The Mountain Ascent

We hope these stories of positive change achieved through community action move you to get involved in your own community!

Remember to help us spread the good news by sharing The Mountain Ascent with your friends and family inside and outside of the region and by encouraging them to subscribe.

And please share your news from Southwest Virginia that makes you feel inspired and we’ll try to include it in a future issue.

Broadband Internet Coming to Wise County in SpaceX’s First Virginia Program

Utilizing low-orbit satellites, the Starlink pilot project will provide 45 Wise County families with free high-speed internet in early 2021. The program is projected to expand service to 90 additional Wise County households.

Abingdon Woman's Eight-Day Walk Raises Money for Victims of Violence in Latin America

Through her 200-mile walk, Cosette Moormans hoped to raise awareness of the violence experienced by those in Latin America. From Abingdon, Va., to Johnson City, Tenn., and back again, Cosette’s journey raised nearly $2,000.

Wise County Local Hired to Secure Solar for Southwest Virginia

Partnering with the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, Secure Futures Solar hired Matt McFadden as the program coordinator for the Securing Solar for Southwest Virginia campaign.

Six Businesses Awarded in the Tazewell County Business Challenge

Hosted by the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority, the 2nd annual competition awarded Coal Town Taps, Tazewell Test Center, Country Seed Store, Foxtail Orchards Cabins, Appalachian Treasures, and The Classy Closet with funding to help start and grow their small businesses.

Events

Job Opportunities

1/9 Virtual Event: Solar Letter Writing Party

1/12 Virtual Event: Virginia General Assembly - SWVA Legislative Preview

1/12 Virtual Event: ReImagine Appalachia Post-Election Summit

1/14 Webinar: Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition 2020 Report

1/14, 1/28, 2/11, 2/25 Community Event: Pound Free Medical Care

Heritage Hall — HR/Payroll Coordinator

Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. — IT Support Specialist

Appalachian Sustainable Development

Support a Just Transition for Fossil Fuel-Impacted Communities

Sign on in support of a state bill that would require owners of carbon-emitting power plants to provide nearby communities and state agencies with regular facility retirement study reports and to provide notice of closure within 14 days of making that decision.

The Commonwealth must support communities throughout the transition away from polluting power plants; this legislation is the first step to fulfilling that responsibility.

Sign on in Support

Holding Our Elected Officials Accountable

As Americans and believers in democracy, we are repulsed by the violent and seditious acts that occurred in the nation’s capital last week as the people’s elected representatives worked to finalize the lawful outcome of the presidential election.

Members of Congress have a responsibility to use their positions of power and leadership to give voice to the truth while actively countering lies, and to not give credence to the voice of a mob driven by misinformation and embedded with white supremacy. We call on the new Congress to carry the weight of their offices with integrity, and we will hold them, and government entities at all levels, accountable for treating their offices and our communities with the respect they deserve.

Read Appalachian Voices' Statement

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