Participants in a symposium concerned with issues affecting rural New York State identified strengths and weaknesses and suggested policy in relation to three broad goals in the area of human services and community life: (1) increase community awareness of problems affecting rural localities, including the causes and effects of crime, violence, and poverty; (2) develop an integrated system of human services intended for individuals affected by alcoholism, substance abuse, mental illness, and developmental disabilities; and (3) unify rural community action in the areas of day-to-day operation of state government and as an advocate for rural policy. Among rural strengths cited were easy access to public officials, neighborliness, opportunities to participate in local government, and a growing number of rural advocacy units in state government. Weaknesses included reluctance by many to acknowledge the existence of serious social problems in rural communities, untrained local justices, and urban-oriented regulations. Policy suggestions dealt with mandatory social sensitivity and awareness training for rural police and justices, permissive legislation allowing for a single organizational unit to provide all human services within a county or counties, and establishment of executive and legislative bodies with responsibility for rural concerns at the state level. (JHZ)