Hello
Welcome to Chavis Policy Group!
Writing about rural access to justice, rural political history, and providing context to our crazy world.
I am also available for public speaking and consulting opportunities, please scroll down to learn more!
Latest Posts
Commentary: Remote Work Empowers Rural Workforce and Strengthens Federal Government (Daily Yonder)
On January 20th, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an order directing federal agencies to terminate remote work arrangements and mandate employees return to their “respective duty stations.” It ended a massive shift towards remote workforce, largely brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This decision is both a mistake and a contradiction of President Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” and “return power to the American people.” Rather than curbing remote work, the federal government should be embracing it as a tool for decentralizing power and empowering rural communities.
Commentary: A History of Sovereignty Ill-Considered (Daily Yonder)
There’s an old saying that goes, “justice delayed is justice denied” and perhaps no group understands that better than the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, of which I am a proud citizen.
And if I could use one word to sum up the Lumbee story, it would be resistance. ....
Commentary: The Definition of Rural (Daily Yonder)
Do you live in a rural area? For most of us, that question is relatively easy to answer. We can simply look outside of our windows and make an assessment. This simple question, however, becomes complicated when you consider the many definitions of “rural” that currently exist within the federal government.
There is no standard definition of “rural” and whether you live in a rural area depends on who you ask....
public speaking
Want to teach your group about rural political issues/history?
I am available to speak to your group about the issues that are facing rural or Tribal communities. I have presented at conferences sponsored by the American Anthropological Society, American Bar Association, Rural Sociological Society, and the University of Maine Bar Review. I have guest lectured to undergraduates at the University of Southern California, graduate students at the University of North Dakota, and served on panels at Dartmouth College.
I have also developed curricula and delivered a series of lectures around federal Indian Law and Policy for the staff of the National Indian Health Board.
Like my writing, my public speaking is rooted in the idea that history matters, context matters, and an understanding of our modern world requires an understanding of how we got here.
Consulting
Want to make sure your decisions are informed by the complexities of rural political issues/history?
I am also available to help your organization make sure that your internal policies and/or understanding of local, state, and national issues are informed by the history and unique considerations of rural and Tribal communities.
I want to use my years of experience in public policy to help you.