This proceedings of a conference held in May 2000 at Malaspina University-College (British Columbia) contains approximately 63 conference papers, abstracts of papers, and keynote speeches. The conference examined issues affecting rural communities, with major themes being rural education, health, human services, families, and the sustainability of rural communities. The conference aimed to foster an international network of rural scholars, which had its beginnings at a 1994 conference of the same name, held at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. Topics of speeches and papers include history of U.S. rural women teachers, rural school reform, public policies affecting rural communities, adjustment of professionals relocating to rural areas, community health services and initiatives, rural community information services, rural studies programs, Aboriginal education in Canada and Australia, information technology use on farms and in rural schools and communities, rural health issues, community viability, rural economy, community development issues and programs, connections between rural schools and communities, and distance education. Profiles of keynote speakers and contact information for conference participants are included. (SV)