Where rural voices
come together to talk policy, purpose, and possibilities
About Town road talk:the rural kitchen cabinet
Town Road Talk is a Midwest-based organization committed to amplifying rural voices by blending grassroots organizing with strategic messaging—and, most importantly, listening. It's what's known in politics as a Kitchen Cabinet.
We recognize that while many rural communities share common values and concerns, they are too often underrepresented in policy debates and overlooked in electoral campaigns. With a proven track record in rural voter engagement, we partner with county parties and local organizations to better understand, connect with, and empower rural constituencies—ensuring that both messaging and policy reflect the real needs and values of these communities.
We are neighbors, friends, and family—rooted in small towns and tucked down long gravel roads—people who believe rural voices matter and deserve to be heard loud and clear.
Town Road Talk founders are two lifelong advocates for rural communities: Dave Considine, a five-time elected State Representative, farmer, legislator and educator, and Rebecca Powell, a journalist, organizer, former Alice in Dairyland, and New York Times best-selling author. We saw the growing disconnect between rural voters and the institutions meant to serve them—and decided to do something about it.
What began as conversations at town halls, farms, and kitchen tables across Wisconsin has grown into a broader movement to amplify rural voices and build lasting power from the ground up. We organize because we believe change starts close to home—and when rural voters come together, we don’t just get heard. We win. We build momentum for the future we deserve.
Our goal is to ensure rural voices are not only heard but heeded—leading the way toward a stronger, more connected democracy, bridging the divide between rural and urban life.
Through community-led organizing, storytelling, and civic engagement, Town Road Talk will expand across the Midwest—making sure the people who know their communities best are the ones shaping what comes next.
What Is the Rural Kitchen Cabinet?
At Town Road Talk, we believe the best ideas don’t come from boardrooms—they come from kitchen tables. That’s why we created the Rural Kitchen Cabinet—a trusted space for rural voices to shape policy conversations, share lived experience, and lead from the ground up. Just like a presidential “kitchen cabinet” of trusted advisors, ours is made up of farmers, teachers, small business owners, parents, environmentalists, and community members from across the Midwest—everyday leaders with extraordinary insight.
tell your story: Town Road Talk story gallery
Discover Town Road Talk Products
Branded Content and Podcasts
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Sponsored Interview Series
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Behind-the-Scenes and Extended Interviews
Behind-the-Scenes and Extended Interviews
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Digital and Social Media Initiatives
Digital and Social Media Initiatives
Behind-the-Scenes and Extended Interviews
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Interactive Web Platforms
Digital and Social Media Initiatives
Social Media Challenges and Campaigns
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Social Media Challenges and Campaigns
Digital and Social Media Initiatives
Social Media Challenges and Campaigns
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Welcome to Town Road Talk Community!
Live Streaming & Virtual Town Halls
Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Events
Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Events
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Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Events
Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Events
Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Events
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Volunteer Opportunities
Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Events
Volunteer Opportunities
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Community Resources
Local Roundtables and Workshops
Volunteer Opportunities
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Connect with Members
Local Roundtables and Workshops
Local Roundtables and Workshops
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Local Roundtables and Workshops
Local Roundtables and Workshops
Local Roundtables and Workshops
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Town Road Talk events & initiatives
Rural Fairs & Networking Events
Educational and Research Initiatives
Rural Fairs & Networking Events
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Storytelling Festivals
Educational and Research Initiatives
Rural Fairs & Networking Events
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Educational and Research Initiatives
Educational and Research Initiatives
Educational and Research Initiatives
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Webinars
Community Research Partnerships
Educational and Research Initiatives
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Community Research Partnerships
Community Research Partnerships
Community Research Partnerships
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Youth Engagement Programs
Community Research Partnerships
Community Research Partnerships
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County Party Training
Advocacy Networks and Coalition Training
County Party Training
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Issue-Based Campaigns
Advocacy Networks and Coalition Training
County Party Training
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Advocacy Networks and Coalition Training
Advocacy Networks and Coalition Training
Merchandising and Crowdsourcing Initiatives
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Merchandising and Crowdsourcing Initiatives
Merchandising and Crowdsourcing Initiatives
Merchandising and Crowdsourcing Initiatives
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View our Vlogs/Listen to Podcast
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