Recession-Proof Johnson County, Mountain City Communities

In these uncertain times, it is imperative that we come together and build strong, self-sustaining communities. With the possibility of statewide challenges looming ahead, it is crucial to recession-proof our communities before it's too late. Now, more than ever, we need to work together towards a common goal – creating communities that can not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

First and foremost, it is essential to identify all the aspects of "Growing Well" in a self-sustainable community. This includes factors such as access to resources, economic stability, and a sense of community and belonging. By understanding these key elements, we can better determine what steps we need to take to achieve self-sufficiency.

The next vital step is to assess the current status of our community and compare it to our goal of "Growing Well" in a self-sustainable environment. This will give us a clear understanding of where we stand and what areas need improvement. It is crucial to involve the entire community in this process, as their input and support will be essential in achieving our goal.

One aspect that must be taken into consideration is the Appalachian mindset. Understanding the beliefs, values, and attitudes of the people living in this region is crucial. It is essential to recognize how this may impact the success of our efforts and whether any education or adjustments are needed to ensure everyone is on board with the idea of cooperative, self-sustaining living.

We can also look to other communities that have successfully implemented self-sustaining practices. Through research and learning from their experiences, we can gain valuable insights and ideas to implement in our own community.

But we cannot do this alone. We need your help to make this vision a reality. There are some ways in which you can collaborate and participate in GWA projects and programs:

- Bequeath land or make a monetary donation that will allow GWA to buy, create housing and work-farm programs for the homeless, or build new businesses for the betterment of Johnson County Communities. If you have deep roots here in Appalachia and you don't have children or family to leave your land too, don't let the government take it. Give back to build a stronger, more resilient community! This is strictly for Johnson County projects and programs and will never be used for personal gain.

- Donate heirloom or organic seeds to our perpetual seed bank. In times of crisis, having a diverse and resilient seed bank is crucial. We ask that all those who wish to donate heirloom or organic seeds provide us with a history of the seeds – where they came from and how they were passed down through generations. This will help us create a well-rounded seed bank that can benefit future generations.

- Donate seeds and/or help us build the GWA Seed Library. We are currently working with the Johnson County Mountain City Library to create a seed library where locals can share seeds with each other each growing season. If you do not have seeds to donate, you can reach out to us to see what seeds are available to start your own home garden. Those who take seeds will be asked to bring back seeds each season to replenish the library.

- Participate in the Seed Exchange program. GWA has been asked to participate in a Collard Growing Program, where locals can choose one of 60 varieties of Collards to grow and harvest seeds. These seeds will then be returned to the corporate Seed Saver Exchange Office in Iowa, where they will help growers feed people across the U.S. If you have an acre or more of land and are interested in taking part in this program, please contact us for more details.

- Contribute your ideas and expertise. We strongly believe in the power of collaboration and welcome ideas and solutions from creative and positive thinkers. If you have knowledge and skills that can help our communities grow and thrive in challenging times, we want to hear from you. Join our Think Tank and work with us to build a better future for our communities.

- Be part of our Resource Incubator. Do you have resources that you can share with your local community in times of need? Perhaps you have items that you can offer for bartering. Or maybe you know people with skills and abilities that can help our communities become more self-sufficient. We want to hear from you and recession-proof our Appalachian communities.

- Teach others and share your knowledge. Your years of experience and expertise can make a difference in the lives of both children and adults. If you are passionate about teaching topics related to family care, health and wellness, nutrition, animal raising, gardening, tree planting, and more, we want to hear from you. Together, we can empower our communities to thrive and become self-sustaining.

In these uncertain times, the importance of creating self-sustaining communities cannot be overstated. By coming together and working towards a common goal, we can build a better, stronger, and more resilient future for our communities. Let us take action now and recession-proof our Appalachian communities before it's too late. Together, we can "Grow Well" and ensure the survival of our communities in the face of any statewide challenges.