In recent years, service programs targeted for Georgia's rural communities have decreased proportionately in relation to those intended for the state's rapidly expanding population centers. At the same time, erosion of traditional manufacturing industries and an adverse agricultural economy have decreased the ability of rural communities to provide basic human services. The University of Georgia's Rural Revitalization Initiative is focusing efforts on five rural development goals to be implemented in 12 counties through collaborations among university service units, statewide agencies and organizations, local agencies and governing bodies, and private citizens. Project goals include: (1) increasing the expertise and planning capabilities of local rural governments in the areas of finance, management, and planned growth; (2) developing at least four pilots in collaborative approaches to the delivery of human services, primarily in education, adult literacy, and health; (3) increasing "rural literacy" through educational programs for the general public that focus on rural heritage and rural community problem-solving; (4) fostering small business development and business retention in rural communities through training, counseling, and demonstration incubators; and (5) developing a series of training simulations for teaching longterm strategic planning to rural community leaders. The project seeks to link traditional and nontraditional resources of the University of Georgia in some innovative approaches to rural revitalization. Successful efforts will be replicated in rural communities across the state. (SV)