scenes of rural life

MEMBER LOG-IN

Email Address: 

Password: 

 

The Meeting Is Over

Information provided here is for reference.

Reaching Out, Reaching Ahead, Reaching Beyond

The Rural Sociological Society (RSS) invites you to be part of its exciting 68th Annual Meeting to be held in Tampa, Florida, August 10-13, 2005 Building on the theme of "Reaching Out, Reaching Ahead, Reaching Beyond". In addition to the traditional paper and panel sessions that will highlight a variety of contemporary innovative scholarly work on rural issues, participants will have additional avenues for taking an active part in the 2005 meeting.

  • RESEARCH PAPERS: Formal research papers addressing timely topics of interest to rural sociologists and other social scientists. Graduate students will participate in the Graduate Student Paper Competition.
  • WORKSHOPS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Workshops that seek to transfer new knowledge and skills in Teaching, Writing, Extension/Outreach or other activities pertinent to the work of professionals engaged in rural sociology, rural development, or other related areas.
  • PANEL SESSION: Diverse panels of individuals who give focus to specific thematic areas, policy issues, or program areas.
  • POSTER SESSION: Key aspects of research, application or teaching activities presented in a novel way. Awards will be presented for the "Best Poster" prepared by a professional member of the RSS, as well as the "Best Poster" by a student member of the RSS.
  • SESSIONS ON APPLICATIONS AND PRACTICES: Programs, curricula, and other application resources that are being used to respond to important needs of rural people and places. All relevant areas of application and practice are highlighted, including activities addressing rural health, workforce development, environment and natural resource management, leadership and civic engagement, education, job generation strategies, housing, youth/family, and grassroots community-based initiatives.
  • PRE-ORGANIZED SESSIONS: An entire session that is focused on a specific topic.
  • ROUNDTABLES: Important research instruments, outreach resources, and other items shared with a small group of participants in a less formal manner. For example, new survey instruments that focus on current or emerging rural issues, new undergraduate/graduate courses, new materials for use in outreach/service activities, and various strategies for informing policymakers of key social science issues relevant to local, state, or national policy discussions.

Each of the outlined activities are designed to embrace the diversity of our current membership and to strengthen our ties with current and future members who have interest in the practice and application of social sciences in rural contexts. This year's theme is dedicated to the strengthening of partnerships. These activities will highlight works that demonstrate the benefits and challenges associated with partnership building. We urge RSS members to invite new partners to our 2005 meeting - partners who share a common commitment to advancing the well-being of rural people and places.