Sojourn Chronicles

by D. Brent Miller

In my travels of rural America in the summer of 1990, I conceptualized a journalistic effort and product, Rural Chronicles. During my efforts to make it real, I focused on small towns and rural life issues. I tried to syndicate a column, but the small town newspapers couldn’t afford it. Then, I provided communication consulting and editorial services to the USDA, National Rural Development Partnership, American Farmland Trust, and worked with several state agencies. I spent three years as a governing board member of the Indiana Rural Development Council, and nearly four years as a part-time executive director of a small town chamber of commerce, in order to better learn the dynamics of small-community development. (Did I ever!)

In 2003 and 2004, I helped publish a book on innovative rural health care strategies. Tom Rowley wrote the book and I not only produced the photography, but also the layout and design. It is available from the National Rural Health Association. Tom and I had known each other professionally for several years, but became good friends during the book project. We talk frequently, as I do with friends made during all those years of efforts. Likewise, Michael Sowell, who was my liaison at the NRDP, is like a brother. He’s now at HUD. Both Tom and Michael have been mentors, friends and spiritual counselors. So, I hope these changes do not disappoint them.

Recognition must also be given to two other important people. Bob Dunbar back in South Bend listened to my hopes and dreams over the years over coffee. Good friends are like that. He said, “I’ll give you one thing, Brent. You are persistent, sticking with your dreams.” The most accolades go to my best friend, my wife Lin, who has been my steadfast encouragement in all things.

I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing dedicated individuals trying to make a difference in rural America, and even some of those have moved on to other things. However, 17 years of struggling to make Rural Chronicles into something is enough. The evidence lies here at Sojourn Chronicles, and the number of visitors that come to read, view and hear the stories I have to tell. It’s possible to continue something that reflects the Rural Chronicles mission here. So when I am traveling through a small town that warrants some attention, I’ll let you know.

Thanks for listening, and welcome to the few readers that found Rural Chronicles. I think you will find these journalistic efforts just as informative and more entertaining.–DBrent