The national landscape reveals gaps or a divide in key services and resources, known as the Urban/Rural/Tribal Divide. Dr. Change works across many lines to address a variety of issues. For example, the federal government demonstrates the existence of food deserts and broadband deserts or a digital divide. Nonpartisan programs and projects in our tribal and rural communities are designed to bolster small business ecosystems, technology, and agritourism for small farms and ranches with support from state and federal agencies, as well as several federally recognized tribes in Washington.
As a state specialist for Washington State University (WSU) Extension, tribal and rural communities are in great need. Trevor C Lane, Ed.D. (aka Dr. Change) leverages scholarly activity with community outreach and economic engagement to identify the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities to support leaders in their efforts to achieve success through organizational change. Youth retention efforts are pronounced by advocating for tribal and rural youth having a voice and a vote.
With extensive research and knowledge in events and tourism, the Wildrose Prairie is one of a few agritourism cooperatives supported. This experience culminated in a position as an executive board member for the Washington Festivals & Events Association (WFEA). Dr. Change was recognized by colleagues and received the National Achievement Award for his work in using technology for community narratives and storytelling.