Appalachia Meets World Episode 120 - ”Welcoming America” in Appalachia with Rachel Peric and Lola Pak

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the folks from "Welcoming America" - an organization started to help communities create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create and environment where everyone can truly thrive.  Hear Rachel Peric and Lola Pak discuss what it means to be a welcoming community and the long term impact it can have on an area.  Whether it be human, social or purely economic impact - being more inclusive and welcoming can be empowering component to the overall quality of life in a community.  Take a listen to hear how about one week a year when being a welcoming is highlighted and celebrated throughout the world (not just in Appalachia).  You might even hear Neil talk about his new resume booster and what you might find mixed in with your fried chicken when you visit his neck of the woods.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: The World Chicken Festival!

Welcoming America - www.welcomingamerica.org 

Welcoming Week - www.welcomingweek.org 

Welcoming Standard - https://welcomingamerica.org/the-welcoming-standard/ 

AppNews:

Appalachian Community Capital Green Bank - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/oa-program/green-bank-for-appalachia-energy-communities-and-underserved-rural-america/ 

Appalachian Funders Network Report - www.appalachiafunders.org/news-resources/appalachia-funders-network-issues-siren-call-to-philanthropy-with-release-of-new-report-your-investments-in-appalachia-can-go-further 

ARC Appalachian Roadshow Stop #5 - www.arc.gov/event/stop-5-building-community-leaders-and-capacity/ 

#AppBiz:

The World Chicken Festival - www.chickenfestival.com