RARE - Resource Assistance for Rural Environments, 1209 University of, Eugene, OR (2026)

04/18/2026

The story of a RARE member experience, much like the rural communities they serve, are drastically different and yet you will find similar patterns woven throughout all of them. It’s a story old as time. A story of grit, determination, hardship, perseverance, community. The RARE experience, is one about the power of the individual, the collection and about the power of place.

This year looked different for RARE, undergoing a strategic planning process after the loss of its federal AmeriCorp funding last year, the program had no new members directly working across the state. But RARE’s impact doesn’t stop at new members, in fact that’s really only the tip of the iceberg. The power of RARE’s impact resides in the vast network of program alumni continuing the good work long after leaving the program. No matter what happens to RARE, its legacy and impact will continue to live on through the work of the rural champions pictured (and so many others who are not)!

We are thankful that in a time of so much uncertainty, Rural Development Initiatives () gave us the chance to convene at this year’s Regards to Rural and directly see that impact at play!

04/02/2026

After months of research and analysis exploring program models, potential organizational “homes”, and the financial implications of each, Kelley Nonprofit Consulting has outlined several potential paths forward for the RARE program to sustain and strengthen rural capacity across Oregon.

The following scenarios represent three distinct pathways for RARE’s future:

1. RARE Classic – This model closely mirrors the original RARE structure—placing members full-time within a single community or organization and maintaining the traditional cohort experience.

2. Hub & Spokes – Instead of being placed full-time at one site, members are shared across multiple aligned organizations (“spokes”) and supported by a regional or statewide partner (“hub”).

3. University-Based Model (IPRE) – RARE is absorbed into the IPRE team at University of Oregon. RARE placements are driven largely by IPRE programming and projects, with IPRE staff sharing the load of mentoring and advising RARE members.

It should come as no surprise that each scenario presents unique strengths and challenges. To determine the best path forward, the RARE Reimagined Advisory Committee and Program Director, Titus Tomlinson, have been actively exploring these options in depth. At this juncture, we have determined the “RARE Classic” and “Hub & Spoke” models are the most viable options we have on the table.

The reality is that we had hoped to have our home and funding secured at this point. That said, the current financial landscape has proven more challenging than anticipated, and we are still seeking a path forward. Despite strong support from statewide partners, host organizations, and alumni, no organization engaged in this process has committed to housing RARE moving forward.

Over the next month, Titus will continue pursuing all viable options. If a sustainable path forward cannot be secured, the program may be shut down indefinitely.

To learn more about the process and a definitive of what comes next, join us for a Zoom session on April 22, 2026 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, RSVP link in bio.

If you’d like to read the full Strategic Plan, please visit the link in our bio.

04/01/2026

After months of research and analysis exploring program models, potential organizational “homes”, and the financial implications of each, Kelley Nonprofit Consulting has outlined several potential paths forward for the RARE program to sustain and strengthen rural capacity across Oregon.

The following scenarios represent three distinct pathways for RARE’s future:

1. RARE Classic – This model closely mirrors the original RARE structure—placing members full-time within a single community or organization and maintaining the traditional cohort experience.

2. Hub & Spokes – Instead of being placed full-time at one site, members are shared across multiple aligned organizations (“spokes”) and supported by a regional or statewide partner (“hub”).

3. University-Based Model (IPRE) – RARE is absorbed into the IPRE team at University of Oregon. RARE placements are driven largely by IPRE programming and projects, with IPRE staff sharing the load of mentoring and advising RARE members.

It should come as no surprise that each scenario presents unique strengths and challenges. To determine the best path forward, the RARE Reimagined Advisory Committee and Program Director, Titus Tomlinson, have been actively exploring these options in depth. At this juncture, we have determined the “RARE Classic” and “Hub & Spoke” models are the most viable options we have on the table.

The reality is that we had hoped to have our home and funding secured at this point. That said, the current financial landscape has proven more challenging than anticipated, and we are still seeking a path forward. Despite strong support from statewide partners, host organizations, and alumni, no organization engaged in this process has committed to housing RARE moving forward.

Over the next month, Titus will continue pursuing all viable options. If a sustainable path forward cannot be secured, the program may be shut down indefinitely.

To learn more about the process and a definitive of what comes next, join us for a Zoom session on April 22, 2026 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, RSVP link here: oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_40yvISoyPcVood0

If you’d like to read the full Strategic Plan, please visit the link here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Bk3cBUgp4IjPhkNskXTsR806mAEfPRdQ?usp=sharing

12/10/2025

To close out the year, we want to share an update on the RARE Reimagined Strategic Planning process and express gratitude for the support and engagement from our community!

Over the past three months we have been deeply engaged in reimagining the RARE Program in the face of losing AmeriCorps funding. The first phase of this process was “Discovery,” during which we conducted in-depth community engagement to hear from our extensive community of alumni, site supervisors, and statewide partners. This work included:

• 140 survey responses
• 21 in-depth interviews
• An in-person focus group with more than 40 attendees
• A virtual focus group with 25 attendees
• Strategic conversations with UO, OSU, RDI, and Regional Solutions
• Formation of the RARE Advisory Council

We are now moving into the Analysis phase. Over the next two months, the Kelley Nonprofit Consulting team will review all collected data, engage with stakeholders, and conduct scenario planning to identify the most sustainable and impactful path forward. In early 2026, we plan to host an informational session to share what we are learning and offer an early look at the emerging direction. Stay tuned for this!

As we wrap up this process in February 2026, we will host a formal presentation of our findings to the broader community and begin building the next iteration of RARE.

More than anything, we want to express our appreciation. The care you all hold for this program and for the communities we serve is evident and we walk away from these beginning conversations truly inspired by our community. Your willingness to reflect, critique, dream, and share remains the heart of this process!

11/11/2025

We invite you to join us for our next RARE Reimagined Focus Group!

As we wrap up the Discovery phase of RARE Reimagined, we’re hosting one final focus group; this time convening virtually for those who couldn’t join us in person.

Your insight and lived experience continue to guide this process as we shape the future of the RARE Program to better serve rural Oregon and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Join us virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 24th, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. to share your perspective and help us move into the next phase of this important work.

Please RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19th using the link below (also in our bio and story): https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8wVNttPnTvfrcge

Once registered, a final update will be sent out to all registrants (including Zoom access info) via email next Friday (11/21).

Your voice matters!

Learn more about the RARE Reimagined Strategic Planning Process and ways to get involved here: https://rare.uoregon.edu/rare-reimagined/

10/29/2025

Last week marked an exciting milestone in the RARE Reimagined process! We officially kicked off the Discovery phase of gathering stories, data, and insights through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to help shape RARE’s future (scroll to the last photo to see the full timeline for the RARE Reimagined Process).

We launched by hosting an in-person focus group in Eugene with members, site supervisors, and partners to reflect on RARE’s history and imagine what the next chapter could look like. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined and shared their perspectives as all insights are helping us build a strong foundation for RARE and for rural Oregon. And as always, huge thanks to for hosting us.

Last week we also launched our Advisory Committee! Comprised of individuals who have experienced RARE in many ways, they collectively form a dedicated group who will help guide RARE to its next form with the gathered community feedback at the center.

Couldn’t join us in Eugene? Stay tuned for a virtual focus group coming in November!

09/30/2025

📣 Calling ALL RARE Alumni, Past Site Supervisors, and Statewide Partners 📣

In June, RARE leadership made the difficult decision to pause the RARE AmeriCorps Program for the upcoming service year due to ongoing uncertainty around AmeriCorps funding. Anyone who knows RARE, knows our goal as a rural intermediary is to provide consistent support to rural Oregon and space for change-makers to grow… and for the first time in 31 years, we did not feel as if we could, in good faith, provide that. However, we knew that couldn’t be the end of our program’s legacy.

With that, we are proud to share that with support from The Ford Family Foundation (), Roundhouse Foundation () , and Kelley Nonprofit Consulting, we are launching our RARE Reimagined Strategic Planning Process. Over the course of the next 6 months we will have a unique opportunity to boldly reshape the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program in a manner that best serves rural Oregon, while continuing to build the next generation of changemakers. To do this, we’re calling on our incredible community — alumni, past site supervisors, statewide partners, and friends across rural Oregon — to help us write the next chapter for the RARE Program. YOUR insights, YOUR input, and YOUR voice Matters!

Your lived experience is what has made RARE successful, and we appreciate your willingness to engage. If you are interested and available, please help us develop a more impactful and financially resilient iteration of the RARE Program by joining in on our first focus group, which is set to take place at the Ninkasi Better Living Room (155 Blair Street) here in Eugene from 5:30-8:30pm on Wednesday, October 22nd. Light refreshments will be provided.

For those looking to attend, please RSVP via the link below (can also be found in our bio and story) by 5:00pm on Thursday, October 9th: https://lnkd.in/gc3zYr-8

We look forward to seeing you there!

Additional information regarding the RARE Reimagined Strategic Planning Process and how to engage can be found here: https://rare.uoregon.edu/rare-reimagined/

08/08/2025

It's hard to believe that just last week we hosted our annual End of Service Retreat on the beautiful Mckenzie River! We shared meals, conducted a service project at Three Sisters Meadow with our friends from Mckenzie Community Land Trust () and Mckenzie River Land Trust (), rafted the Mckenzie River with Horse Creek Lodge and Outfitters (.creek), and shared heartfelt reflections along the way... all of which offered up the closure many of us have been seeking.

Honoring our members and their commitment to service has always been a core value here at RARE HQ. Given the sudden loss of federal funding we have faced this year, well, this year's End of Service Retreat almost didn't happen. But we all know where there's will, there's a way. Massive thanks to all who helped pull the pieces together, especially to the one and only Alexa Carey (.carey) who stepped up and stepped in to make sure the Retreat was smooth going from start to finish 🙌.

06/30/2025

📣 IMPORTANT RARE PROGRAM UPDATES 📣

After a brief pause on social media following the sudden termination of our AmeriCorps grant, we’re writing with some bittersweet news.

✅ The good news: On June 6th, thanks to a successful court injunction, our AmeriCorps grant for the current 2024–25 service year has been reinstated. This allows us to continue supporting our current members through the end of July—and we are so grateful for that time. Many of our members have already moved on to new opportunities, and we are incredibly proud of all they’ve contributed to rural Oregon during their service. ❤️

⚠️ The hard news: Due to ongoing uncertainty around AmeriCorps funding and how this program is supported long-term, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause the RARE AmeriCorps Program for the upcoming service year. Unfortunately, this means that most of our dedicated staff are being laid off due to lack of funding and clarity around the program’s future.

But we are hopeful that this is not the end of RARE!

RARE leadership is actively exploring how the program might reemerge under a new funding model that ensures long-term stability and greater impact. If you’d like to stay connected and help shape what’s next, please let us know by completing this VERY short survey: 🔗https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3NMr8MbMQUTgUYK

It has been our greatest honor to serve rural Oregon for more than 30 years. THANK YOU to our RARE Family, our core statewide partners, and rural Oregon communities for your continued support. Your genuine encouragement means everything as we navigate this transition together.

04/28/2025

Adie graduated from Oregon State University with a H.B.S. in Agricultural Sciences, a H.B.A. in International Studies and minors in Agricultural and Food Business Management, Agricultural Education, and Comparative International Agriculture.

Serving with the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association (EOVA) as their Special Projects Coordinator, Adie will be focusing on culinary and agritourism projects such as building a culinary and agritourism network to identify key opportunities and needs in the region, and leveraging these learnings to provide guidance on the further build out and expansion of EOVA’s culinary and agritourism programming.

To do this, Adie is tasked with creating a comprehensive food inventory to help support industry partners in Eastern Oregon’s resources by highlighting local foods, as well as bolstering the relationships between consumers and local producers through marketing initiatives and farm-to-fork programming, ultimately strengthening the local economy.

Additionally, she will evolve and enhance the existing Four Rivers Farm and Garden Trail to better meet the community’s current needs while brainstorming new opportunities with the local action team that is being formed. These initiatives aim to increase tourism and economic activity!

When not working you can find her practicing Italian, western dancing, or creating some form of art. She is also an avid beekeeper and traveler.

04/25/2025

🚨 Calling all changemakers! 🚨

Just 2 days left to apply for the RARE Americorps program. Don’t miss out on an incredible journey of serving rural and an opportunity across the state of Oregon.

We have some rad placements and projects coming down the pipeline for this year, throw an application in the mix to learn more!

Apply by this Sunday (April 27) by 11:59pm PT via our website and be the difference where it matters most!

04/15/2025

We continue On the Road in Oregon, a blog series that takes you on a journey through the heart of Oregon's diverse communities with our Community Navigator Program. This month, we hear from RARE Member Sara Lark Millies-Lucke as she meets with communities from Southern Oregon to northwest of Portlan

RARE - Resource Assistance for Rural Environments

04/18/2026

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11/11/2025

10/29/2025

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