Yes! We Rise

What does it look like when a nonprofit stops parachuting in and starts following a community's lead? In this episode, Christine sits down with longtime colleagues Emma Kelly and Kara Dotten of the New Economy team at Appalachian Voices. Emma lives in Lee County and Kara in Wise County, both rooted in the coalfields of far Southwest Virginia. Through the Community Strong initiative, they've walked alongside five small towns—Dante, Clinchco, Pennington Gap, Pound, and Dungannon—listening, returning, and listening again, until residents' own priorities became a reality. Ideas turn into funded projects including: a flood-prone, abandoned grocery building demolished to make way for a flood-mitigating park, a historic train depot on its way to becoming a solar-powered resilience hub, and an aquatic center celebrating the Clinch River carrying a beloved mayor's legacy forward.

Emma and Kara share hard-won lessons on building trust: respecting the hyper-local wisdom of each place even when you're from the region, showing up messy and honest instead of polished, compensating residents as the experts they are, and committing to communities "in perpetuity, as long as they want us." They also open up about leaving and coming home, the humor and pride of people living Appalachia rather than touring it, and how they stay grounded (and avoid burnout) in work that always feels urgent. It's a warm, wise, and practical conversation for anyone who wants to help their community rise from the ground up. Welcome to the Yes! We Rise Podcast!

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CHANGE-MAKERS

· Go to the experts—the community. Residents at every level are the true experts in their place. Without them, you're working with an incomplete picture.

· Don't just ask—return. Community Strong held three rounds of meetings in each town so residents could refine, prioritize, and help decide what to seek funding for, instead of a one-and-done listening session.

· Respect the hyper-local. Even people from the region don't automatically understand the culture or flooding issues of the next town over. Bring a beginner's mind.

· Be human, not polished. Being honest, messy, goofy, and vulnerable builds more trust than showing up as the experts.

· Make participation possible. Food, stipends, welcoming kids (with giant sticky notes at kid level to draw on), and welcoming residents' knowledge as professional expertise all matter.

· Go deep, not wide. Focusing on five communities for the long haul beats doing a half job in many places.

· Tangible results build momentum. When people know construction funding is in place, they know they're not speaking into the void.

· Take care of yourself. Take time off—this work can burn you out, and you need rest to return at your best.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & CHAPTERS

· [00:00] Welcome and introductions: Emma Kelly and Kara Dotten of Appalachian Voices

· [00:44] Appalachian Voices and the New Economy Program—clean water, black lung benefits, and community visions across the seven coalfield counties

· [02:56] Why community vision comes first: no more organizations "parachuting in"

· [04:49] Building trust: respecting hyper-local cultures and showing up honest, messy, and human

· [08:03] Emma's path: from Bell County, Kentucky, and a family of park rangers to cultural anthropology

· [09:24] Kara's path: trying to leave, falling in love with home, and coming back to Wise

· [12:02] Painting a picture of Southwest Virginia: Clinch River biodiversity, High Knob, inherent trust, and memories embedded in the land

· [14:39] "Appalachia is trendy": the humor and pride of living it versus touring it

· [15:34] Christine reflects on land, storytelling, ways of knowing, and the fear of change

· [18:32] Community Strong: listening sessions, stipends and food, and building ownership

· [20:23] Common themes: flood resilience, green space, economic development, and the need for a place to be connected

· [21:45] Why these five communities—and why going deep beats going wide

· [24:02] Entrenched challenges: infrastructure, flooding, and feeling ignored by higher levels of government

· [26:26] Pennington Gap with Emma: from an abandoned, flood-prone grocery building to a flood-mitigating park with an accessible playground and fishing pier

· [30:06] Getting to know Pennington Gap (about 1,500 people) and Dungannon (about 289 people)

· [31:14] Dungannon with Kara, the "Heart of the Clinch": Mayor Horne's legacy, a new community association, and a solar-powered depot resilience hub

· [34:10] "In perpetuity": partnering for as long as communities want them

· [35:14] What is a resilience hub—and why it matters in rural communities

· [36:21] What holds communities back, and the leverage points that move them forward

· [39:48] Engagement best practices: food, stipends, kids welcome, and compensating local experts

· [42:07] Remembering Mayor Horne and Letting Love Lead Yes! We Rise podcast episode

· [44:30] Staying grounded: running, theater, mushroom foraging, yoga, pets, family—and community partners who inspire

· [46:43] Lessons learned: be humble, cede power, take time off, and know the legislative process is there for you

· [48:46] How to connect with Appalachian Voices and closing reflections

NOTABLE QUOTES

From Emma

"We're all people trying to figure out how to work through this together."

"They know it's not just planning, they know they're not speaking into the void."

From Kara

"Just because I'm from Wise doesn't mean that I get to speak on Clinchco."

"No one's actually willing to sit down with the community and say like, hey, sorry, this didn't work and here's why. They just leave."

From Emma and Kara

"Community members at all levels are the true experts in their community. And if we want to make lasting change, if we want to make effective change, you have to go to the experts."

"It's not just showing up and asking, it's also returning."

"It's not just asking communities what they want, but asking the communities how to make it happen."

"Choosing five [communities] and choosing to focus in tight on those is better than doing a half job in a bunch of places where we're not able to have those deep relationships."

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED

· Appalachian Voices — visit the website, sign up for the (geo-targeted) mailing list, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky

· Community Strong — Appalachian Voices' community-led initiative in Dante, Clinchco, Pennington Gap, Pound, and Dungannon

· Mineland Releaf Project — shared by Emma and Kara

· Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia — shared by Emma and Kara

· Yes! We Rise Episode 9: Letting Love Lead with Mayor Horne of Dungannon, Virginia

Other organizations and programs mentioned: EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving grant, The Nature Conservancy's Cumberland Forest Fund, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, Appalachian Regional Commission READY Local Governments, Environmental Defense Fund, Monuments Across Appalachian Places, Virginia Master Naturalists, and the Pro-Art Association.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Emma Kelly

Emma Kelly is the New Economy Program Manager at Appalachian Voices. Originally from Bell County, Kentucky, Emma holds both a B.A. and M.A. in cultural anthropology, focusing on human rights and environmental justice in Appalachia. She is passionate about bringing in as many voices as possible to help build a sustainable and just future for Appalachian communities from the ground up. Her work with Appalachian Voices is centered around equitable collaboration with local communities, building resilience from the ground up, and bringing in funding to make communities' visions come true. Emma currently lives in Lee County and loves hiking, gaming, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and furbabies.

Kara Dotten

Kara Dotten is the New Economy Program Coordinator at Appalachian Voices and a graduate of the UVA Wise Visual & Performing Arts Program. She is a Virginia Master Naturalist and offers monthly hikes and nature-based learning opportunities for her community. She is also an active board member for the Pro-Art Association and a volunteer for local stewardship and outdoor recreation projects. In her spare time, Kara enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, and nature photography. She lives in Norton, Virginia.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Yes! We Rise podcast is produced by Dialogue + Design Associates, with music by Drishti Beats.

Follow the We Rise podcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue spreading our message far and wide. Find our email list at the website: www.yeswerise.org. Thanks for listening.

Episode 60 of the Yes! We Rise podcast

In this powerful solo reflection, Christine shares on Yes! We Rise what has unfolded during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. What began as a promising year—healthy, strong, training for her first marathon—shifted dramatically when she developed a sudden cascade of health symptoms that ultimately led to a Lyme disease diagnosis.

At the same time, her family was navigating major transitions with her oldest preparing for college, and her team was facing unexpected federal funding freezes on long-standing projects. The combination became overwhelming, leaving Christine exhausted, disoriented, and unable to rely on her usual anchors.

In this episode, Christine explores:

• The experience of watching her health rapidly change
• The emotional impact of hitting pause on her marathon training
• The grief and pride of parenting a child preparing to leave home
• The strain of major work uncertainties
• Why control stopped working—and what happened when she let go
• How mindfulness, movement, friendship, and creativity supported her healing
• A trip to Florida that became a "reset point" after finishing treatment

A Season of Surrender

Christine shares how this period brought her "to her knees"—but also how surrender became the doorway to trust. By releasing her grip on the outcomes she couldn't control, she discovered unexpected calm, clarity, and a renewed connection to her inner resilience.

For Listeners in a Hard Season

If you're navigating your own challenges, Christine offers this reflection as a companion and reminder: our strength often grows from our struggle, and sometimes the path forward begins with letting go of the reins.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Yes We Rise: https://www.yeswerise.org
• Join Christine's community work at Dialogue + Design: https://www.dialogueanddesign.com
• Follow on social @yeswerise

In Episode 59 of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Hub Knott, co-founder of the Living Earth School. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature and community, exploring how these connections foster personal growth and resilience. Hub shares his journey from Baltimore to the wilderness, his experiences with mentors, and the development of the Living Earth School. The conversation delves into the role of nature in healing, the significance of community, and the power of mentoring.

Takeaways

• Connecting with nature fosters personal growth and resilience.
• Community plays a crucial role in individual well-being.
• Mentoring is about drawing out the light in others.
• Nature can be a powerful teacher and healer.
• Building relationships with nature takes time and patience.
• The Living Earth School offers programs for all ages to connect with nature.
• Hub Knott emphasizes the importance of values and a code of conduct.
• Creating spaces for belonging can combat loneliness.
• The power of storytelling in cultural and personal development.
• Nature connection schools aim to make themselves obsolete by integrating nature into daily life.

Sound bites

• "Connecting with nature fosters personal growth."
• "Community is crucial for well-being."
• "Mentoring draws out the light in others."
• "Nature is a powerful teacher."
• "Relationships with nature take time."
• "Living Earth School connects all ages to nature."
• "Values and conduct are essential."
• "Spaces for belonging combat loneliness."
• "Storytelling shapes culture and development."
• "Nature schools aim to integrate nature into life."

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Hub's Background
• 00:03:00 Journey to the Wilderness
• 00:09:00 Mentoring and Community Building
• 00:15:00 Nature's Role in Healing
• 00:21:00 Living Earth School and Future Vision

Keywords

· nature connection, community building, personal growth, resilience, mentoring, Living Earth School, Hub Knott, Christine Gyovai

Links from the We Rise conversation include:

· https://livingearthva.org/

Living Nature Connected – link to purchase

Episode 58 of the We Rise podcast with Christine Gyovai

In this episode of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai talks with Zikki Munyao, who shares his inspiring journey from Kenya to the US, his experiences in the military, and his transition into philanthropy and community engagement. Zikki discusses the challenges and lessons learned from farming in Kenya, the mission of the nonprofit Just Help Africa, and the importance of education and clean water initiatives through the nonprofit. He also reflects on personal joy, trusting the process, and the power of storytelling through art. Zikki also shares about his newest global project, Consuming Carbon.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore the transformative power of belief and its role in engaging communities and creating meaningful change. Discover how belief in oneself and a commitment to community can drive impactful change, and learn how art can serve as a legacy to tell unique stories. Tune in to be inspired by the stories of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a better future. Check out Zikki's bio below.

Takeaways • Zikki's journey is rooted in service and community engagement. • Farming requires patience and resilience; it takes time to see results. • Just Help Africa focuses on providing clean water and education in Kenya and Nigeria. • Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofit initiatives. • Art can be a powerful medium for storytelling and legacy. • Personal joy comes from connecting with others and giving back. • Facing fears and self-doubt is part of the journey to success. • Starting projects, even when scared, is essential for growth. • Trusting the people around you is vital for achieving your vision. • Finding joy in your work can lead to a fulfilling life.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zeki Munoz 01:18 Journey from Kenya to the US 05:10 The Importance of Discipline 07:25 Farming in Kenya: Lessons Learned 13:56 Just Help Africa: Mission and Impact 19:05 Community Engagement and Partnerships 23:05 Personal Reflections and Joy 24:24 The Joy of Giving and Personal Fulfillment 25:35 Self-Understanding and Positivity in Tough Times 27:34 Navigating Feelings and Maintaining Belief 28:59 Facing Self-Doubt and Building Trust 32:53 Art as a Storytelling Medium 36:13 Climate Sustainability and Community Engagement 41:32 Lessons Learned and the Power of Starting

Links from the We Rise conversation include:

https://consumingcarbon.com https://munyao.art

https://www.justhelpafrica.org/

https://drjoedispenza.com/

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See full show notes, episode transcript, and podcast app links to our show at https://yeswerise.org.

Nzioki "Zikki" Munyao is a Kenyan-born artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. His creative journey is deeply rooted in his rich cultural heritage and global experiences, which he channels into vibrant artworks that resonate with themes of unity, nature, and the human spirit. Zikki's artistic endeavors are centered around munyao.art, a platform where art converges with philanthropy. Through this initiative, he showcases his diverse collection of paintings and digital art while supporting various charitable causes. A significant portion of the proceeds from his art sales is dedicated to supporting girls' education in Kenya, providing clean water, and aiding community development projects through collaborations with organizations like Just Help Africa.

Zikki's commitment to community empowerment is further exemplified through his active support of local and international non-profits, including the Makindu Children's Program, which provides resources to orphaned and vulnerable children in eastern Kenya, and the United Way of Greater Charlottesville. An advocate for blending art with technology, Zikki has embraced the digital art revolution by creating unique NFT collections. These digital artworks offer collectors exclusive pieces and contribute to meaningful social causes, reinforcing his belief in art's power to drive positive change.

Through his multifaceted endeavors, Zikki Munyao exemplifies the transformative power of art, business acumen, and altruism, continually striving to make a lasting impact on communities both locally and globally.

In this episode of the Yes We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Amber Ellis, who shares her journey from a rural upbringing in Virginia to her impactful work with the James River Association and her personal project, Find Your Nature. Amber discusses her deep connection to nature, the role of art in enhancing that connection, and the importance of community engagement in environmental restoration. She emphasizes the need for intentional self-care practices, the significance of listening to community needs, and the value of building trust in collaborative efforts. The conversation also touches on the importance of joy, movement, and personal values in both professional and personal life. Amber Ellis grew up in Powhatan County, Virginia. The backyard of her family home was filled with big trees and a tiny stream that she enjoyed exploring. Amber currently lives in the City of Richmond, Virginia. Amber is the Restoration Director at the James River Association, where she leads collaborative initiatives and builds relationships to restore streamside forests across the James River watershed, mostly through her role as convener for the Upper & Middle James Riparian Consortium and the James River Buffer Program. Amber is also the founder of Find Your Nature, an offering and exploration that grew from her heart. Over 15+ years working in the conservation world, Amber was called to create a space for people to center, create, and connect, so that people can show up as their best selves to care for the Earth together. Amber believes what the world needs most right now is the space to hear our own voice, nurture our relationship with the natural world, and authentically connect with others. Amber holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Level 1 and Buffers Certificate, Level II certificate in Ecotherapy through The EarthBody Institute, certificate in Mental Health First Aid and First Aid/CPR, and am a Professional Landscape Architect in Virginia. Links: Find Your Nature: https://www.find-your-nature.com/ Upcoming Events at Find Your Nature: https://www.find-your-nature.com/calendar James River Association: https://thejamesriver.org/ Riparian Consortium: https://jamesriverconsortium.org/ Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories and insights on environmental restoration and community engagement. Chapters 00:00 -- Introduction to Amber Ellis and Her Journey 02:43 — Growing Up in Nature: Early Influences 05:09 — Connection to Nature: Art and Personal Practices 07:34 — Finding Home in Nature: A Deeper Relationship 09:54 — Seasonal Soul Sessions: Intentional Practices for Wellbeing 12:29 — Values and Their Role in Personal and Professional Life 14:56 — Community Engagement and Restoration Work 19:57 — Listening and Engaging with the Environment 21:48 -- Building Systems for Long-Term Success 23:46 — Shifts in Community Collaboration 24:34 — Fostering Engagement and Relationships 25:33 — Adapting to Environmental Changes 27:57 — Vision for Future Restoration Efforts 30:38 — Tending Relationships Like Trees 31:35 — Finding Joy in Movement and Nature 34:00 — Lessons Learned in Community Engagement 36:59 — Exploring New Ventures and Future Directions

https://yeswerise.org/Summary

In this episode of the Yes We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai discusses ten innovative strategies for creatively funding collaboratives, especially in light of recent changes in the funding landscape. She emphasizes the importance of developing diverse funding sources, building relationships with funders, and showcasing the value of collaborative work. The conversation highlights practical approaches to sustain long-term impact and adapt to funding shifts, encouraging listeners to think outside the box and engage their communities.

Takeaways

● Creating change takes time and requires sustained funding.

● Diversified funding sources are essential for stability.

● Building relationships with funders can lead to new opportunities.

● In-kind contributions can significantly support funding efforts.

● Showcasing the value of your collaborative is key to gaining support.

● Innovative partnerships can lead to new funding avenues.

● Membership models can provide steady income for collaboratives.

● Crowdfunding can engage a broader audience and build community support.

● Collaborative grant applications can increase funding chances.

● Transparency in budgeting fosters trust within collaboratives.

Sound Bites

"Track in-kind contributions for grants."

"Show yourself to others, elevate your network."

"Crowdfund campaigns to engage community support."

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Creative Funding Strategies

05:09 - Diverse Funding Models for Collaboratives

10:49 - Innovative Approaches to Funding

19:24 - Collaborative Grant Applications and Community Engagement

keywords

funding strategies, collaboratives, creative funding, long-term change, innovative approaches

In this episode of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Freddy Jackson, who shares his journey of personal growth, resilience, and community engagement. Freddy discusses the importance of love over fear, the impact of gratitude, and the role of ego in our lives. He emphasizes the need to create conditions for love and connection, and how personal experiences shape our understanding of joy and struggle. The conversation delves into practical strategies for navigating challenges and fostering a sense of belonging within ourselves and our communities.

In this conversation, Freddy and Christine explore themes of love, intuition, personal growth, and community. Freddy shares his journey of navigating heartache, the importance of self-work, and how nature serves as a teacher. They discuss the significance of collaboration within communities and the balance between giving and receiving. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and the courage to be oneself, highlighting the transformative power of love and connection. Check out the episode webpage: https://yeswerise.org/freddy-jackson/

Takeaways

• Freddy emphasizes the importance of staying in purpose to experience beautiful things.

• Separation goes against our nature as human beings; we are inherently connected.

• Creating conditions for love requires us to embody love ourselves.

• Gratitude practices can fundamentally change our perspective on life.

• Pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice we can control.

• The joy within is often found in nature and simplicity.

• We must learn to accept what we cannot change while focusing on what we can.

• Ego can block our connection to others and limit our potential.

• Daily practices like gratitude and mindfulness help cultivate inner resilience.

• Building community requires us to move beyond self-centeredness. People often come with unspoken expectations from past relationships.

• Forgiveness is essential for moving forward.

• Love and intuition guide us in every moment.

• Self-awareness is key to personal growth.

• Nature can teach us about our own rhythms.

• Community is built on connection and collaboration.

• Work on yourself to enhance your impact on others.

• Giving should outweigh the desire to receive.

• Inner freedom is a space that cannot be taken away.

• Authenticity is crucial for true connection.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Freddy Jackson

02:57 - Freddy's Journey and Background

05:57 - Understanding Separation and Fear

09:00 - Creating Conditions for Love Over Fear

12:04 - The Importance of Gratitude and Joy

14:52 - Navigating Challenges and Inner Resilience

17:58 - Exploring the Joy Within

21:03 - The Concept of Love No Ego

23:56 - Practical Strategies for Daily Struggles

30:23 - Navigating Heartache and Expectations

31:47 - The Power of Love and Intuition

33:09 - Learning to Listen to Inner Guidance

34:41 - Channeling Competition into Personal Growth

36:16 - Nature as a Teacher

39:16 - Community and Collaboration

43:14 - The Importance of Self-Work

48:21 - Giving vs. Receiving

51:58 - Finding Inner Freedom

55:40 - Courage to Be Authentic

Weblinks

www.lovenoego.org

www.mrlovenoego.org/

www.yeswerise.org

Keywords

Freddy Jackson, personal growth, resilience, community, love, ego, gratitude, mindfulness, youth mentoring, emotional intelligence, heartache, love, intuition, personal growth, community, collaboration, self-work, giving, inner freedom, authenticity

June has been weaving networks, helping others weave networks, and writing about networks for over 40 years. She is currently increasing her capacity to capture learning and innovations from the field and sharing what she discovers through blog posts, occasional virtual sessions and a forthcoming book. In 1981 June discovered complexity science and became intrigued with the process of transformation. How could communities change in ways that would make them good places for everyone?

The hundred or so network projects she has advised range from local networks to international ones; included networks focused on a specific sector such as food access or health access as well as cross sector initiatives such network leadership networks; reached from small rural networks with a few dozen participants to massive networks with thousands of international participants including the networkweavers network.

In this episode, Christine and June discuss the importance of collaboration and how developing synergy within relationships can help any network flourish. June shares stories about her life in Ohio and explains how her roots in Appalachia have played a key role in her passion for developing, growing, and learning from networks. June explains the importance of synergy and how shifting our mindsets towards collaboration can help build stronger relationships and establish trust within a network. She provides insight into how networks can become successful, by listening to people, figuring our their passions, and utilizing their strengths to become re-energized within our own communities.

Throughout this episode, June provides examples of how to form deep relationships using her own insight from working with multiple communities across the globe, from indigenous groups to food-based collaboratives. With every story, you will learn how to build meaningful connections, create lasting equity, and learn how to self-organize to determine what strategies will work best for your network.

Join us as June shares her experiences and ideas on how to grow lasting networks within our own communities, wherever that may be in the world. Welcome to Yes! We Rise.

"The more we build community, the less we care about consumption."

Topics:

(6:48) Why networks are personally important to June

(15:25) How online connection is important to deepen global relationships

(21:51) Effective ways people are networking across the globe today

(34:05) The connection between building community and building networks

Links mentioned:

• NetworkWeaver - Weaving System Shifting Networks: https://networkweaver.com/

• Impact Networks book: https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Networks-Connection-Collaboration-Catalyze/dp/1523091681

• Peter Plastrik: Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Peter-Plastrik/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3APeter+Plastrik

• Our networks - VITO: https://vito.be/en/about-vito/our-networks

• 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

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue spreading our message far and wide. Thanks for listening!

Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier is an award-winning workplace mental health expert, psychologist, advisor and speaker. She brings a signature mix of business and clinical expertise to the groups she works with. Dr. Pelletier translates psychology research about health, resiliency, and overcoming challenges into strategies professionals, business leaders and their teams need to thrive. She's a bilingual practicing psychologist who combines clinical, counseling, and workplace psychology.

In this episode, Christine and Dr. Pelletier discuss the intersection between individual and collective resilience, and how these two can work together harmoniously. Dr. Pelletier provides step-by-step guidance on how to grow your individual resilience based on where you are in your journey, whether you're just starting out or you're looking for ways to grow. Dr. Pelletier explains the importance of identifying, providing context and prioritizing your goals in order to begin building your individual resilience.

On the other side of the resilience spectrum, Dr. Pelletier shares approaches on how to improve collective resilience, especially as a leader. She provides examples of how leaders can institute small changes while still pursuing their organizational goals without sacrificing the greater collective. With each example, you will learn new ways to build your self efficacy, increase your growth mindset, and help grow your inner and collective resilience. Join us as Dr. Pelletier shares her strategies and ideas on how to build resilience in your personal and professional life. Welcome to Yes! We Rise.

"We can only influence team and organizational resilience if we have enough resilience ourselves, individually."

Topics:

(5:20) What needs to shift in systems of the workplace for people to be able to work better

(11:00) Ways to increase your resilience as an individual and team

(18:24) Businesses who have flourished by focusing on resilience

(22:55) What resilience looks like over the long term for an organization

(26:10) Ways that people can work with the edge of burnout

Links mentioned:

• Marie-Helene Pelletier's website: https://drmarie-helene.com/

• 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

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue spreading our message far and wide. Thanks for listening!

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

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue spreading our message far and wide. Thanks for listening!