FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 24, 2019
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One Country Launches Social Media Listening Project
Rural Americans Are Talking About Their Priorities - And Our Elected Leaders Need to Listen
WASHINGTON, D.C. – One Country Project (OCP) today released its first installment of the OCP social media listening project, which analyzes how rural Americans active on social media discuss political topics and policy issues. In its inaugural report, OCP focused on rural Americans in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.“We have to listen and understand what issues rural Americans are talking about with their family and neighbors so we can continue to open up the dialogue with communities across the country. Leaders in Washington and those running for public office need to hear directly from rural Americans to adequately address their concerns and propose lasting, effective solutions,” said founding board member and former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
OCP observed social media traffic from February 15 to May 15, and the analysis identified a number of key, preliminary insights into issues that rural Americans are discussing:
- Rural Americans are concerned about the state of the farm economy and how the current trade war is threatening their livelihoods.
- There is a window to engage with rural Americans on climate change and how a changing climate is negatively affecting their communities.
- Education is being discussed, but the conversation is not centered on any one issue – instead the majority of those observed voiced individual concerns and a lack of solutions from elected leaders.
- Immigration is front of mind, and rural Americans are interested in hearing an enforcement plan.
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About One Country ProjectThe One Country Project, led by former Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, is working to promote greater opportunities for rural communities and ensure leaders earn their support. One Country is reengaging with rural Americans, serving as a clearinghouse of research and information for rural Americans, and working to ensure leaders regain trust by fighting for these communities. To learn more, visit the website, OneCountryProject.org.