In the spring of 2018, the West Marion Community Forum became an official non-profit organization and Paula Swepson Avery was named its executive director. As she and her partners at the forum continue their work, they deepen their connections to their community. In this photo, Avery (center, wearing striped shirt) leads a discussion of the West Marion forum.
Photos submitted by the N.C. Rural Center
One of the achievements of the West Marion Community Forum is the establishment of a community garden called “Keeping it Fresh.”
Photos submitted by the N.C. Rural Center
Paula Swepson Avery is one of the leaders of the West Marion Community Forum, which played a critical role in launching free public transportation service in West Marion for their residents in need. They even influenced countywide policy changes related to transportation by coordinating petitions to establish a local transportation system. This resulted in new financial resources, new jobs, and the county hiring one of their community leaders as the director of the McDowell Transit system. Thanks to the forum’s work, residents now have transportation to doctor appointments, work, community college, and other locations.
Editor’s note: The following is a profile in innovative leadership written by the N.C. Rural Center, which is a statewide organization seeking to “improve the quality of life for the state’s rural people and places.”
In the spring of 2018, the West Marion Community Forum became an official non-profit organization and Paula Swepson Avery was named its executive director. As she and her partners at the forum continue their work, they deepen their connections to their community. In this photo, Avery (center, wearing striped shirt) leads a discussion of the West Marion forum.
Paula Swepson Avery is one of the leaders of the West Marion Community Forum, which played a critical role in launching free public transportation service in West Marion for their residents in need. They even influenced countywide policy changes related to transportation by coordinating petitions to establish a local transportation system. This resulted in new financial resources, new jobs, and the county hiring one of their community leaders as the director of the McDowell Transit system. Thanks to the forum’s work, residents now have transportation to doctor appointments, work, community college, and other locations.
