A Case Study of Civic Leadership in a Rural Community: Moral Vision, Values, and Strategies Used to Protect A Sense of Place

Background and Purpose: This rural case study of civic leadership sought to understand the strategies of civic leaders within a rural context, in relation to a specific social action – the Pinon Canyon Opposition Coalition (PCOC) vs. the U.S. Army. PCOC opposes expansion of a maneuver site by the U.S. Army on ranchland with historical, archeological and cultural significance. Specific strategies of civic leadership in rural areas are important as community interventions are receiving more attention in social work (Gutierrez, 2008). The social work strategy of developing natural leaders in rural areas requires an in-depth understanding of civic leadership grounded in the rural geographic and socio-cultural landscape (Belanger, 2005). However, detailed descriptions of the processes, strategies, and behaviors of rural civic leaders that are linked to a leader's moral identity and moral vision are absent. Yet, the process of moral identity development is inextricably bound to social interaction, cultural practices and institutional contexts (Nasir & Kirshner, 2003). Small studies about the ways that civic leaders' judgments and actions, in context, foster moral agency (Nucci, 2002) and the study of real-life situations and life stories to seek out further understanding (Haviv & Leman, 2002; Tappan, 1999) extend the understanding of civic leadership and led to the research question for the study - “What are the specific strategies rural civic leaders use to accomplish a moral vision?”

Methods: This was a unique qualitative case study located in a remote, rural area of Southeastern Colorado. The sample population included ranch and farm families. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit 10 participants who were deeply involved in the civic action. Data collection consisted of individual interviews, one focus interview, and local news media and email alerts from PCOC across a 4 year time span. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data analysis consisted of a grounded theory, constant comparative method of analysis of transcripts and discourse analysis of news media.

Results: Findings included rich description of: 1), linkages between moral identity, vision, and action for rural leaders, 2), moral visions regarding the land and preservation of a sense of place, 3), leadership strategies unique to rural areas, 4), leadership within a rural context, and, 5), communication strategies to enlist support, involvement, resources and commitment. The triangulation of interviews, observations and media analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of a rural civic action taking place over 4+ years.

Implications: The experience of rural leaders in this action provide unique, responsive leadership strategies that “fit and work” in rural areas. The rural context of isolation, lack of infrastructure and resources, the nature of relationships, the necessity of establishing trust, and the local values and beliefs necessitate unique and responsive strategies from civic leaders in order to move communities forward. The authors discuss the findings in relation to social work practice with rural communities, with an emphasis on the development of natural leaders.