Lend a hand: Become a volunteer
There are many ways to lend a hand.
The Appalachian Juju Public Initiative grows through shared effort, practical skills, local knowledge, and people willing to help where they can. Your time, experience, connections, or access to a place where people can gather may help us create educational programs, community events, and resources for Appalachian communities.
You do not have to have money to contribute something valuable.
Ways to contribute and make a difference
We believe that every contribution, big or small, helps weave the rich tapestry of our community. We welcome people who want to offer practical time, skills, space, or resources to our projects. We especially need volunteers to help with events, seminars, educational programs, and the general setup and cleanup that makes these gatherings possible. Your friendly face can also help welcome participants and ensure accessibility needs are met. Beyond events, we look for support with research, community outreach, and sharing local knowledge.
Offering space: A place for gathering
Not everyone has money to give, and support does not have to be financial. We are also interested in connecting with individuals, farms, community spaces, cultural organizations, and other venues willing to offer meeting or event space at little or no initial cost while the project grows. Sometimes the most useful thing a person can offer is a few hours, a skill, a connection, or a place for people to gather.
The rewards of volunteering
Volunteering with the Appalachian Juju Public Initiative offers opportunities to gain knowledge, build community connections, develop practical skills, and take part in meaningful work across Appalachia.
Volunteers become part of work designed to preserve Appalachian stories, strengthen communities, and make useful information more accessible.
For high school and college students, volunteer experience can also become part of a résumé, college or scholarship application, grant application, residency application, or other educational and professional opportunities. When appropriate, we can document completed volunteer service and the type of work performed.
Skills we welcome
Do you have a knack for planning, a love for history, or a talent for connecting with people? We're always looking for individuals with helpful skills and interests. These may include event planning, hospitality, teaching, public speaking, research, local history, genealogy, environmental knowledge, photography, video, audio recording, writing, editing, social media, accessibility support, fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit experience, and technology. We also value people with practical Appalachian knowledge, traditional skills, crafts, farming experience, music, foodways, or deep knowledge of a particular place or community. You do not need professional credentials to be useful. If you know how to do something, know somebody we should talk to, or simply work well with people, we would like to hear from you.
Have time, a skill, a connection, or a place where people can gather? Tell us what you can offer and what kind of work interests you.