The Advocate -- Latest Issue

The Advocate — Latest Issue

🍂 October 17, 2026 🎃

Coal miners, their families and medical professionals gathered in the nation’s Capitol to advocate for improving black lung protections and benefits.

Learn more

Support our miners!

First line of defense

Two years after Helene, plenty of work remains to ensure first responder hubs have the resources they need to be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.

A spooky art experience

Discover an unique blend of art, Halloween scares, recovery and fun at a historic school in Bluefield, West Virginia.

The rocky road — and bridge — to recovery

Following Helene, many damaged private roads and bridges have been restored. But the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for some.

Endangered bats found in Nantahala

Thanks to human disturbance, habitat loss and the fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome, Indiana bats hadn’t been seen in North Carolina for 11 years — until recently.

New bill rewards polluters and silences communities

U.S. senators will soon vote on a bill that would weaken our fundamental right to protect the environment, waterways and vulnerable species.

In Case You Missed It...

Election Day is getting close! Early voting has already started in some states. Make sure you are registered and check your local voting details.
Improving solar options in the Tennessee Valley: Learn more about the Rooftop Solar Rate Program!
Rebuilding a hospital after Helene: Residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, are still making do without a hospital two years after the storm.
‘The most perfect act of love': A rural Tennessee farm hosts its second-annual Pride celebration after backlash to a potential Pride event in the community.
Defending clean air: The Tennessee Valley Authority is building its Kingston gas power plant alongside its existing coal plant without proper permits.

Photo of fall leaves with text Our work depends on you—become a member today!

CALENDAR

All calendar events are listed in Eastern Time

March for a Moratorium on Data Centers in Virginia

Oct. 17-24: Come march with us, hear from local speakers, and help send a message to Virginia leaders: it’s time for a moratorium on new data centers until conditions are met.

Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.: Leesburg

Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.: Culpeper

Oct. 19 at 12 p.m.: Danville

Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.: Virginia Beach

Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m.: Roanoke, followed by a film screening of VS. Goliath at 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 at 11 a.m.: Richmond, Virginia

Disaster Resilience Hub Fair

Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.: Say hi and find local organizations that offer support, build community and prepare the region for extreme weather at the Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center! Asheville, N.C.

Old Fort Community Forum

Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m.: Join us to talk about flood risk. We will also be giving away rain gauges and learning how to build them! This follows the Family Harvest Community Resource Fair from 3-5 p.m. Free dinner & childcare. Old Fort, N.C.

West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Fall Review

Oct. 23-24: Find out how you can contribute to protecting our land, water and communities at this 2-day event. Canaan Valley Resort State Park, W.Va.

Beat the BILLS Block Party

Oct. 24 at noon: Join our partners Knoxville Water and Energy for All for family fun, including a bouncy house, water ice, food and refreshments, and a gift card raffle. Knoxville, Tenn.

Public Hearing about Coal Ash Storage at Watts Bar Fossil Plant

Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m.: State regulators are deciding how the Tennessee Valley Authority will manage toxic coal ash at its former Watts Bar Fossil Plant. Make your voice heard! Spring City, Tenn.

Textile Sustainability and Reuse Webinar

Oct. 27 at 1 p.m.: Learn from Appalachian-based businesses about sustainable materials manufacturing and upcycling textiles. Online.

Call Congress to Stop the Polluter Giveaway Bill

Nov. 5, 1-1:30 p.m.: We all deserve clean water and a say in what happens in our communities. Learn more about a dangerous bill in Congress and join us to call your lawmakers! Online.

Little Kudzu Basket Weaving

Nov. 7 at noon: Learn how to process kudzu to make a basket to take home. All materials and tools provided! Bristol, Va.

Paint the Setting Sun on Roadless Wild Lands

Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.: Spend an autumn afternoon painting the Craggy Mountain Roadless Area, ending at sunset. Barnardsville, N.C.

Offices in:

Boone, NC • Charleston, WV

Charlottesville, VA

Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA

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