Hannah is the Workforce Development Program Manager and Farmer PRIDE Coalition Coordinator at Appalachia Sustainable Development (ASD). She joined ASD as an Americorp VISTA in 2021 and has continued as part of the Groundwork staff ever since. She has a genuine love for farming, gardening, and the community-driven ethics of Appalachia and its people.

 

In this episode, Christine and Hannah discuss laying the groundwork for workforce development programs and paid skills training for individuals transitioning into the agricultural workforce. Hannah shares stories of her journey in Appalachia and the new initiatives at ASD focusing on building strong support networks for agricultural farmers - from home gardeners to agroforesters. Hannah explains her journey towards building one-on-one relationships with folks and helping them find the resources they need, whether its funding opportunities, mentoring programs, or support systems. 

 

Appalachia is rooted in a long history of mutual aid, with countless stories of people helping others in times of need. In continuing this legacy, Hannah shares stories of how individuals are breaking down barriers in agriculture and transitioning to a just economy through community empowerment and self education. With each lesson, you will learn how Hannah and ASD are meeting people on their level, figuring out where they want to go, and developing lasting pathways to get there. 

 

From building regenerative agricultural practices, to growing equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community - join us as Hannah shares strategies and ideas on how to build inclusive and sustainable communities in Appalachia. Welcome to Yes! We Rise.

 

“For me, a bright future for Appalachia is one that’s rooted in that really ingrained value of what community can be, which is centered on love, centered on joy, and centered on the abilities of the people here to support each other.”

 

Topics:

(8:50) How the Groundwork program provides skills training in Appalachia for folks who have struggled to get a job

(14:40) An effective way to imagine the future you’d like to see in your community

(19:25) What Hannah sees as the future of Appalachia and what is possible

(25:30) How to get over the barrier of land access for individuals who want to get involved in agriculture

(36:55) What it looks like to build lasting equity for all community members through programming

 

Links mentioned:

• Appalachian Sustainable Development: https://www.asdevelop.org/

• Follow ASD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asdevelop/

• Follow ASD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingbetterlocally/

• The Yes! We Rise podcast is produced by Dialogue + Design Associates: https://www.dialogueanddesign.com

• Music by Drishti Beats: https://drishtibeats.com/music/

• Yes! We Rise podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeRisepodcast

• Yes! We Rise podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeswerise/

• Find our email list at the website: https://yeswerise.org

 

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