Amanda Workman-Scott: You’ve been with The Hub already as a VISTA, why did you want to transition into a larger role within the organization?
Olivia McConnell: The Hub is such a welcoming organization where I have always felt supported and encouraged to be my full self, which is really important for me. I knew that I wanted to continue with The Hub so that I could keep doing the work that I started both in the coaching programs and with VISTA cohorts.
As the Community Engagement Coordinator VISTA of the Hub Communities of Achievement Program (HubCAP), I was able to support the HubCAP coaches and the communities they serve. As I step into my new role as The Hub’s Community Coaching Associate, I can continue that work while I build my own leadership skills and begin coaching communities myself. Working with six of the Mon Forest Towns in HubCAP has prepared me to continue working with that region through the Downtown Appalachia: Revitalizing Recreational Economies (DARRE) program.
In my short time at The Hub, I’ve already seen the VISTA program grow and improve in meaningful ways. We are moving towards a cohort-based model that will improve member retention and, more importantly, member development. It’s been incredible to see how engaged and collaborative the cohort has become and I’m looking forward to seeing all the work they accomplish over this next year.
AWS: How have you seen community development touch your life and the work you have been doing with The Hub?
OM: Even before joining The Hub, community development has touched my life in big ways. I live in the community of Greenmont, the oldest established neighborhood of Morgantown and historically a working-class area. Although flourishing at the turn of the century, Greenmont fell on hard times during the 1940s. The past 20 years have been a much-needed period of revitalization for the neighborhood and thanks to the work of local stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and long-time residents, we now have a coffee shop, bakery, restaurant, beer garden, brewery, and auto shop.
At work, community development has touched my life through the relationships I have built. I’ve watched community members work together to become strong teams that make real changes. I think a lot of us at The Hub would agree that it’s hard not to get too invested in the communities we serve. Their wins become our wins, and their challenges, our challenges.
AWS: As a West Virginian, what does it mean to you to be part of the work leading communities to revitalize their hometowns?
OM: I have to admit something here. I felt a lot of contempt for West Virginia growing up. As a teenager I was sure that I wanted to leave the state because it felt stifling, like I could never reach my full potential in a place so small. I decided to stay for college, not because I loved my home state, but because the Promise scholarship offered free tuition. The longer I did stay though, the more things I found that I wanted to embrace about life in West Virginia. I met new people that had an infectious love for their Appalachian heritage, and I began to appreciate the beauty, the history, and the culture of my home. Today, I can say I take pride in being a West Virginian, and an Appalachian. Being a part of the work leading communities to preserve the things that make them special, while creating new opportunities that make people want to be here and stay here is more fulfilling than I ever expected a job to be.
AWS: What motivates you in this work?
OM: I’m motivated by a vision of an equitable future where all West Virginians can thrive. I’ve heard so many times that our people are resilient and that’s true, but I don’t want that to be our legacy because to me it means maintaining when we should be moving forward. Thriving is so much more than surviving, and for all of us to do better collectively, we need to create opportunities for marginalized groups to have a seat at the table. I’m motivated every day by seeing people in our communities grow into strong capable leaders who will build the bigger table.
I’m also highly motivated by my co-workers. Hearing about the work they are doing in other parts of the organization, whether it be another coaching program, communications, or policy work, is inspiring and pushes me to accomplish more.
AWS: What is your advice to people who want to see change in their community but don’t know where to start?
OM: My first word of advice is to reach out to other people because none of this work gets done alone. Start with your inner circle but try talking to new people too. If you’re a young person, talk to someone who has been around longer than you, if you’re an older person, try engaging with youth. Having these conversations will give you a more informed perspective and diversity builds strong teams. Set some goals and give yourself the opportunity to make mistakes. Mistakes can teach you more than successes.
I also believe in The Hub’s mission and free virtual lessons. The Kickstart Communities Virtual Lessons are great resources that I share with people who ask me how to get started with their own projects. Anyone can start revitalizing their community one project at a time and I’m excited to work with community members who want to see their towns grow.
Olivia McConnell is The Hub’s Community Coaching Associate. You can reach her at o.mcconnell@wvhub.org.