Strategic Advocacy

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Driving Policy Change and Transforming Systems

The Rural Youth Institute aims to expand the reach and impact of innovative evidence-based youth development strategies by advocating for state and local investment in these relationship-centered practices that empower rural youth to thrive.

Strategic Advocacy

  1. Advocate for public investment in the positive conditions that help rural youth thrive.
    RYI is working with state agencies and public partners to expand how public resources are directed toward older youth, long-term mentoring, and community-based youth development. We are bringing the voices and experiences of rural communities to emerging funding opportunities and making the case that prevention must include sustained investment in the relationships, experiences, and places that help young people build connection, belonging, purpose, and agency. 

  2. Build understanding among legislators and public servants about the value of investing in rural youth.
    RYI is creating opportunities for policymakers and public leaders to hear directly from rural youth, families, practitioners, and communities and to better understand both the unique assets and challenges of rural youth. Through relationship-building and education, RYI is working to elevate rural youth development as an essential investment in the health, vitality, and future of Maine’s communities.

  3. Shape the public conversation about what rural youth need to thrive.
    RYI is leveraging digital media, storytelling, and other public communications to bring greater visibility to the experiences of rural young people and the issues shaping their lives. We want to broaden the conversation beyond responding to problems after they emerge and elevate the importance of proactive youth development as prevention, ensuring young people have access to trusted relationships, meaningful experiences, belonging, opportunities for leadership, and connection to their communities.

Across these three areas, RYI’s advocacy is grounded in a simple premise: rural young people should not have to experience crisis or disconnection before communities invest in the conditions that help them thrive. RYI’s role is to help ensure rural youth are visible in public policy conversations, that their voices inform decisions, and that public and private investments reflect what we know young people need to develop purpose, hope, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

In tandem with our primary focus areas, we acknowledge the valuable work already being done by other organizations and the potential for greater impact through collaboration. Therefore, we are also prepared to lend our support to complementary initiatives where we can be most effective. These additional endeavors include enhancing mental health services, expanding career and technical education tailored to rural needs, and bridging the digital divide. By leading in areas where we have strength and supporting where we can amplify others, together we can create a multifaceted approach to encourage young people in Maine.