APPALACHIAN TRANSITION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2015 Fellow Informational Presentation

AppFellows’ Vision The Appalachian Transition Fellowship (AppFellows) seeks to increase the connectivity, collaboration, and capacity of Central Appalachian institutions and leaders by building a collective analysis and seeding projects that solve regional systemic problems and foster a just and sustainable Appalachian economy

Presentation Overview  Resource and Management Team Introductions  AppFellows Background & Overview  Fellow Definition, Benefits & Selection Criteria  Application Process

Technology Overview  Meeting chat – ask questions or make comments  Address to host (Rural Support Partners) or to everyone  Webinar is being recorded

Resource & Management Team Introductions

Management Team  Highlander Research and Education Center  Elandria Williams  Kierra Sims  Elizabeth Wright

Resource Team Participants Mary Hunt Benedum Foundation Sandra Mikush Babcock Foundation Robin Gabbard Foundation for Appalachian KY Michelle Decker Rural Action Stephanie Tyree WVA Hub Farhad EbrahimiTusculum College Steve Fisher Emory College Jacki Author Three Rivers Market Marlo Long BB&T Margaret Feieraband Bristol City Council

AppFellows Background & Overview

Background: Appalachian Transition

Background AppFellows

AppFellows Research Background  Research across Appalachia  Over 100 participants Focus groups: KY, OH, WV, VA, TN, NC 33 survey responses Face-to-face conversations  Best Practices Research  Organizations include: The Casey Foundation Children and Family Fellowship, The Center for Progressive Leadership, The CORO Fellows Program in Public Affairs

Research Findings  According to research participants an ideal regional fellowship would: Provide cross-sector placements Increase connectivity and capacity Support multi-generational leadership Invest in regional partnerships and organizational development

AppFellows Overview  Opportunity for work and learning  Targeted to 15 emerging leaders  Placement within host communities for 1 year  Fellows and hosts connected through monthly & quarterly training events  Involves research or implementation of a specific, practical project that helps the host organization and/or the region

Fellowship Projects  Fellows will be engaged in two projects: Cross-Sector Placement Project- Host Communities will identify a project and define activities to achieve project goals Individual Projects - Fellows will identify an extension of their cross-sector placement project where they will develop, identify goals & potential impact, and fundraise for this project

Fellow Project Ideas  A fellows’ individual project could include, for example: Policy research that inhibit or strengthen “green job” growth in West Virginia Filming, directing, & producing visual media that showcases the work within their host community In-depth interviews for best practices research within a particular sector Developing a media toolkit that will help launch a crowdsourcing project

Fellow Definition, Benefits, Curriculum & Selection Criteria

Fellow Definition Appalachian Transition Fellows are innovative and creative Emerging Leaders dedicated to Central Appalachia that are interested in becoming a more effective leader with a deep understanding of the economic and social complexities on both the local and regional level that enables them to work with community partners and other fellows to find innovative solutions to foster a just and sustainable Appalachian economy.

Fellow Benefits  Increase organizational and leadership skills through institutional and individual projects  Expand professional and learning networks  12 month living stipend of $24,000  Comprehensive Orientation and Regional Tour  7 Monthly Skills Workshops and Four Regional Gatherings  Other Learning Opportunities Through Host Community Placements

Fellowship Curriculum The Appalachian Transitions Fellowship program focuses on three leadership areas over the course of the 12 month program. Individual Leadership Development Regional and Systemic Analysis Development Organizational and Community Development Vision Development Personal Strategic Planning Writing and Communications Project Planning Time Management Vision Development Personal Strategic Planning Writing and Communications Project Planning Time Management History of Appalachia Regional Economy and Health Sectoral Understanding Appalachian Transition Economic Models Wealth Creation Framework History of Appalachia Regional Economy and Health Sectoral Understanding Appalachian Transition Economic Models Wealth Creation Framework Communications Conflict Resolution Community Organizing Budgeting Financial Management Policy Development Fundraising Communications Conflict Resolution Community Organizing Budgeting Financial Management Policy Development Fundraising

Fellow Criteria  Dedicated to the Central Appalachian Region  Have shown creativity and innovation in their field of work or study  Serious about a career that will support the transition to a sustainable and equitable region  Interest in supporting economic development programs  Strong collaboration, teamwork and group decision-making skills  Commitment to working in rural areas  Willingness to participate in year-long activities including: skill workshops, regional gatherings with host organizations, one-on- one and small group coaching

Application Process

Fellow Application & Selection Process  Prospective Fellows will submit an application, via  Application Deadline: April 10, 2015  Three components application process: 1) application and resume; 2) signed Declaration of Commitment and Responsibility; and 3) 3 letters of recommendation  Semi-finalist interviews with Management Team in April 2015  Interviews between Finalists and Host Communities will occur May , 2015  Final selection by May 30, 2015

Fellow Applications Due: April 10,

Contact Us!  Visit Us:  Webinar recordings are available on our website along with a copy of this PowerPoint.  General Information: x 229  Rural Support Partners  Funding, Speaking Engagements and Program: x 244 

Special Thanks  Current Funding Partners:  Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation  Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation  Ford Foundation  Rural Support Partners

Questions & Answers Thank you for your time!