Reimagining West Virginia’s story is a critical part of creating resilient communities. Fresh momentum is building in Central Appalachia for narrative change, much of it driven by the Appalachia Funders Network, which is organizing members and pulling new national funding sources into the region for this work. Narrative change is the strategic effort to reframe and redefine the stories we tell about our residents and communities to create more accurate, inclusive, and empowering narratives. Over the past decade, the work of narrative change has shifted from experiment and theory to established practice with concrete outcomes and results. We now have the tools to rewrite entrenched, narrow stereotypes of West Virginians. Outdated narratives have hindered our growth, influencing how investments flow into our communities, the businesses that locate and succeed here, the policies that govern us, and, perhaps most impactfully, skewing our residents’ own understanding of their self-efficacy and the potential of their communities.
Building Economically Resilient Communities
Many believe that rewriting the story of West Virginia is about changing how the nation sees us. While national perception is important, the true game-changer lies in shifting the mindsets of West Virginians themselves. By cultivating a sense of potential and opportunity within our own communities, we create the conditions for increased community and economic development. We help create places where people want to stay.
In Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachia, a research report issued by the Appalachian Regional Commission in 2019, telling stories of communities to change the narrative is one of the best practices cited to build local economies that can weather shocks and downturns.
Reframing common narratives such as “there’s nothing to do here,” “this is a place to leave after graduation,” “there are no jobs here,” and “this community is in decline” can create the mindset needed for increased community and economic development activity. When West Virginians believe in their community’s potential, they are more likely to contribute to its prosperity.
The Power of Authentic Stories
Transforming mindsets by changing narratives can help us move away from regressive stereotypes and toward a culture of optimism and belonging, where more residents feel empowered to contribute to their community’s success. Cultivating diverse leadership and improving self-efficacy are crucial for sustaining community and economic development.
By transforming our narrative landscape with more authentic stories of West Virginians, we can motivate new and different leaders to take initiative, solve problems, and drive positive change from within.
Social psychologist and Stanford professor Albert Bandura’s research highlights the importance of self-efficacy for individuals. People with high self-efficacy—those who believe in their ability to perform well—tend to view challenging tasks as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than obstacles to be avoided. Belief in our own self-efficacy is essential for solving complex interpersonal and community challenges.
Surrounding ourselves with authentic reflections of West Virginians can profoundly impact our understanding of who we are and what is possible for our communities. We need more stories told from diverse viewpoints that demonstrate that it’s possible to overcome challenges and bring about new futures. These powerful and true narratives become evidence that one-dimensional caricatures and stereotypes are not reality.
Narrative Change Work in the Kanawha Valley Today
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF), with funding from the Appalachia Funders Network, is spearheading the Narrative Change Collaborative. This initiative aims to position regional stakeholders for new investment in narrative change activities. Over 100 residents from the Kanawha Valley representing diverse sectors, including journalism, arts and culture, community economic development, higher education, and more, have been engaged in this process thus far. TGKVF is offering a new grant opportunity in the final months of 2024 and activities are set to continue through 2025. More information is available on the TGKVF website at https://tgkvf.org/special-initiatives/narrative-change/.
A New Story for West Virginia
Rewriting the story of West Virginia is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing effort and collaboration. But with organizations like TGKVF leading the way and a growing movement of supporters behind them, the future looks bright. The story of West Virginia is one of resilience, innovation, and hope. It is a story that deserves to be told in its entirety, free from the shadows of outdated stereotypes. Let’s embrace these new opportunities with determination, knowing that the work we do today will shape the future for generations to come. West Virginia’s story is ours to write, and with each new chapter, we are building a legacy of pride, progress, and possibility.