Our greatest asset is the people who live and work in our region. Whether it’s working in schools, with kids outside of the class, with adults, with senior members of the community, or for the planet that sustains us, we believe investing in members of our community is the greatest hope we have for building thriving communities and healthy environments in rural Appalachian Ohio. For nearly 30 years, Rural Action has provided a pipeline for people who were interested in making a difference in their community through engagement, training, and leadership development. Learn more about how we are growing local leaders through our national service programs — AmeriCorps AORC and AmeriCorps VISTA, the Youth Climate Action Teams, internships, volunteer engagement in local communities, and more.
Appalachian Stewards
We are partnering with schools to deliver a hands-on, forest herb curriculum to students across the region. Lessons are adaptable depending on grade level,but topics covered include preferred habitat, conservation, plant biology and reproduction, plant history, uses, planting techniques, and, for older students, the basic economics for these commercially valuable herb species.
Resilient Communities
Using an asset-based approach to economic development, Rural Action helps communities identify opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship.
Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps/AmeriCorps Vista
National Service members are critical to Rural Action’s ability to “get things done,” and the programs serve as an excellent training ground for future local leaders.
Women Grow Ohio
We work with Ohio women in agriculture to develop opportunities for connection, support, and promotion of their work.
Social Enterprise
Rural Action encourages and creates businesses that feature a “triple bottom line” that focuses not only on prosperity but also on protecting the planet and benefitting people.
Appalachian Green Teachers Project
Instead of studying science at desks, we partner with teachers to take kids out to interact with the living plants, animals, and ecosystems in their own backyards.
Youth Climate Action Team
High school students learn to collaborate on projects that address climate change and the environment in their schools or communities.
Grow Solar Jobs
This initiative supports the growth of the Appalachian solar industry by facilitating professional training for job-seekers who hope to advance their careers in the solar field.
Entrepreneur Outreach and Support Networking
Small businesses turn to us for help identifying resources that will assist with employee training, marketing, raising capital, and improving management skills.
