Moving to a new rural community can be exciting but also overwhelming when it comes to staying informed of the local community news and events. It can feel impossible to keep up with the latest happenings when there are limited television stations, radio waves, and fewer local newspapers.
However, staying informed in a rural community is not only possible but can be done today. Let’s look at how you stay well-informed without missing out on big news or events in your local rural town.
Signing Up for Local Newsletters
One of the easiest ways to stay informed of community news and events in your area is to sign up for local newsletters. Many local businesses and organizations offer these emails in order to keep their customers updated on any special promotions or deals they may have.
Signing up for such newsletters will ensure that you’re always in the know about what’s happening around town, and allows you to support local businesses. Where we live the Chamber of Commerce sends out a weekly, what’s happening in town newsletter.
It’s mostly for local events in the area. If you have friends in the area be sure to pass it on and share it with them.
Joining Local Groups
Another great way of staying informed is by joining local groups or clubs. Whether an outdoor activities group, sports team, or book club. Joining different groups will give you access to information about any upcoming events and gatherings that may interest you.
You’ll also get the added benefit of meeting like-minded people living nearby and can even join forces with them if organizing something new. You may find some of these at your local library.
Recently, I began taking tai chi classes at our local fitness center. It is a great way to meet new like-minded people.
Volunteer In Rural Community
This past summer I volunteered at a local health and fitness center in our rural area. It was a nice way to meet some local people and learn other things going on in our area.
With most small businesses today looking for help, it is easy to volunteer anywhere in your area that you would enjoy being part of.
You don’t have to go daily and most likely you will be able to make your own schedule volunteering. Most places don’t expect volunteers to make a commitment every day; many times they just need someone who can come in once per week or even less frequently than that depending on their needs.
You can usually work with them directly on setting up your schedule so that it works with your other commitments as well.
More Reasons To Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to your local community. Not only are you helping out a business or organization, but you are also gaining valuable skills and developing relationships with the people who live there.
You will be satisfied knowing that you are making a difference and contributing to the well-being of your community. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about what else is going on in your area.
Volunteering also looks great on resumes, especially if you apply for jobs or internships in related fields. Employers like seeing applicants who have taken the initiative and made an effort to give back to their communities. It shows them you are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Even if the job or internship doesn’t require volunteer experience, employers will often consider it.
Following Social Media Pages For News In Your Area
Social media pages are another powerful tool for keeping up with what’s going on around town. Following pages dedicated solely to your local area will help keep you in touch with what’s being discussed among locals.
Additionally, these pages often post job openings or other opportunities near you so be sure to check them out if you are searching for a job or to volunteer as well.
I’ve found a few great rural groups on alternative social media networks:
- MeWe – An active rural group on the Facebook alternative social media network.
- Gab – Another alternative social media network with a very active rural life group. They also have a country living group.
These groups discuss many topics and photos about rural living from growing your food to beautiful photographs of nature in rural settings.
TV, Radio, and Newspaper For Rural News
You may find some radio or TV stations but that’s not always the case. In our area, we cannot get any radio stations though there is one available on AM radio. However, it can be streamed if you have internet service in the area.
Part of the problem is connectivity, but finding people to work at these community news stations is another problem.
The same can be said for local community newspapers in rural areas. I met the person who manages ours is the only employee at the paper. It is a weekly publication and costs $1.00 at the local stores.
However, there is another monthly community news publication that is FREE and comes in the mail each month.
Get Out and About
The first step to becoming part of the community is getting out of your house and into the community. Go for walks around your neighborhood or drive around town, keeping an eye out for places such as churches, libraries, schools, or small businesses where people are gathering together.
These are great opportunities for meeting new people who may be able to give you insight into what’s happening in your town.
Talk To Neighbors For Community Happenings
Most rural towns will have neighbors who have lived there their entire lives. Reach out and introduce yourself. You never know who might have some insight into local news or events that they would be willing to share with you.
Additionally, talking with your neighbor could help build relationships within your community that could last for years. However, don’t give up if they are not too friendly the first time you meet.
Conclusion: Know More About Your Community
Staying informed in a rural community does not have to be difficult—all it takes is a bit of effort from your end. Signing up for local newsletters, joining relevant groups, and following social media pages are great ways to know you don’t miss any important news or events around town.
With this knowledge under your belt, we hope all our readers living in rural communities feel better prepared and up-to-date with everything happening around them!
How are you staying on top of local happenings in your area? Please drop a comment below to share your tips with us.
