In an era of polarization and distrust, rural communities are often caricatured and misunderstood within higher education's civic engagement efforts. This interactive workshop introduces stewardship of political place, a framework for reimagining how universities engage politically and culturally diverse rural regions. Drawing from research in the rural American West, participants will examine how institutional narratives, partnerships, and civic initiatives shape trust and belonging between universities and their communities. Through reflection and mapping exercises, attendees will identify strategies to strengthen civic relationships, challenge rural stereotypes, and cultivate engagement grounded in humility, reciprocity, and relational trust.