Inside the Business Office
Happy New Year from the Rural Sociological Society! We hope the year ahead brings you energy, connection, and meaningful work in your communities.
As we begin 2026, we encourage all members to renew their RSS membership. Your membership supports the Society’s mission to advance rural research, strengthen scholarly networks, and foster inclusive spaces for dialogue and collaboration. Members receive access to Rural Sociology, discounted annual meeting registration, opportunities to participate in committees and leadership, and a vibrant community of scholars committed to rural issues.
If you haven’t renewed yet, we invite you to do so and stay connected with the important work happening across our field. We’re grateful for your continued engagement and look forward to another year of shared learning and collective impact.
Warm regards,
Suzanne Bevan
Executive Director
sbevan@ruralsociology.org
Ashley Smedley
Account Representative
asmedley@ruralsociology.org
Announcements
Upcoming Webinar - The Current Policy Landscape and Its Implications for Rural Wellbeing and Opportunity
January 22nd - 12:00pm EST
Kick off the new year with our first webinar of 2026. Join us on January 22 for an engaging session designed to support members in their research, teaching, and professional practice. We’ll share timely insights, highlight emerging conversations in rural sociology, and create space for Q&A.
We encourage all to attend and stay connected with the work happening across our community.
Call for Abstracts – Submit Today!
We’re excited to remind everyone that abstract submissions for the 2026 Annual Meeting are open. If you haven’t had a chance to submit yet, we’d love to see your work included.
All details - including submission guidelines, deadlines, and meeting information—are available on the annual meeting page. Abstract Submissions close February 15, 2026.
Please share widely and encourage colleagues, students, and collaborators to submit as well. We’re looking forward to a strong and diverse set of presentations this year.
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Discover RSS on LinkedIn!
Follow the Rural Sociological Society to connect with peers, explore rural research, and stay updated on events and opportunities.
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Important Update: RSS Listserv Discontinuation
The RSS Listserv (RURSOC-L@LSV.UKY.EDU) will be discontinued. This decision reflects our commitment to streamlining communication and ensuring that announcements and updates are shared through the RSS Business Office and official channels.
Research and Interest Groups are now accepting submissions for their annual awards. Members are encouraged to review eligibility, deadlines, and submission guidelines directly on each RIG’s page. Visit the Community, Health, and Family RIG, Natural Resources RIG, and SAFRIG pages for full details..
"Rural Justice"
Join Us for the 2026 Annual Meeting!
Mark your calendars for
July 30 – August 2, 2026 in Raleigh, NC.
This year’s theme, “Rural Justice,” invites us to explore fairness and equity across food, environment, energy, migration, and community life. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of rural communities.
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RSS Annual Meeting
July 30 - Aug 2, 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina
Job Postings
Rural Health Expert
Washington University in St. Louis
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The Duke of Northumberland International Visiting Research Fellow
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Full Professor and inaugural Director of the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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