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    <title><![CDATA[Town Road Talk]]></title>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p>]]></description>
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    <copyright><![CDATA[Rebecca Powell 2024]]></copyright>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Unsung Heroes of Wisconsin State Parks with Seth Taft]]></title>
      <itunes:title><![CDATA[The Unsung Heroes of Wisconsin State Parks with Seth Taft]]></itunes:title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Our conversation with Seth Taft, the new Executive Director of the Association of Wisconsin State Parks, explores the vital role of Friends groups in supporting state parks, particularly in rural communities. It highlights the extensive work these groups do beyond fundraising, including maintenance and advocacy for park funding. The discussion also addresses the challenges of state park funding, the importance of the Knowles-Nelson Conservation Fund, and the need to preserve both cultural and natural resources. We emphasize the significance of community involvement and the necessity for better infrastructure and support for state parks.</strong></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Friends groups do more than fundraising; they support park maintenance.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Rural communities heavily rely on state parks for recreation and tourism.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Funding for state parks in Wisconsin is significantly lower than in Minnesota.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Community involvement is crucial for the upkeep of parks.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Advocacy for state park funding is essential for future generations.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>The Knowles-Nelson Conservation Fund is vital for preserving natural landscapes.</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Visit us at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.townroadtalk.com"><strong>www.townroadtalk.com</strong></a></p><p><strong>Support us at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/townroadtalk"><strong>patreon.com/townroadtalk</strong></a><strong>Visit us at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.townroadtalk.com"><strong>www.townroadtalk.com</strong></a></p><p><strong>Support us at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/townroadtalk"><strong>patreon.com/townroadtalk</strong></a><strong>port for state parks.</strong></p><p></p>]]></description>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:43:26 GMT</pubDate>
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