Let’s get this party started – we’re documenting the true spirit of WV

BY EMMA PEPPER, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS, THE HUB

If you have the heart and mind – and are putting in the time – to make a difference for the greater good in West Virginia, starting this June, we need you.

This year, we put a call out to the thousands of changemakers working on the ground in West Virginia. Let’s document a story that shows the grit, resilience, and determination that is the true spirit of our state. When you’re posting on social media about the people and projects that are making a difference for the better – big or small – in West Virginia, include the hashtag #NewStoryWV.

From June – November, we are challenging West Virginians to create at least one #NewStoryWV post on social media each month around a theme.

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Posts can be brief or long, and may or may not include photos or videos. There are only 3 rules for your posts:

1. Posts shine a spotlight on the positive happening in WV communities
2. When addressing challenges, posts focus on solutions
3. Posts incorporate the theme

If you sign up to take the challenge, you’ll receive an email each month with details about the theme plus tips and tricks to use social media to tell your story.

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The themes are:

• June: Champions & Trailblazers
• July: Bright Ideas
• August: Actions for Good – Happening Today
• September: Opportunities & Paths
• October: Skillsharing
• November: Actions for Good – #Throwback Edition

Research shows that celebrating the positive stories happening in communities is linked to the ability of towns to be resilient in the face of economic shocks and downturns (Read our #NewStoryWV Brief for more on the research.). The stereotypes about West Virginia are holding us back.

To the locally-owned business owners and employees; community volunteers; champions at service organizations and clubs; workers at nonprofits and community institutions like libraries and schools; engaged West Virginians of every stripe working for the greater good in their communities; and to our state’s storytellers: let’s get this party started.

Sign up to take the challenge »