At the Athens County Foundation, when we look around Athens County, we see strength. Sometimes it’s graceful, sometimes it’s gritty; sometimes it’s organized and sometimes it’s organic. In our view, it is powerful – and is poised to become even stronger.
The ACF 2023 Athens County Report, in conjunction with Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, was just released. The report provides a snapshot of progress towards economic vitality, vibrant communities and individual health and wellbeing in Athens County. There is much work that remains to be done in the areas of poverty, housing, healthcare and childcare, but there is notable progress in other categories, like broadband access and outdoor recreation tourism.
What’s behind the areas of progress? Organizations and individuals collaborating to leverage their combined experience, expertise and resources in pursuit of a shared goal. Together, they are making a difference.
Where we see commitment, we see change. The more people participating and engaging, the more progress the county makes. It’s a very simple formula, but a very big idea. The Athens County Foundation believes that everyone has something to contribute to the county, and every contribution is essential.
Recent research released by Appalachia Funders Network backs this belief with data. In an assessment of the six-state, 257-county region of Central Appalachia, the “places with the most elevated levels of Civic Engagement also have the most elevated levels of Economic Wellbeing and Population Health.” The takeaway is that when people are committed to their community and engaged, quality of life improves for everyone.
Athens County has a moderate level of civic engagement according to the report. This aligns with what we see: The county is strong and can get even stronger. At the Athens County Foundation, we’ve seen commitment to the wellbeing of the county growing steadily each year: increasing volunteerism, expanding nonprofit organizations and emerging community-building programs. And we need to keep it going.
The Athens County Report is a call to action. A call to commit to the wellbeing of the county. Imagine if the county harnessed more of its strengths to address challenges. Imagine if everyone contributed to creating change in their communities. Imagine if more people believed that they are welcome and valued in the conversation.
The Athens County Foundation calls on all citizens to join us in making a “Commitment to Athens County.” Here’s what that means:
- Be a Builder for Athens County: Actively engage in community conversations and projects.
- Be an Ambassador for Athens County: Represent the spirit of collaboration and inclusion wherever you go.
- Be an Athens County Champion: Secure and invest resources to advance progress.
- Be an Innovator for Athens County: Think big and be part of solutions.
- Be an Athens County Connector: Identify and invite in the strengths and perspectives that surround you.
Whatever, wherever and however you are most inclined to engage and contribute, please know that the county needs you to help create the future. Let’s commit to channeling our combined strengths into positive change for Athens County.
To learn more and to attain a copy of the 2023 Athens County Report, please visit AthensFoundation.org.
