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Meredith Dean has been working on justice issues for over twenty years, internationally, regionally and locally. She developed her post-patriarchal approach to social change during the years she spent working with community organizers in the Philippines and doing international solidarity and media work with progressive religious organizations. Upon returning to the mountains, Meredith became founding director of the Appalachian Women's Alliance, successfully combining anti-oppression education, organizing, and action in low income Appalachian communities. She also provides training and support to leaders and organizations committed to anti-racist organizational development. Meredith holds a Masters Degree from Antioch University, attended Seminary at Drew Theology School, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College. Meredith lives in southwest Virginia near her family's homeplace of eight generations. Edna Gulley was born and raised in the coal-camp of Clinchco, Virginia. A "welfare mother" of three, one of Edna's most successful and beloved efforts was to develop and coordinate a community-based Preschool Program serving low income children in her community for sixteen years. Edna works with women's health, clean water, decent housing, and youth leadership efforts throughout Dickenson county, the poorest county in Virginia. She currently serves on the Southern Partners Fund Membership and Resource Committee, the Core Committee of the Bert and Mary Meyer Foundation, and the Steering Committee of the National Welfare Engine. Edna staffs the Alliance's Organizing and Action program including the Clinchco Center, as well as our grassroots fundraising program. |
