Over the last several years, I have had the pleasure of working with the Center for Participatory Change, located in Asheville, NC.

I first met them when I was working with a group of local artisans in Murphy, NC, and CPC helped us form Appalachian Heritage Crafters, which, over time, provided additional income for artists and crafters in western North Carolina.

With their help, we were able to organize and form our own 501(c)3 nonprofit. They provided training and advice over several years and I don't believe we would have accomplished nearly as much without their help.

Later, I had the honor of serving on their board of directors for several years, and now I'm on the Self Development Fund committee.

CPC has helped people in western NC to organize many small, grassroots, community groups and has provided training and support to additional groups. They have worked hard to raise funds and help the groups they support to raise funds to keep their organizations growing.

The Self Development Fund provides start-up grants and matching fundraising grants to groups that are working to make their communities better in many ways.

I urge you to learn more about the Center For Participatory Change (CPCwnc.org) and to donate your time and money to help them help more grassroots groups improve their communities.

They have done great work and I look forward to their additional contributions to social justice and community improvement.