Dear John,

A lot changed this week. One thing that hasn't is that our state desperately needs brave, bold leadership from young people. In this tumultuous moment, please help us get money and support to the generation that will carry the torch.

WV Can't Wait fights for a people's government in West Virginia. We believe that the people who are closest to a problem ought to be trusted to solve it. So, if we want a better future for our state... that means listening to, lifting up, and throwing our weight behind brave young organizers, community groups, and leaders. Take a moment right now to nominate a young leader or organization here (you can even nominate yourself!).

In just the last year, we have seen young leaders in West Virginia: run and win elected office, achieve cannabis decriminalization in Charleston, break corruption news in Wheeling, open the state's first LGBTQ+-led homeless shelter, launch a support program for incarcerated people, establish feeding and harm reduction programs, start community-based health programs across the state, start cooperative businesses and agriculture programs, fight to put a camping ban on the ballot in Morgantown, and much more.

We want to hear about young people (ages 10-35) and up-and-coming organizations who are: changing lives; standing up to rich and powerful interests; and lifting up the leadership of people who are normally kept out, put down, or criminalized. We will use the information you provide in three ways: 1) we will offer financial awards to some of these folks; 2) we will offer other resources (like training, coaching, and safety support) to a larger group; and 3) we will share this information with other donors/funders who support young leaders.

Here again is that nomination link: https://forms.gle/9BL3tUbWx8QfkKHg6. (The deadline is November 12th, but the sooner the better.) Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Stephen Smith

WV Can't Wait Co-Chair