The Story of the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative

This is a report by Inverness Associates about the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative, which is stimulating to read in conjunction with our discussion on communication within LSC projects. It provides a perspective on the work of communication and collaboration among different partners in a systemic reform initiative. As the project's vision evolved over the 5 years described, several important dimensions seemed critical to success - and to pave the way for lasting reform. The project became more sophisticated in developing local leadership, aligning resources, situating the project with respect to district policies, creating a "reform infrastructure," and (central to all these) developing and propagating a shared vision of the reform.

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