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
On Farm Energy & REAP Program Information
Last month the Food & Ag System Working Group hosted a learning call to share information on the Rural Energy […]
Read MoreIn Clean Energy, Food systems, Public Education
Sassafrass Moon Festival – Celebrating East Tennessee’s Herbal Heritage
A summary of the first ever "Sassafrass Moon" herbal heritage festival, held in Erwin, Tennessee to celebrate the region's herbal heritage.
Read MoreIn Agroforestry, Creative Placemaking, Forest farming, Non-timber Forest Products, Public Health, StoriesMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Creative Placemaking Food Hub Food systems Guest Post Healthy Food Access Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
Celebrating one year! Congrats Tazewell Co. Mercantile!! Stop in for a visit today until 7pm. We’re here, Highlands Farms, live music, Cheesy Does It food truck & so much more! #livingbetterlocally #swva #lovelocal
Each week, crew members complete 33 hours of paid work, 6 credit hours of higher education, and 3 hours of personal development mentorship.
Find out more about what we do here ow.ly/Ff4q50vJkDu
It's time for an Ag Forum & Skill Swap! Learn more: asdevelop.org/agforum/. Virginia Association for Biological Farming Southwest Virginia Community College
At the Skill Swap, there are 16 sessions & one tix registers you for 4 different skill-building workshops! Attend the "Tool Petting Zoo" taught by Ben Casteel, VHCC. Tillers, pruning saws, loppers . . . all those fierce tools can be tamed and Ben will show you how to make them purr, safely. You'll learn how to use everything from a complicated Kombi System to a simple shovel. You might even learn how to make the familiar tools do tricks! #livingbetterlocally