FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HAVE A QUESTION about the Rural South Institute? Review our frequently asked questions below to find the answer.
WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO?
Our organization raises awareness and helps underserved communities who operate and manage small farms or rural businesses, often with limited resources. We also provide educational, tutoring and business consultation services in a variety of areas of need. For more information and a list of specific programs and services we provide, explore our website or call us at 202-604-3536.
WILL MY DONATION TO RURUAL SOUTH INSTITUTE
BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes! We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
DO YOU SERVICE A GEOGRAPHIC AREA?
Our business is in the Huntsville-Madison, AL, area. However, our clients for business development and consultation services are from across the USA. Because of legal and budgetary concerns, student tutoring, mentoring and referral are currently limited to our local area while community outreach and technical assistance activities are statewide.
I NEED HELP WITH MY BUSINESS OR FARM BUT HAVE VERY LIMITED FUNDS. CAN YOU HELP ME?
Everything that we do is tailored to each client's individual situation. If you have a budget for consultation or tutoring services, we can work with it. Our focus is on delivering HIGH VALUE to clients, NOT low prices. Our goal is to assist limited resource students, small farms and businesses.
I NEED A BUSINESS PLAN / MARKETING PLAN COMPLETED IN ONE WEEK OR LESS. CAN YOU HELP ME?
We are willing to go the extra mile for our clients, but we cannot complete most projects in such a short timeframe. Generally, even “straightforward” business plan, marketing plan, and market research projects take at least 3 to 4 weeks. More involved projects can require several months (or longer) to assure the high level of quality and accuracy that are essential to success.
I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT A NEW BUSINESS FOR A LONG TIME. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME GO THROUGH ALL MY IDEAS TO SORT THROUGH THEM AND DEVELOP A REALISTIC BUSINESS PLAN. AND I NEED TO DO THIS ON A LIMITED BUDGET. CAN YOU HELP ME?
Possibly. We occasionally work with clients in this situation. You will need to do the "heavy lifting" with the market research (which can be very time consuming), while we limit our role to acting as facilitators and business advisors. This plays to our strengths and keeps your expenses to a minimum. The process typically takes several months but results in a very strong business plan.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES YOU OFFER?
Please call us at 202-604-3536 or contact us via email at rsi@ruralsouthinstitute.com.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR NEW OUTREACH ACTIVITIES AND/OR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES?
First, sign up for the community outreach mailing list by visiting our website or emailing us at rsi@ruralsouthinstitute.com. You will periodically receive emails about upcoming events and opportunities. Each email will contain a link that will bring you to the sign-up form for that event or opportunity. If you have trouble signing up for an event, email or call us at 202-604-3536.
WHAT IF NONE OF THE SCHEDULED OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FIT WITH MY SCHEDULE?
Just look out for alternative dates that might fit with your schedule. Also, we have dozens of partner organizations that we partner with who provide similar activities. Check out the list here and get connected with an organization you'll love!
WHERE DO THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS TAKE PLACE?
Most of our events take place in the neighboring communities at locations identified and confirmed at the time the event is being announced for registration.
DO I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER FOR OR ATTEND EACH OUTREACH ACTIVITY YOUR ORGANIZATION CONVENE?
You do not have to attend every outreach activity, but you can if you choose to and if the information being shared meets with your farm or business need.
WHEN DO I SIGN UP FOR THESE EVENTS?
You will receive a google form via email to fill out. We ask that you complete it ASAP. Our events are very popular, and we are only allowed to take a limited number of students. First come, first serve!
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OR SERVICES YOU PROVIDE?
Except for a nominal registration fee to reserve your space, there is no real cost to volunteers who choose to participate in our regular education, outreach and technical assistance activities. Student tutoring, business or farmer consultations are provided for a small fee which is usually below market cost for low income students and underserved rural residents.
HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED ABOUT NEW AND UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES?
Join our mailing list by going to Rural South Institute’s website, or contact us via email at rsi@ruralsouthinstitute.com and ask to be added to the mailing list.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I MEET SOMEONE WHO NEEDS THE SERVICES YOU PROVIDE?
If the individual is open to referrals, refer him or her to us for an initial screening and to make additional referrals if appropriate.
All willing volunteers must register to participate. Since space is usually limited, volunteers who show up the day of the event without prior registration will not be able to participate.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE PRIOR TO THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT?
HOW SHOULD I DRESS THE DAY OF THE EVENT?
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing that would be suitable for light messes and layers for indoor and outdoor play.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND/GROUP WITH ME?
Volunteers are welcome to invite their friends or groups to participate, but please make sure that everyone in your group submits the registration form by the volunteer registration deadline.
WHY DON'T YOU LIST YOUR CLIENTS' NAMES ON YOUR WEBSITE?
Most of our clients insist on strict confidentiality, so we cannot divulge any information about them beyond their industry and a general description of the type of services we provided them.
WHAT IS YOUR ORGANIZATION'S PRIVACY POLICY?
Our organization takes our privacy policy very seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters and clients. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters or clients outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.
DO YOU PROVIDE TUTORING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS IN ECONOMICS?
We provide economics tutoring services by qualified, trained and result-oriented tutors. Our one-on-one economics classes cover everything in basic economics to help you learn and improve your grades. We will help you rise from F to A grade. We will elevate your confidence and instill a better understanding of economics. Tutors will not do your homework, but will help you with your homework, assignments and exam preparation to make sure you understand and learn economics. Please contact us to schedule your first session at 202-604-3536 or by email at rsi@ruralsouthinstitute.com.
I AM A STUDENT IN NEED OF WRITING SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE, DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION OFFER WRITING SERVICES FOR COLLEGE OR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS?
Yes, we offer professional writing tutoring services. Our experienced writing tutors have all the expertise and skills necessary to understanding the art of writing. One-on-one classes are customized to your personal needs, ability, learning pace and preferences. Tutors are ready to help with everything, from homework, writing lab reports, assignments, exam prep to practical. This way, we support your academic development, boost your knowledge and improve your marks and grades.