How do we mobilize in rural communities/small cities?: Difference between revisions
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*"''The use of local media, no matter how 'small' they may be, constitutes a gateway into each community, either through the distribution of newspapers or through local radio. However, it is necessary to multiply the ways to reach the population. '''This diversity of strategies to be implemented is even more important in the regions, since older populations, less adept with digital technology, are present.'''"'' (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec | *"''The use of local media, no matter how 'small' they may be, constitutes a gateway into each community, either through the distribution of newspapers or through local radio. However, it is necessary to multiply the ways to reach the population. '''This diversity of strategies to be implemented is even more important in the regions, since older populations, less adept with digital technology, are present.'''"'' (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec | ||
*'''Local media sources are more trustworthy '''to people in rural regions than national news. Facebook and local news stations are the top platforms to seek news for people in rural communities. Utilize this; reach out to your local news outlets to feature your actions and demands. Invest time in making local news connections. <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org]<br> | *'''Local media sources are more trustworthy '''to people in rural regions than national news. Facebook and local news stations are the top platforms to seek news for people in rural communities. Utilize this; reach out to your local news outlets to feature your actions and demands. Invest time in making local news connections. <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org]<br> | ||
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*<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">"'''''Small local newspapers''', whether printed or digital, should be considered either to distribute open letters or to challenge journalists." ''(Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec</span><span style="font-size: 14.4px;"></span> | *<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">"'''''Small local newspapers''', whether printed or digital, should be considered either to distribute open letters or to challenge journalists." ''(Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec</span><span style="font-size: 14.4px;"></span> | ||
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*<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">''"It is by taking one step at a time, by establishing a core of more committed people that the circle of people ready to get involved will gradually expand. Do not hesitate to create an informal network by giving it a name and taking the time to structure it little by little''." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec</span> | *<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">''"It is by taking one step at a time, by establishing a core of more committed people that the circle of people ready to get involved will gradually expand. Do not hesitate to create an informal network by giving it a name and taking the time to structure it little by little''." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec</span> | ||
*''"'''Partner with other types of committed groups '''(community gardens, parent groups, women's groups, workplaces, etc.) and collaborate could be a good strategy, as mobilizing people from scratch can take a lot of energy in areas with less density and diversity. Create links and partnerships with the people in charge of gathering places, like the library, cafés, the city (for the organization of events in parks), schools, local businesses, youth centres, community and/or cultural centres etc." ''For example, a coalition of citizens, politicians and community groups formed a coalition for Quebec to [https://www.ledroit.com/2022/06/09/barrage-de-lac-simon-une-coalition-dintervenants-demande-lintervention-de-quebec-71e07cf708c21a4e2cb1d7b957596366?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1654819229 intervene in the management of the Lac Barrière dam]. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | *''"'''Partner with other types of committed groups '''(community gardens, parent groups, women's groups, workplaces, etc.) and collaborate could be a good strategy, as mobilizing people from scratch can take a lot of energy in areas with less density and diversity. Create links and partnerships with the people in charge of gathering places, like the library, cafés, the city (for the organization of events in parks), schools, local businesses, youth centres, community and/or cultural centres etc." ''For example, a coalition of citizens, politicians and community groups formed a coalition for Quebec to [https://www.ledroit.com/2022/06/09/barrage-de-lac-simon-une-coalition-dintervenants-demande-lintervention-de-quebec-71e07cf708c21a4e2cb1d7b957596366?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1654819229 intervene in the management of the Lac Barrière dam]. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | ||
*Identify: ''"<span>'''who has influence in your community'''? Do they have ideas or suggestions for you? Will they help spread your message?"</span>'''' | *Identify: ''"<span>'''who has influence in your community'''? Do they have ideas or suggestions for you? Will they help spread your message?"</span>'''' '''-''<span>Sharon Collingwood,</span>''<span> [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</span>'' | ||
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*'''''Create a network of support by working with local organizations''' - churches, school clubs, your ''[https://gardenontario.org/about/ local horticultural society]'', ''[https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/cycling-clubs bicycling clubs]'', ''[https://fwio.on.ca/ women’s institutes]'', ''[https://www.ontariofieldnaturalists.ca/Links/Field_Naturalists_Clubs.html field naturalist societies]'', rod and gun clubs. Participate in their actions and events. How do you complement each other? How are you different?''" -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | *'''''Create a network of support by working with local organizations''' - churches, school clubs, your ''[https://gardenontario.org/about/ local horticultural society]'', ''[https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/cycling-clubs bicycling clubs]'', ''[https://fwio.on.ca/ women’s institutes]'', ''[https://www.ontariofieldnaturalists.ca/Links/Field_Naturalists_Clubs.html field naturalist societies]'', rod and gun clubs. Participate in their actions and events. How do you complement each other? How are you different?''" -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | ||
*''"Look for '''local branches of national and provincial organizations''', and network with local people involved in these groups. Many of these groups may also be a good resource for speakers at events''.
*'' For example...''<div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>[https://ofa.on.ca/ The Ontario Federation of Agriculture
]<br>[https://www.nfu.ca/ National Farmers Union
]<br>[https://www.christianfarmers.org/ Christian Farmers Association
]<br>[https://conservationontario.ca/conservation-authorities/find-a-conservation-authority Your regional Conservation Authority
]<br>[https://futuregroundnetwork.org/ Future Ground Network] (The Suzuki Foundation)
< | *''"Look for '''local branches of national and provincial organizations''', and network with local people involved in these groups. Many of these groups may also be a good resource for speakers at events''.
*'' For example...''<div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>[https://ofa.on.ca/ The Ontario Federation of Agriculture
]<br>[https://www.nfu.ca/ National Farmers Union
]<br>[https://www.christianfarmers.org/ Christian Farmers Association
]<br>[https://conservationontario.ca/conservation-authorities/find-a-conservation-authority Your regional Conservation Authority
]<br>[https://futuregroundnetwork.org/ Future Ground Network] (The Suzuki Foundation)
<br>[https://canadians.org/ The Council of Canadians] <br>[https://www.liveableontario.ca/ Alliance for a Liveable Ontario]" -Sharon Collingwood, <span>[https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</span></p></div></div></div> | ||
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*For more on forming coalitions, see this guide by [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CH-aMsrbdEUp3IBhO50FWzScXgwoVGMnVyB7ZuqJ_9Y/edit# Blueprints for Change]. | *For more on forming coalitions, see this guide by [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CH-aMsrbdEUp3IBhO50FWzScXgwoVGMnVyB7ZuqJ_9Y/edit# Blueprints for Change]. | ||
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"''Could they support an event or participate in an action? Would they donate to your organization? (You could reciprocate with an acknowledgement on your webpage or leaflet). Could you put a '''poster or a basket of informational cards''' or leaflets in their reception area?"'' -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | *"''Could they support an event or participate in an action? Would they donate to your organization? (You could reciprocate with an acknowledgement on your webpage or leaflet). Could you put a '''poster or a basket of informational cards''' or leaflets in their reception area?"'' -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | ||
*Share''' posters for upcoming events or notice of your group''' with local businesses. Some are more than willing to post your poster on a bulletin or on their shop window if they support your cause! -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | *Share''' posters for upcoming events or notice of your group''' with local businesses. Some are more than willing to post your poster on a bulletin or on their shop window if they support your cause! -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | ||
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''"Make sure any communities meetings or events you host have a '''transportation plan'''. Transportation is least accessible in small and rural communities. Having your events near public transportation hubs during key bus hours is useful, building in a carpooling/ridesharing organizing component to RSVPs can work well, and assume if the weather isn't ideal, rural folks will be less willing to drive in on the highways. '' | *''"Make sure any communities meetings or events you host have a '''transportation plan'''. Transportation is least accessible in small and rural communities. Having your events near public transportation hubs during key bus hours is useful, building in a carpooling/ridesharing organizing component to RSVPs can work well, and assume if the weather isn't ideal, rural folks will be less willing to drive in on the highways. '' | ||
*''Making sure rural organizers have adequate resources marked for getting around the region to meet with prospects or recruit supporters/volunteers/donors. This may mean a higher transportation budget for mileage, or more time for long public transportation routes, or both." '''''Experiment with online events/meetings'''. -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | *''Making sure rural organizers have adequate resources marked for getting around the region to meet with prospects or recruit supporters/volunteers/donors. This may mean a higher transportation budget for mileage, or more time for long public transportation routes, or both." '''''Experiment with online events/meetings'''. -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | ||
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"''Door to door canvassing is a great way to establish connections. Take your time, and be sure to listen: you will learn a great deal of useful information about the community. '''You can also organize canvassing trips '''around farmers’ markets, local fairs, plowing matches, many other local events. Make it fun, and stop for coffee afterwards''." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | *"''Door to door canvassing is a great way to establish connections. Take your time, and be sure to listen: you will learn a great deal of useful information about the community. '''You can also organize canvassing trips '''around farmers’ markets, local fairs, plowing matches, many other local events. Make it fun, and stop for coffee afterwards''." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: rgb(153, 225, 217); height: 51px;" | '''13. Host booths at local events''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: rgb(153, 225, 217); height: 51px;" | '''13. Host booths at local events''' | ||
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*Tabling could include educating local residents, petitions for folks to sign, sign up sheets to join an email list etc. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC]</li> | |||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: rgb(153, 225, 217); height: 295px;" | '''14. Create bulletin and leaflet networks'''[[File:53cefe64-0f73-44f7-9b08-110d627382a7.jpeg|200x200px|left|middle|border]] | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: rgb(153, 225, 217); height: 295px;" | '''14. Create bulletin and leaflet networks'''[[File:53cefe64-0f73-44f7-9b08-110d627382a7.jpeg|200x200px|left|middle|border]] | ||
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''"'''Create a bulletin board network. '''Are there cafes, businesses, libraries, grocery stores, churches, sporting facilities, long-term care residences, or other locations that would allow you to post on their bulletin board? Make a list of the boards you find, then divide the list up geographically among volunteers, so that no volunteer has too many bulletin boards to cover. Announcements can be sent out by email, printed off, and posted quickly.'' | *''"'''Create a bulletin board network. '''Are there cafes, businesses, libraries, grocery stores, churches, sporting facilities, long-term care residences, or other locations that would allow you to post on their bulletin board? Make a list of the boards you find, then divide the list up geographically among volunteers, so that no volunteer has too many bulletin boards to cover. Announcements can be sent out by email, printed off, and posted quickly.'' | ||
*''Design your announcements so that they do not require too much printer ink. Consider that some members of your network will only have a black-and-white printer. These members should colour in a few elements of the poster to call attention to your message. Libraries will often take multiple copies of an announcement, sending them out to be posted at the smaller branches. They may also partner in an event." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]'' | *''Design your announcements so that they do not require too much printer ink. Consider that some members of your network will only have a black-and-white printer. These members should colour in a few elements of the poster to call attention to your message. Libraries will often take multiple copies of an announcement, sending them out to be posted at the smaller branches. They may also partner in an event." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]'' | ||
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Don't do mobilizing alone;''' include social events''' to keep your spirits high and form deeper bonds. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | *Don't do mobilizing alone;''' include social events''' to keep your spirits high and form deeper bonds. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | ||
*Organize potlucks, family-friendly events... things that draw community members in to mingle! | *Organize potlucks, family-friendly events... things that draw community members in to mingle! | ||
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Revision as of 22:45, 7 March 2023
Rural or small city organizing presents challenges and opportunities that are unique from urban or larger city environments. Many organizers may feel discouraged by limited turnout to their events compared to more populated areas. There are several considerations for organizing in rural areas/small towns, and also several things that can be leveraged to build successful campaigns. The following responds to a request asking for tips on organizing outside larger urban environments, compiling input from experienced organizers here in so-called Canada, direct insight following a learning circle with activists in rural areas/small cities and research findings from organizers in rural America.
Introductory thoughts
"Community organizing has been going on for as long as there have been people living together facing challenges. Many people work together in small and rural communities all the time to address contemporary challenges, this is the basis of community organizing." -Montana Burgess, Neighbours United
"On the one hand, sometimes all it takes is a spark plug to get people who are sensitive to the causes you are defending to join you. On the other hand, it is necessary to deconstruct somewhat the idea that organizing a mobilization in urban areas is much easier and very different from rural areas. While it is true that the often younger, university-educated population of cities has a large number of committed people, this must be put into perspective. For example, a demonstration of 1,000 people in Montreal, which has 2 million inhabitants, is the equivalent (proportionately) of a march of 50 people in an entire region like the Gaspé, which has less than 100,000 inhabitants. It is therefore necessary to begin by readjusting the mobilization objectives according to the population density in presence." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec
Building connections and outreach
1. Meet people where they're at |
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2. Talk to family, friends and people you know |
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3. Build a media list |
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4. Build networks and coalitions with other groups |
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5. Seek Indigenous Perspectives
Above: Protest, Western University, December 2022. Credit: S. Collingwood |
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6. Contact local businesses |
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7. Connect with local politicians |
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8. Turn to National organizations for support |
Canadian Environmental Law Association Ontario Yours to ProtectOntario Nature Ecojustice Environmental Defence -Sharon Collingwood, Perth Sustainability Hub
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9. Consider event and meeting access |
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10. Offer public shows of support |
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11. Encourage those involved! |
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12. Try door knocking |
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13. Host booths at local events |
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14. Create bulletin and leaflet networks
Above: "Mailbox" by REM Photo Off & On is licensed under CC BY 2.0. |
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15. Socialize and get to know others! |
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Narrative and messaging
Listen to and learn from locals |
Farmtario
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Craft a narrative and image that suits the needs of locals/your target audience |
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Leverage key community members/people who are trusted |
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Address stereotypes and tailor messaging |
The following insight comes from ruralorganizing.org based in the so-called US:
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Use community care values-based framing [9] |
The following insight comes from ruralorganizing.org based in the so-called US:
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Embrace local businesses and oppose corporate corruption |
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Online presence
Hold hybrid/virtual meetings | *"The organization of virtual meetings also helps to promote involvement, especially because public transportation is sometimes non-existent or difficult to access." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)
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Use online organizing tools |
1. "Slack allows you to easily post files, calendars, pictures, links and videos. Posts are kept for 3 months" on the free version.
2. Zoom allows you to create recurring meetings, and you can post the link in a google doc/share widely. It's easy to bookmark and reuse. -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub) |
Keep a shared drive to distribute and access resources | |
Create an email list |
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Create social media accounts |
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Create an events calendar | *"What will be going on in your area over the next year that you can participate in?" Plan for events in advance, and "be sure that your calendar can be easily accessed by all members of your group. A Google calendar works well for this." After events, "don’t forget to take notes for next year - contacts, emails, telephone numbers and reminders of what was needed for the event. '-Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub) |
Develop affinity groups online to cover large areas | *"The use of digital technology makes it possible to cover sometimes very large geographical areas. As for all mobilizations, the creation of affinity groups on social networks becomes a very useful virtual rallying space that must be maintained and fed regularly." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec) |
Tactics and strategy
Get creative!Above: Chalktivist event, Stratford Ontario. Credit: S. Collingwood | "Art shows, speeches, parades, dinners, bicycle safaris, picnics, festivals, silent auctions, free concerts." Use your imagination, e.g. "a popup barbershop quartet or rap contest with comic protest songs. A chalktivism event held at the same time as a hopscotch tournament. A puppet making workshop showcasing the use of recycled material, followed by a parade." -Sharon Collingwood, Perth Sustainability Hub
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Consider event and meeting access |
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Hold marches, rallies and blockades |
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Get involved in local politics |
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Promote positive changes you see in the community |
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Host booths at local events | |
Create subcommittees | |
Create bulletin and leaflet networks
Above: "Mailbox" by REM Photo Off & On is licensed under CC BY 2.0. |
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Plan events that are easy to engage in for new volunteers |
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Offer public shows of support |
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Unsure of what to campaign around in your small city/rural area? Check out this list of ideas from Tool Complices Pour Notre Communaute. You might also draw ideas from Mouvement Mare's campaigns, which range in focus from local community-specific to National issues.
If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/organizer-toolkit-leveraging-yard-signs-rural-communities
- ↑ https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities
- ↑ https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/organizer-toolkit-leveraging-yard-signs-rural-communities