Working for a more just and sustainable Appalachia.
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN)’s mission is to develop and deploy economic strategies that build wealth in local communities, conserve natural and cultural resources, and empower marginalized communities. We work in collaboration across sectors, partnering with other non-profits, community groups, funders, educational institutions, local government, and private business. CAN actively pursues economic transition in Central Appalachian communities through a variety of economic sectors and market-based strategies, and currently focuses on:
How We Work
CAN is a network of networks, anchored by a Steering Committee of 7 non-profit organizations. CAN’s sector-focused networks coordinate regional analysis and strategies in areas like Food & Ag, Clean Energy, and Creative Placemaking. Our network of practitioner partners includes over 50 different organizations working on community economic development, including non-profits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. CAN’s roles include supporting peer-to-peer learning, collaborative strategies, organizational capacity-building, cross-sector partnership, demonstration projects, in-person convening, and field-building research & publications.
Events & Happenings
There is a lot happening across our region every day! To help share, promote, and keep track of all the activities CAN partners are involved in, use this shared calendar to share information about your upcoming events and learn about other happenings.
Stories & Resources
A Messaging Toolkit for Talking About Clean Energy in Appalachia
The future of clean energy in Appalachia depends in large part on collective buy-in from diverse parties – from state regulators and local community members, to utilities and workforce development networks. Advocates are in need of a common language and message that resonates across the board and unifies these vested interests behind clean energy. To that end, CAN’s Clean Energy Practitioner Network commissioned the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TNAEBC) to develop a best-practices guide to clean energy advocacy.
Read MoreIn Clean Energy, Climate Change, Entrepreneurship, Guest Post, Policy, Public Education, Publication, Research
Healthy food access in Appalachia – summary video!
Over the months leading up to this past winter, I was given the opportunity to work with CAN and their many partner organizations across the Appalachian region to highlight the work they are doing to improve healthy food access in their communities. I captured these initiatives through a number of short videos, each highlighting a different project described in recently completed case studies conducted and published by CAN and the Appalachian Funders Network.
Read MoreIn Food systems, Guest Post, Healthy Food Access, Public Education, Public Health, StoriesMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Climate Change Food systems Guest Post Healthy Food Access Policy Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
Find out more information abbout Placemaking Week Athens OH at: pwathensoh.orgPlacemaking Week is coming to Athens! Participate, contribute, create, have fun and get involved! Opening is on Monday. Everyone is welcome to take part! http://pwathensoh.org
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“..Towns in eastern Kentucky are filled with people who want to stay here. This kind of program makes it a tiny bit easier.”
Back in the fall, we hosted a reporter from Grist.org. The excellent feature she wrote on our New Energy program is now out!
"Clean energy is the rare industry that appeals to everyone, if framed correctly."
That's one of the takeaways of this CAN-commissioned research report by Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council. But what does that framing look like? This blog and the full report outline some key insights from the field, explore messaging tactics that work in the region, and even offer a cheat sheet of "do's and don'ts" when it comes to talking about clean energy in Appalachia.
A Messaging Toolkit for Talking About Clean Energy in Appalachia | Central Appalachian Network
cannetwork.org
The future of clean energy in Appalachia depends in large part on collective buy-in from diverse parties – from state regulators and local community members, to utilities and workforce development networks. Advocates are in need of a common language and message that resonates across the board and ...
Thanks to input from regional practitioners! MACED Appalachian Voices Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia Solar United Neighbors of Ohio Rewire Appalachia Coalfield Development Corporation Natural Capital Investment Fund Energy Efficient West Virginia Rural Action