"To hold the power that we deserve... we have to go ahead and speak up, and put forth all parts of ourselves."
-Graciela Sanchez, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

The use of cultural celebration and production by community groups is an important part of people taking ownership of their economic and social futures. Whether it is the creation of a community play on domestic abuse, a video documentary on fishing, or a dance piece on teen pregnancy, the process of creating works can create questions, find solutions, and strengthen a community's resolve to survive.

Appalshop's Community Media Initiative's goals in using art, media and culture as a tool for social change are:

• Experiment with new ways of using media arts to assist in a community's social and economic development.
• Train community members in the craft of media production.
• Create new dialogues and conversations and further ongoing dialogues within communities.
• Learn through the process of acting and share our experiences.

The above links lead to interviews, stories and timelines representing experiences where cultural work was used as part of a community's devolopment. We will continue our work on this site with a focus on sharing our experiences and models.