NAPD 2021 Women's Virtual Conference

Just as Dolly Parton's classic, Backwoods Barbie, delves into the hurtful stereotypes that get applied to the singer, this session will delve into the stereotypes about working in rural America that can make it a challenge to recruit and retain a diverse workforce for rural defender's offices around the country.  Deirdre Ewing, a queer, Jewish woman working in rural counties in southeastern New Mexico, will facilitate a discussion for leaders in rural offices and for women who work in or who have considered but rejected the idea of working in rural offices.  For those who have never worked in a rural office, what has stopped you from taking that leap?  What could entice you to try it?  For those who have worked in rural offices, what has your experience been like?  What has surprised you about the experience?  For those who have left rural practice, what could have convinced you to stay?  What additional support might you have needed? The goal of this discussion will be to allow leaders of rural offices to learn what the women they might want to recruit would want from their work and to allow working in or considering work in rural offices to have their concerns addressed and questions answered.