Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Cross-Sectoral Partnership Building in Two Appalachian Towns
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Drawing from two case studies in Appalachia, this article examines acute and enduring challenges for small towns in otherwise rural areas during a time of political turbulence. When schools and hospitals close, industries leave, and youth exodus escalates, how can Appalachian culture and values endure? With a shift towards “big society” and citizen self-reliance (Edelenbos, van Meerkerk, & Schenk, 2018), small towns (~2,000 in population) may struggle to fill gaps in capacity to sustain themselves and their citizens’ livelihoods. However, beyond their financial functions, Appalachian communities harbor history, local expertise, and community pride to underpin and guide their entrepreneurship, social services, and creative place-making initiatives.
Cross-sectoral partnerships are integral to the future of Appalachia’s small towns, dependent on funding from sources such as the local and regional foundations established through the sale of capital assets, from the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund, and from pooled federal-state funding initiatives. These provide needed support for the creation of walkable, vibrant communities, nonprofit health centers, and local food enterprises, among other initiatives. Our ongoing praxis and community engagement research compares two Appalachian towns through field observations and stakeholder dialogue to explore the dynamics of how these partnerships can be curated and sustained. We also critically consider the role that higher education partners may play in assisting communities as they seek to develop such partnerships.
Reference
Edelenbos, J., van Meerkerk, I., & Schenk, T. (2018). The Evolution of Community Self-Organization in Interaction With Government Institutions: Cross-Case Insights From Three Countries. American Review of Public Administration, 48(1), 52–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0275074016651142
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Stephenson is the Director of the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance and a professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. His research and teaching interests include collaborative governance, leadership and democratic politics, arts and community change processes, NGOs and international development, peace building, and humanitarian relief. He is the author or editor of several books and more than 60 refereed articles and book chapters. He has served on or chaired committees for more than 190 graduate students during his 30-year career at Virginia Tech.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Lara Nagle is a Master’s student in Urban and Regional Planning in the School of Public and International Affairs and a graduate assistant for the Institute for Policy and Governance at Virginia Tech. Her professional experience includes environmental education, field research, and community development projects for a variety of non-profit and public sector organizations. She earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College and an M.S. in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Neda Moayerian is a fourth year doctoral student in the Planning, Governance and Globalization program in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. Her research interests include community development through community cultural activities and sustainable tourism. Currently, she works as a graduate assistant in the VT Office of Economic Development. Neda holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Art University of Tehran and a Master’s degree in Urban Management from University of Tehran.
Cross-Sectoral Partnership Building in Two Appalachian Towns
Drawing from two case studies in Appalachia, this article examines acute and enduring challenges for small towns in otherwise rural areas during a time of political turbulence. When schools and hospitals close, industries leave, and youth exodus escalates, how can Appalachian culture and values endure? With a shift towards “big society” and citizen self-reliance (Edelenbos, van Meerkerk, & Schenk, 2018), small towns (~2,000 in population) may struggle to fill gaps in capacity to sustain themselves and their citizens’ livelihoods. However, beyond their financial functions, Appalachian communities harbor history, local expertise, and community pride to underpin and guide their entrepreneurship, social services, and creative place-making initiatives.
Cross-sectoral partnerships are integral to the future of Appalachia’s small towns, dependent on funding from sources such as the local and regional foundations established through the sale of capital assets, from the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund, and from pooled federal-state funding initiatives. These provide needed support for the creation of walkable, vibrant communities, nonprofit health centers, and local food enterprises, among other initiatives. Our ongoing praxis and community engagement research compares two Appalachian towns through field observations and stakeholder dialogue to explore the dynamics of how these partnerships can be curated and sustained. We also critically consider the role that higher education partners may play in assisting communities as they seek to develop such partnerships.
Reference
Edelenbos, J., van Meerkerk, I., & Schenk, T. (2018). The Evolution of Community Self-Organization in Interaction With Government Institutions: Cross-Case Insights From Three Countries. American Review of Public Administration, 48(1), 52–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0275074016651142
