I recently attended an inspiring conference that opened my eyes to just how deeply recent funding cuts are affecting West Virginia residents. I went in eager to learn more about the challenges our communities face when support dwindles, and I left with a renewed commitment to strengthening our local bonds. In particular, I was thrilled to see how the mission of Try This—built on the belief that true change comes from empowering people rather than relying on projects—mirrors the work we’re doing with the Guardians of the West Fork. Our goal is to cultivate stronger, more resilient communities by deepening the relationship between residents and the natural beauty of the West Fork.
If you’ve been to a Try This Conference, you’ll know one of the three rules is “Go With the Flow.” That rule means when things don’t go as expected, we take a deep breath, pause, and then find the next best step forward. Despite this philosophy, nothing quite prepared us, our partners, or our community members for the sweeping cuts to AmeriCorps by DOGE. When our greatest helpers were targeted, it was a stark reminder of the fragility of support systems that our communities depend on.
In response to these challenges, organizers have rallied together to invite key stakeholders to a dedicated, one-day event at WV Wesleyan College on Friday, June 6. This event was designed to achieve two critical goals: firstly, to provide direct support to AmeriCorps and VISTA members—offering resume clinics, job search help, and other valuable training—and secondly, to brainstorm collective strategies to address the financial and staffing gaps these cuts have created across the state. The spirit of collaboration and resilience at this meeting is a testament to the Try This model, which holds that while no single organization has all the answers, together we can forge a path forward.
At its core, Try This aims to help knock West Virginia off the top of the worst health lists by building a statewide, grassroots network of healthy-community leaders. This mission reinforces the idea that communities don’t need to be saved from within; they need support from those who understand them best. The Try This model plants seeds of change by empowering local leaders with the skills and confidence needed to transform their neighborhoods—an approach I wholeheartedly embrace. Working with the Guardians of the West Fork amplifies this mission, as our efforts focus on making your community’s bond with the West Fork even stronger and more vibrant.
I left the conference feeling both challenged and energized—a reminder that even when faced with setbacks, our commitment to community welfare can spark innovative solutions and deeper connections. The upcoming event on June 6 is not just a meeting; it’s a call to rally together: AmeriCorps and VISTA members, impacted organizations, funders, partners, media, and community advocates are all invited to share resources, brainstorm solutions, and listen to one anther’s experiences. I’m excited to be a part of this journey, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue on how we can protect the valuable work of AmeriCorps in West Virginia.
Let’s work together to strengthen our community and enhance our relationship with the West Fork—building a future where every resident has the support they need to thrive.
Guardians of the West Fork Watershed 