Volunteering in Appalachia: A Community Effort

By Kelsey Boyajian, Meredith Warfield and Emmalee Zupo

Photo courtesy Christian Appalachian Project

Appalachia’s rich history of community unites this region. Whether it’s neighbors lending a hand in the yard, or a dedicated group joining together to clean up a local river, the tradition of service and volunteering is a way of life.

The benefits of service are vast. When we help each other, we learn from one another too. It may be a new skill, such as gardening, or it may be opening up our minds to new perspectives. However you want to help, there’s no shortage of opportunities to join and serve. Below is a listing of some regional programs, but it’s certainly not exhaustive. If you have a favorite organization, just ask if they accept volunteers — because they probably do!

Kentucky

North Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Regional

Environmental Summer Camps 2014!
Browse our online listing of summer camp programs for all ages. These programs emphasize environmental sciences and sustainability, with outdoor activities including hiking, wilderness skills, field science and more. Camp costs vary and some scholarships are available. View listing

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Volunteering in Appalachia: A Community Effort