- In May 2013 we launched the Appalachian Citizens Enforcement (ACE) Project–a collaboration of citizen water tester from across the region, taking monitoring into their own hands. Member groups across Appalachia joined together for a regional Big Dip Day where citizens across the mountains of Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky took water quality samples of their local streams. Together we are increasing water quality data collection and increasing awareness of water quality issues in the region. More than this, citizens also mailed in test results to the US EPA, showing the need for a strong conductivity rule-making to keep our water safe.
- In the summer of 2013 The Alliance for Appalachia hosted an Organizing Training for new organizers, rooted in the century-old legacy of Appalachian Organizing–bringing together organizers of today, as well as those from the days of the Black Lung Movement and the Pittston Stike–to share support, stories and skills.
- Held an Economic transition tour across the region culminating in a gathering in December. There was such an overwhelming swell of enthusiasm for the Regional Economic Transition Summit that our 30-person meet up morphed into a conference of nearly 60 attendees.
