Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) developed a prototype dynamic simulation model called Rural Community Modeler (RCM) under a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsored Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I effort. RCM demonstrates the potential capability of the simulation methodology to assist individuals in gaining a better understanding of the forces that shape their community and how they can influence those forces. A subsequent Phase I effort was granted in order to clarify the issue of whether RCM-type models would be understood, accepted and used by rural community professionals for the benefit of the communities they support. Feedback received from beta testers supports the conclusion that rural community professionals are fully capable of understanding and applying simulation software to analyze the source of their problems and to plan and advocate effective solutions. A Phase II proposal aimed at creating a fully functional and validated model is currently being reviewed.