THE GROWING NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO THE REVITALIZATION OF RURAL AMERICA STEMS IN LARGE PART FROM RECENT PROBLEMS AND TROUBLES BEING EXPERIENCED IN URBAN AREAS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY THE RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION WHICH TENDS TO INFLATE THE ALREADY OVERCROWDED CITIES. SOME SPECIFIC STEPS WHICH CAN BE TAKEN TO REVITALIZE OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES INCLUDE--(1) PROVISION OF MORE RURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, (2) EXPANSION OF RURAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO INCLUDE MORE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, (3) INCREASE IN CREDIT FOR MORE RURAL BUSINESSES, (4) MORE AND IMPROVED RURAL HOUSING, (5) MORE EQUITABLE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION IN FEDERAL SPENDING AND PROCUREMENT PROGRAMS, (6) MORE EFFECTIVE COORDINATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS, (7) STRENGTHENING THE INSTITUTION OF THE FAMILY FARM. THIS SPEECH WAS PRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL OUTLOOK CONFERENCE ON RURAL YOUTH, OCTOBER 23-26, 1967, WASHINGTON, D. C., SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE U. S. DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE, HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE, INTERIOR, AND LABOR, OEO, AND THE PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON YOUTH OPPORTUNITY. (ES)