Two weeks ago, Groundswell hosted our third annual Rural Renaissance Roadshow in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. Themed “Resilience by Design,” The Roadshow brought together 200+ people involved in resilience projects across East Alabama, West Georgia, the greater Southeast, and communities nationwide.
We kicked things off on Monday, November 10, at the Red Barn (Alabama Farmers Agricultural Heritage Pavilion) on Auburn University’s campus, where we were officially welcomed by local leaders alongside Groundswell’s own Michelle Moore (CEO) and Kenrick Escalanti (Director of Marketing & Communications). Kenrick, a citizen of the Quechan Nation, shared a land acknowledgment for the Muscogee (Creek Nation), the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, and the ancestral lands of the Yuchi Tribe, whose lands we stood upon, and performed a traditional honor song to ground us in place and purpose.
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders then kicked off our local welcomes, followed by Pastor Nathan Tubbs, Master Teacher for Auburn University’s AU Teach program. Pastor Tubbs opened us in prayer and drew powerful connections to his work training the next generation of certified science teachers in Alabama—framing it as a critical foundation for helping rural students access STEM education and career opportunities. Rounding out the welcome, Kevin Couch from Auburn University’s Veterans Resource Center took the stage to honor veterans as we approached Veterans Day.
Rural Power Award and Panel
The 2025 awards honored three extraordinary leaders whose community-led work exemplifies rural and tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and long-term resilience in rural America. Michelle Moore moderated a panel discussion with the honorees, highlighting how rural leaders are shaping sustainable and self-directed paths forward.
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis – Gila River Indian Community, Arizona
Recognized for restoring the Gila River, advancing solar and hydroelectric energy, and expanding opportunities in education, housing, and infrastructure — all grounded in O’odham values and agricultural traditions of the Gila River Indian Community.
Jason Dunn – Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Development Authority, Georgia
Honored for driving a rural renaissance rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage. Since 2016, he has brought more than $250 million in investment, expanded workforce training, and centered community voices in development.
Tracy O’Neil – Preserve Cheatham County, Tennessee
Celebrated for role as a founding member of a grassroots coalition that stopped a proposed methane gas plant, protecting local health and agricultural heritage while demonstrating the power of community-led action.
We closed out the night with a concert performed by Nashville-based Christian Indie Soul recording artist Jervis Campbell.
Day 2: Keynotes and Workshop on Rural Resilience, Renaissance, and Renewal
After a morning of bluegrass gospel music, local Conecuh sausage, and fellowship, Andrew Freear, Director of Auburn University’s acclaimed Rural Studio, shared a keynote address on the event theme, “Resilience by Design.” Based in Alabama’s Black Belt as a part of Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture, Rural Studio has completed more than 220 community-centered projects and educated over 1,200 students. Its mission, educating citizen architects, combines hands-on student learning with research on sustainable and healthy rural living through projects focused on housing and infrastructure.
The Roadshow had four focus areas: Rural Energy Systems, Rural Food Systems, Rural Water Systems, and Rural Housing & Health. Breakout sessions dug into both big picture ideas of how policy is shaping the landscape of these systems in rural communities and dove into case studies of real project implementation with candor on what is and isn’t working for rural folks, who represent a diverse people of every identity.
Following a networking lunch, attendees gathered for a keynote panel by leaders who have a resolute commitment to rebuild Rural America. Tony Pipa (Brookings Institution) led a conversation with Chéri Smith (Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy), Al Puchala (CapZone), and Kyle Bridgeforth (Bridgeforth Farms) in this discussion titled Rural Resilience & Renewal: Maximizing the Opportunities amid Turbulence & Uncertainty.
After another two rounds of breakout sessions, the Tom Tyson Band took the stage while RangerStitch personalized attendees’ merch – such as Made in America tote bags and hats or our bandanas in Roadshow colors – while attendees reflected on the day’s content.
Opelika, Alabama has transformed buildings no longer used for manufacturing into a lively area full of places to shop, eat, and drink, which attendees enjoyed as we left our primary venue — a former Coca Cola Bottling Plant turned Event Center — and piled into local restaurants such as Zazu for an evening of fellowship and delicious food during Groundswell’s signature “Taste of Opelika”, an event we’ve done every year since it was introduced to us by our friends at Visit Bentonville in 2023.
Day 3: Field Trips to Rural Resilience Projects
As we closed out our final day, Kate Morales of As the Crow Flies presented on the mural created live at the Roadshow based on the content of the event and sentiments shared by attendees. Then, attendees boarded our buses and left to see resilience in action across West Georgia and East Alabama!
The Rural Studio
Attendees mingled with Rural Studio staff and viewed presentations by students before touring the campus, including the farm and an alternative wastewater treatment infrastructure project. They then headed to downtown Newbern where the Rural Studio worked with the community to build the Town Hall, Firehouse, and Newbern Library.
White Oak Pastures
Attendees hopped onto the back of a trailer for a guided tour led by Will Harris, who transformed White Oak Pastures into a farm dedicated to radically traditional methods. The tour took them from the garden — where much of their lunch was sourced — to the pastures to greet the sheep and other animals, and finally to the processing plant, where animals are hand-butchered. To round out the day, guests also had the chance to browse the general store and purchase goods made right on the farm.
Resilience Work in Lanett, Alabama
Attendees visited the site of a future resilience hub, received a historical tour of Lanett, learned about home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades offered through Groundswell’s Save on Utilities Long-Term program — including how the work is funded — and met Mayor Jamie Heard, the 2024 recipient of Groundswell’s Rural Power Award.
Workshops at The Marriott
Those who hung back were treated to a strategy and storytelling workshop led by Ralph Jean of Resource Rural, who shared tools to help rural people and organizations craft and amplify their narratives. Sierra Taliaferro of the Environmental Protection Network followed with an interactive session on how storytelling and coalition-building can strengthen community voices and support environmental action, highlighting real-world examples and EPN’s pro bono technical assistance.
We said our final goodbyes at a closing reception followed by a bowling night for those still enjoying Auburn and Opelika, Alabama!
Thank you for joining us, and if you weren’t there, we hope to see you next year!
