Home to 65 million people, rural America is no longer insulated from national and international events. Once dependent entirely upon agriculture and natural resource industries, today rural America relies upon manufacturing and service industries. Jobs and other income opportunities in rural America must respond to global business cycles and competition. The overall dismal profile of rural America is framed in long-term trends such as the loss of vital services (schools, hospitals, and housing), disruption in rural financial institutions, deteriorating transportation and communications infrastructure, and the loss of population and political influence. Community leaders, business people, farmers, local and state officials, and other concerned rural citizens are looking for answers to serious questions to revitalize rural America. A Land Grant research and extension agenda responded to the question of how to revitalize rural America. These plans focus on competitiveness and diversification, strategies for local economic development, building community leadership, and adjusting to economic stress. The agenda addresses the interdependence of the rural economy, rural communities, and rural families in their effort to deal with world market shifts and domestic changes. Four broad goals guide this agenda: (1) to improve economic competitiveness and diversification; (2) to support management and strategic planning for economic investment; (3) to create community capacity through leadership; and (4) to assist in family and community adjustments to stress and change in rural America. (ALL)