Rural & Migrant Ministry
Friendship, Support, and Hope
Since 1981, Rural & Migrant Ministry (RMM) has been walking alongside rural, migrant, and immigrant communities across New York State, offering friendship, support, and hope. Faith-rooted and justice-driven, RMM works to break down systemic barriers and build a more compassionate, inclusive, and just rural New York. Through youth empowerment, legal advocacy, leadership development, and economic justice initiatives, RMM nurtures the gifts and voices of those who are often overlooked, so they can grow, lead, and help shape a brighter future for all.
National Recognition
RMM’s decades of faithful, community-rooted work have been recognized nationally. In 2023, RMM was selected as a partner of the Clinton Global Initiative for its pioneering efforts to establish a federal credit union serving farmworking families. Most recently, RMM was honored with a $1 million grant from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call, a powerful affirmation of its long-standing commitment to justice, dignity, and opportunity for New York’s rural communities.
Mission
To create hope, justice, and empowerment with farmworking and rural families by building community and developing leaders through advocacy, education, and the arts.
Vision
RMM envisions a New York where farmworking and rural families are treated with dignity, empowered with opportunity, and supported with the resources they need to thrive.
What RMM Does
To learn more, support our work, or volunteer, please visit ruralmigrantministry.org.
Youth Empowerment & Leadership Development
Young people have remarkable gifts to offer the world, and RMM helps them shine. Their youth-designed programs begin with summer camps and leadership institutes that support rural, migrant, and immigrant youth ages 8 to 24 across New York. RMM’s primary focus is on five year-round high school programs that offer opportunities in the arts, college preparation, economic development, and civic engagement. Young leaders build confidence, develop their voice, and find a strong sense of belonging. Many face challenges like poverty, isolation, and language barriers, but with the right support, they become powerful agents of change in their communities. RMM also works with adults through the Rural Academy of the People to offer leadership development and organizing skills.
Accompaniment: Standing With Others
We believe that justice grows when we walk together. RMM’s Accompaniment Program invites allies—faith communities, labor partners, and students—to stand with rural and migrant workers as they seek fairness and dignity. Whether supporting grassroots cooperatives, advocating for fair labor laws, or helping communities organize, the RMM team walks alongside those most affected by injustice, using their voices and privilege to help clear the path toward meaningful, lasting change.
Immigrant Legal Rights Project
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard. RMM’s Immigrant Legal Rights Project helps immigrant families understand and protect their rights as they navigate the legal system, workplaces, schools, and public life. Through legal education, policy advocacy, and partnerships with legal service providers, this program empowers individuals and families to stand up for themselves and work toward a more welcoming and just society. A specific focus of the Project is systemic and impact litigation and legislative advocacy.
Partnership with the Community Good Episcopal Federal Credit Union
Building a more just world also means creating a fairer economy. In partnership with Community Good Episcopal Federal Credit Union (CGEFCU), RMM is helping provide accessible, affordable banking services to farm workers and rural families, many of whom are excluded from traditional financial institutions. Recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative in 2023 for their contributions to economic justice, RMM supports financial literacy, fair lending, and economic dignity. Together, RMM and the CGEFCU are helping families move from survival to stability and creating new pathways to opportunity.