NEWSActivism in Action
Cackle for Change
Come join us for a spooky Saturday night!
We will have a costume contest, games, music and more!
Email Taysha@appalachiancommunityfund.org for more info
#ThisIsAppalachia: Hope for 2023
The board members and staff of the Appalachian Community Fund were invited to share their hopes for Appalachia in 2023, from their personal or regional views.
LGBTQ Books for holiday giving!
If you are stuck for gifts for the holidays, there is nothing quite like the comfort of a book. Think about someone you know who would find joy in a book that reflects their life, their journey.
Of course, you can find a unexpected gift for yourself.
Appalachia has some wonderful LGBTQA+ books. As a region, we have writers we are proud to count as neighbors.
#ThisIsAppalachia: Margo Miller
We are proud to share this feature from the New York Times’ “Transforming Spaces” series introducing ACF’s Executive Director to readers with the following: “In Appalachia, Margo Miller Leads From a ‘Place of Courageous Joy’, Ms. Miller’s work has made her one of the most powerful people in philanthropy in a rapidly evolving region that has long been marred by stereotypes.”
#ThisIsAppalachia: Recovery
Recovery of the People and the Land
Recovery involves attention to the conditions of the land, water, air and the individuals and groups of people living in the region.
#ThisIsAppalachia: Reclamation
Bipartisan votes in Congress renewed hope for serious actions to deal with past mining damage to the Appalachian region.
#ThisIsAppalachia: Resilience
The Mayo Clinic says, “Resilience means being able to adapt to life’s misfortunes and setbacks.”
The recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia brought news cameras and reporters to the mountains to cover tragedy. All too soon, other tragedies like the polluted water system in Jackson, Mississippi, and the drought in the Southwest, drew the cameras to other emergencies. Meanwhile, many responded to the flooding crisis, none more than the people of Central Appalachia and people living elsewhere with roots here.
As the reporters moved on, they commented that the people of Appalachia are resilient.
#ThisIsAppalachia: Emancipation Day in Tennessee - August 8
Emancipation: the word means the freeing of someone from slavery. In a broader sense, emancipation is being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation.
The following article presents background on why Tennessee has historically marked August 8 as Emancipation Day, also known as Freedom Day.
#ThisIsAppalachia: The Stay Project
We Know This to be True: The State of Youth Issues in Appalachia and a Plan of Action
#ThisIsAppalachia: Kentucky Teacher of the Year 2022
Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr., was named the Kentucky Teacher of the Year. He was honored at the White House this spring. But despite the recognition, he may not return to the classroom next fall. Carver teaches high school and college-level French and English at Montgomery County High School in Mt, Sterling, Kentucky in the Appalachian foothills. As a "proud gay man", he sounds a message of concern.
#ThisIsAppalachia/ Florence Reece: Which Side Are You On?
The May 2022 issue of #ThisIsAppalachia celebrates Appalachia's working people and their families. We do so by remembering Florence Reece who inspired so many with lyrics put to paper at difficult moments of union organizing. Her song, Which Side Are You On? remains an anthem today for labor and other movements from Appalachia and throughout the world.
#ThisIsAppalachia: Earth Day 2022, Invest in Our Planet
Our cover photo of Central Appalachia viewed from space comes from the European Space Agency (ESA). ESA and NASA have images of earth that provide glimpses of the interrelated nature of what we have to protect on this Earth Day 2022. The organizing theme is Invest in Our Planet—”because a green future is a prosperous future.” Here are some of options for celebration, action, and service for this year’s Earth Day.