It is with great sorrow that we reflect on the life of David Hairston, a profoundly inspirational community leader, a deeply respected member of the Appalachian Voices Board of Directors, and a treasured friend to many.
Blog Archives
Remembering David Hairston
TAGS: Appalachian Voices board of directors Coal Ash community leader community organizing David Hairston North Carolina
From the Rockies to Appalachia: Virginia can look to Colorado for electric co-op reform
Undemocratic governance at Virginia’s electric cooperatives is a serious issue that has left co-op members across the state frustrated and ready for reform. Closed-door board meetings and unfair voting practices are two of the issues members hope to change in 2022.
TAGS: Affordable Clean Energy affordable electricity Appalachian Voices colorado community community organizing Democracy elections electric co-op electric co-ops energy democracy proxy voting Rappahannock Rappahannok Electric Cooperative systemic racism transparency Virginia
Building community power for economic transition in the coalfields
The New Economy Network of Southwest Virginia continues to progress local conversations to bring positive change to the region.
Empowering Citizens at the 2018 Water Justice Summit
Water defenders and community activists from across Central Appalachia and beyond gathered in Blacksburg, Va., earlier this summer to network, share stories and strategize to protect the region’s water. The day included workshops on topics such as water quality monitoring,…
Community Organizing Amid Destructive Mining
Formed 10 years ago in response to coal mines proposed near Wise County, Va., Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards continues their work to build sustainable communities.
Faced with Threats to Nolichucky River, Residents Unite
Concerned citizens have joined together to monitor the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee for pollution that could result from a new industrial pipeline. Though the water is still at risk, opposition to the pipeline has spurred community engagement.
TAGS: community organizing conservation industrial pollution North Carolina Rivers Tennessee Water Pollution
Organizing Around the Clean Power Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the first limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants earlier this year. Known as the Clean Power Plan, the rules give states a wide degree of flexibility to determine how to reduce their…
TAGS: clean power plan community organizing Energy Efficiency fossil fuels North Carolina Renewable Energy Tennessee Virginia
Rallying Against Climate Change
In October, we worked with our community partners to organize a rally in downtown Charlottesville, Va. This demonstration was part of the National Day of Action in advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference schedule to take place in…
