Volunteering in West Virginia
Big Laurel Learning Center
Along the beautiful Tug Fork River near Kermit, W.Va., this rural community center offers environmental service opportunities to educate and assist communities affected by mountaintop removal mining. “The coal mines are right next door and people suffer from this fall-out of the coal society,” says Gretchen Shaffer, Big Laurel’s volunteer program shepherd. Volunteers participate in organic gardening, mentoring children in outdoor and academic activities and preparing meals. Short-term and long-term opportunities available, including an AmeriCorps position. 18 and older. Get involved! Call 304-393-4103 or visit biglaurel.org — K. Boyajian
Coal River Mountain Watch
On-site volunteers work and live with seven housemates on 178 acres in Rock Creek, W.Va., and participate in environmental justice endeavors. The goals of CRMW range from ending mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia to helping restore clean water to Coal River Valley. CRMW also works with Energy Efficient West Virginia to create and promote sustainable economic development in the region. Short-term and long-term programs available. Get involved! Call 304-854-2182 or visit crmw.net — K. Boyajian
Direct Action Welfare Group
Started as a grassroots group in Charleston, W.Va., in 2002, DAWG is comprised of current and former public assistance recipients statewide who work together towards ending poverty. “My Life Project,” volunteers can contribute online through posts, articles or videos to share their stories. DAWG volunteers help with community dinners, school supply drives and information sessions as well. Teens can also get involved in DAWG’s Youth Empowerment Program which helps to improve leadership skills and promotes community organizing. All ages. Get involved! Call 304-590-8050 or visit wvdawg.org — K. Boyajian
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
Neighbors Help Neighbors
A photo essay that celebrates the volunteer spirit of the grassroots group Hurricane Helene WNC and speaks to the resourcefulness, collaboration and hard work embodied by thousands and thousands of volunteers, first responders and aid workers across the region after Hurricane Helene.
Halloween Approaches, and Night School Is in Session
The House of Art in Bluefield, West Virginia, looks like a haunted tower, making it the perfect location for its sixth annual haunt event: Night School. The Night School will be open every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 31.
‘The Most Perfect Act of Love’
Hundreds of people attended the second annual Affirming Sumner Pride celebration on a 24-acre farm dubbed “Fruity Farm” in Bethpage, Sumner County, Tennessee.
Signs of Life: Endangered Bats Found in Nantahala for First Time in More Than a Decade
In the Nantahala National Forest, a team of biologists spotted Indiana bats, an endangered species that hasn’t been seen in North Carolina for the last 11 years.
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment