Rural Action
Rural Action is a non-governmental organization working in Appalachian Ohio promoting economic, social and environmental justice. The organization envisions a region of clean streams, healthy forests, thriving family farms, meaningful jobs for everyone and lively towns that remember local history and celebrate their stories. History. The Appalachian Ohio Public Interest Campaign (AOPIC) was founded in 1991 working in environmental advocacy as a citizen action organization. In 1992, AOPIC was reorganized as Rural Action, changing its focus to regional revitalization and as a member based organization. In 1994, Rural Action began an AmeriCorps* VISTA program to build capacity . This program is one of the largest rural developmental programs in the country. It has engaged more than 360 volunteers to help the communities in Appalachian, Ohio and was hosted until 2009. Since then, Rural Action has continued its tradition as a supporter of national service through the Ohio Stream Restore Corps, an AmeriCorps program of 14 members across six watersheds working on reclamation, water quality monitoring, environmental education, trail access, and waste and recycling. Michelle Decker is the current CEO of Rural Action. The last longterm Executive Director, and the first one, was Athens County social justice activist, Carol  Kuhre. She is also a founding member of the organization. Funding. There are 18 organizations that fund Rural Action, since they are member based. They include: Athens Foundation, Central Appalachian Network, Earthshare of Ohio, Epstein/Teicher Foundation, Ford Foundation, Grant Foundation, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State University, One Foundation, Serve Ohio AmeriCorps, Sisters of Saint Joseph Foundation, Sugarbush Foundation, University of Kentucky, US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Interior Office of Surface Mining, and the US Forest Endowment. There are also three membership levels to subscribe to  in order to donate to the organization. Partnerships. Rural Action has partnered with hundred of community organizations, state and federal agencies, and small groups of community driven citizens. They all play a role in creating an outcome for a sustainable community.