Our Story
Rural Arizona Engagement, or RAZE, was the answer to a long-time issue in rural communities across Arizona. For too long, rural people were missing from the spaces where decisions about their communities were being made.​
This was especially true for Brown, Indigenous, and Black residents in rural communities, whose voices and lived experiences were often overlooked.
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In rural communities, the value of looking out for one another runs deep. That spirit of care and responsibility has always been part of rural life. RAZE was created to bring that same spirit into civic life by creating spaces where rural residents can come together, share their values, and have a voice in the decisions shaping their communities.
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The name reflects that mission. To raze means to break through barriers. For RAZE, it represents the determination to overcome the obstacles rural communities face and build pathways for people to organize, lead, and shape their future together.
RAZE is more than a name. It reflects the spirit of rural communities that refuse to be overlooked and are determined to break through barriers together.
OUR
MISSION
Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) is rooted deep in our neighborhoods, working to honor lived experiences, meet everyday needs, and strengthen civic participation. Through solidarity and shared leadership, we empower the communities we call home to build the collective power that transforms our lives with justice, dignity, and belonging.
We envision a Rural Arizona where solidarity exists between neighbors, communities have the resources to thrive, and diverse leadership ensures justice and opportunity for generations to come.
OUR
VISION
Rooted in Rural Values
Our core values ground our work and guide how we support the strength and leadership of rural communities.
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EQUITY
We commit to fairness, justice, and inclusion so that all rural people, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to opportunity and dignity.
INTEGRITY
We lead with honesty, consistency, and respect, ensuring our actions align with our values and commitments.
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RESILIENCE
We uplift the creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance of rural people in addressing challenges and building thriving communities for future generations.
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EMPOWERMENT
We create opportunities for rural people to gain the knowledge, confidence, and tools to lead change in their communities.
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JUSTICE
We work to dismantle inequities and create systems that honor the rights, dignity, and humanity of all people in rural Arizona.
EDUCATION
We believe civic and political education is essential to building knowledge, confidence, and participation that strengthens democracy and rural power
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RURAL
POWER
We honor the strength, wisdom, and resilience of rural communities, ensuring their voices shape civic life and their leadership drives lasting change.