Together RI 2022

Between July 14 and November 15, 2022, more than 525 Rhode Islanders gathered at one of 12 venues for a family-style meal and conversation with their neighbors as part of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Together RI initiative. The intent of Together RI is to inspire constructive, civic, and civil dialogue, and by all accounts we achieved that. The conversations, held at restaurants and community spaces across the state, provided an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to connect with and listen to each other.

The discussions were moderated by Rhode Island Foundation staff and encouraged participants to discuss three broad questions during the meal.

1. In your opinion, what is Rhode Island’s biggest strength?

2. In your opinion, what is the biggest opportunity we have as a state?

3. What are the challenges facing you, or your community, that impact your daily life?

Notetakers recorded the report-outs from each of the tables. Participants were also asked to complete a brief survey at the end of each event, resulting in a total of 438 surveys being collected. This report presents an analysis of some of the common themes discussed during the Together RI meals as well as a summary of the survey responses.

Dozens of strengths were articulated—from the tradition of tolerance observed since the days of Roger Williams to responsive government officials, well-maintained parks, and the dynamic food scene. However, numerous strengths were identified at every event and across many conversations. The top five themes of responses are presented here.

1. Our small size

Rhode Island’s small size is a point of pride and considered its greatest strength. This was named nearly 50 times across the events. Specific to this were ideas of being nimble, ease of collaboration and getting involved, easy to travel and connect with others, finding support, meeting with government leaders, and, in Rhode Island, goals are easier to achieve than in bigger states.

2. The diversity within our state

The people who call Rhode Island home represent diverse cultures, languages, races, ethnicities, traditions, and values, and this was uniformly considered one of the state’s greatest strengths across all conversations. Specifically named qualities include the assets that immigrants and refugees bring to the state, the LGBTQ+ community, myriad interests and knowledge bases, diverse culinary traditions, the indigenous community, people of different genders and sexual orientations, and language diversity.

3. The talented and kind people within communities that make the state stronger

Participants value their Rhode Island neighbors, including the close networks, philanthropic residents, the friendliness and kindness of Rhode Islanders, leaders throughout the state, the talent that residents bring to their communities, and the willingness of people to come together to support each other.

4. Narragansett Bay and 400 miles of coastline

Rhode Island’s location along the coast was continuously identified as a strength. The benefits noted by people in conversations included the maritime industry and tourism benefits of the bay, beaches and beautiful coastal geography, sailing, and the state’s maritime history.

5. Our 13 colleges and universities

The state’s higher education institutions are much appreciated for their quality and diverse options. They are seen as a way to attract more people to the state and keep young Rhode Islanders in-state for college. Secondary benefits of universities, such as cultural events, were also identified as a strength. Numerous respondents also specified the Rhode Island Promise program at CCRI as a great asset for high school graduates.

In discussing opportunities that Rhode Island has to become better, there were dozens of unique responses. The following points received consensus as opportunities to make the state better across the venues and attendees. Several conversations encouraged residents to take big, bold action to innovate on critical social issues like housing, climate change, and healthcare, and to learn from best practices in other places.

Business and economic development

The most commonly discussed area of opportunity across all venues related to the state’s business sector. Many ideas were suggested, including attracting larger employers in the scientific, technology, cybersecurity, and medical fields, providing help to entrepreneurs and small businesses, and improving the overall business environment. Opportunities to promote more tourism were discussed. In addition, there were specific references to the blue economy, to take advantage of the state’s coastline and location, comprising aquaculture, marine science, and oceanography. There was also a reference to the state’s business history of industries such as textile manufacturing and jewelry making.

Collaboration

An overall theme was creating opportunities like Together RI to bring people together to collaborate. Block parties, clubs, community organizations, and service institutions were specifically named. Attendees wanted more opportunities for people to meet their neighbors, find ways to volunteer, and help with community decision-making.

Education and training

While there was consensus among many that the state’s higher education institutions are a great strength, there was also consensus that there is an opportunity for strengthening this aspect as well. Construction and general workforce development, university marine science programs, forging connections between higher ed and public schools, teaching hospitals, vocational training, and the RI Promise Program at CCRI were all specifically named.

Sustainability

As was stated during one of the discussions, Rhode Island led the way with the construction of the state’s first commercial offshore wind farm, and the same leadership in innovation can be applied to other sustainability efforts. Ideas include the development of renewable energy resources, such as more offshore wind and solar expansion.

Housing

The economic challenges of 2022 were keenly felt by everyone in attendance, with housing affordability being the foremost issue of concern across every gathering. Housing for unsheltered and homeless people, access to housing vouchers, and affordable housing options were all named. There is concern that zoning and building regulations are hampering efforts to increase the housing stock and lower rents and mortgages. Some attendees clarified that both affordable housing and low-income housing options are needed.

Cost of living

The Together RI events occurred during a year of recordbreaking inflation, which was a prominent topic in every conversation. The cost of food and the increasing food insecurity in Rhode Island were a shared worry among attendees. Clothing, housing-related utility costs, and everyday basic needs have become a challenge for many. As the wages do not rise proportionately with the costs, many Rhode Islanders struggle as they juggle their jobs and caring for their families.

Education

In contrast to the discussion about higher education in Rhode Island, the discussions on K-12 education were focused primarily on challenges. Stated concerns include the physical condition of public schools, low graduation rates, teacher shortages, and overall concerns about the quality of education. There were mentions of the need for general investments in education and after-school programs. The number of districts for a small state was also raised as a challenge.

Health and behavioral health concerns

Healthcare generally and behavioral health needs were oft-cited challenges across the events. Access to and cost of healthcare are difficulties for many. Some mentioned difficulty in finding specialists and surgeons, specifically, and prescription drug costs as an added challenge. Regarding behavioral health, similar concerns on access were raised with statements that there are insufficient facilities, programs, or resources. People with addictions also need help.

Attracting and retaining young people

A final recurring theme across sessions was the challenge of young people and young professionals leaving Rhode Island for better opportunities elsewhere. Our noted colleges can draw in youth, and the question was raised as to how the state can keep more local graduates as they embark on their careers. The loss of young talent was juxtaposed with the state’s aging population.