Public forum for community development to be held in Scott County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2023

CONTACT
Emma Kelly, New Economy Field Coordinator, [email protected], (276) 289-1003

Scott County — A group of non-profit organizations —, including Appalachian Voices, Virginia Organizing, The Clinch Coalition and Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards — is holding the fifth event in a series of community listening sessions in Scott County on May 31. These monthly sessions are an open public forum for community members to discuss social, economic and environmental concerns in their communities and to connect with local grassroots organizations that are working on similar issues.

Our region has undergone a lot of change in the past few years, ranging from the expansion of the renewable energy industry and the eco-tourism economy to devastating flooding and an increased number of abandoned mine lands in need of significant reclamation. In order to meet these challenges and make sure our region thrives, it is vital to bring as many people as possible to the table and use every tool available, be it financial awards, technical assistance, mutual aid work or policy development.

Previous sessions have been held in Lee, Wise, Dickenson and Buchanan counties and topics have included workforce development, support for previously incarcerated folks and people recovering from addiction, flooding recovery and resiliency, and community-building events. These conversations not only open up new collaboration and strategies with the non-profits hosting the events, they also provide an opportunity for community members to build power with each other and communicate directly with local leaders.

The Scott County listening session will take place at 5:30 pm on May 31 at Cove Ridge Center, 469 Cove Ridge Center Rd, Duffield, Virginia.

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Appalachian Voices is a leading nonprofit advocate for a healthy environment and just economy in the Appalachian region, and a driving force in America’s shift from fossil fuels to a clean energy future.

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