdV4Eif2NbSrxRx-h1cLmQ #/registration

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Durham, NC
27701

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+19193815802

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