The way we stay in touch with each other is changing quickly. In this photo, Judie Shape, left, who has tested positive for the coronavirus, waves to her daughter, Lori Spencer, right, Wednesday, March 11, 2020, as they visit on the phone and look at each other through a window at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington., near Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

At the Daily Yonder, we strive every day to lift up stories that highlight the power of rural people and places. Those stories are often rooted in enduring values, deep relationships and feelings of connection and community uniquely found in rural life.

Today, as our worldwide community faces the unprecedented challenge of coronavirus and COVID-19, it’s clear we’re going to need those values now more than ever.

That’s why the Daily Yonder is taking extra care to connect with our reader community now. As we all adjust to changes in our daily routines and the possibility of extended social distancing, our team is committed to helping however we can, publishing stories that sow solidarity and strength.

That includes your stories. As editor Tim Marema wrote, in our call for stories about your churches and houses of worship, “When we are under the stress of uncertainty and change, it’s more important than ever that we share our stories.”

In the days to come, many rural people may be feeling isolated and disconnected, particularly those with limited broadband access. Others, including our small businesses, nonprofit organizations and healthcare facilities may be worrying about how to pay the bills or provide the services their rural communities count on. Others still may simply be looking for ways to make the most of the groceries they’ve got, to keep the family peace in a crowded home or to find workable alternatives to traditional toilet paper.

We welcome all of these stories. Now is a time for listening, for empathy and for using the modern tools at our disposal to connect with one another more, not less.

Share with us how you’re rallying and making it through these extraordinary times. Tell us what stories you need right now. Let us know any other ways the Yonder can be of service. And we’ll keep doing our part to bring together the rural community through the power of stories like yours

Share Your Story or Tell Us What Stories You Need

Post on our Facebook page or send a tweet to @DailyYonder.

Email our team. We’re here and listening.

Or use the form the below to submit your story right here on our site:

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