If you'd like to make a difference in someone's life, a region of the United States known as Appalachia needs you. The poverty rate in this part of the country, which covers all of West Virginia and nearby mountainous areas, is higher than in other parts of the United States. There is always a need for skilled individuals who want to help others.
Statistics
According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, the region's overall poverty rate in 2000 was 13.6 percent--down from 27 percent in 1990--but still higher than the national rate of 12.4 percent. Mississippi, West Virginia and Kentucky had poverty rates exceeding 14 percent.
Reasons for Poverty
Poverty and high unemployment in the Appalachian region have been caused by historic patterns of concentrated land and mineral ownership. Some parts of central Appalachia--particularly Kentucky and West Virginia--have been dominated by coal mining companies who have kept other industry out of the area so labor costs could be kept low. Additionally, the rugged mountainous terrain has kept the area from experiencing as much industrial growth as the rest of the United States.
Faith-Based Projects
A number of religious and faith-based organizations sponsor volunteer projects in the Appalachian region. One of these is the Johnson City, Tennessee, based Appalachia Service Project (ASP). ASP serves families in central Appalachia by providing repairs to make their homes warmer and safer. The Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is an interdenominational organization that has a core service region in eastern Kentucky. CAP volunteers provide a number of services, including disaster assistance, food pantries, housing services and substance abuse recovery.
Other Nonprofit Organizations
Secular nonprofit organizations send volunteers to Appalachia. Global Volunteers sponsors volunteers in Beards Fork, West Virginia, who assist residents in the development of low-income housing projects and teach construction skills to local youth. Other groups focus on ecological issues--Appalachia Science in the Public Interest has a volunteer program enabling church groups, Scout groups and others working with locals in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, to clean up rivers and illegal dumping areas.
Considerations
If you have the necessary skills and desire to assist any volunteer organization, determine whether you're able to work short-term or long-term. Many projects offer opportunities ranging from one weekend to one or two years. There are age requirements, as well. Some groups require volunteers to be at least 14 to serve, while a group may want someone at least 18. Do you want to serve solo or with your family or a group? Check with the organization to determine whether it prefers individuals or groups. Consider what types of skills you could bring to a particular project and whether or not the organization provides training.
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