ABOUT THE MCGILTON ADVOCACY GROUP

The McGilton advocacy group aims to build bridges across communities to help fill basic health and educational needs. Developing well-informed citizens by providing knowledge that creates strong, resilient community connections. We hope to empower communities to make informed choices by giving access to resources and information.

 Understanding Who We Are 

Established in Hazard, Kentucky, by community members who believe that effective change can be strongly driven by the local community, the McGilton Advocacy Group was founded upon the basic premise that every voice is entitled to be heard, every community deserves fair representation, and every citizen should have access to the tools they need to participate in their civic life.

We envision a world where the change we expect is possible; our mission is to build stronger communities through civic engagement, public education, direct community service, and advocating for responsible public policy. We work to give voice to individuals and communities who are too often unheard in decisions that impact their daily lives by providing access to information, engagement opportunities, and the support they need when it matters most. Our fundamental principle is that stronger communities are built on neighbors helping neighbors. Whether our neighbors are seeking information about their local government, volunteer opportunities or careers in public service, employment, or fundamental daily necessities, the McGilton Advocacy Group hopes to be the resource to help them move forward with pride and confidence.

We are currently located in Hazard, Kentucky, with support growing among our many volunteers, contributors, and advocates. While our roots are deep in Eastern Kentucky, we are currently forging relationships with supporters in Alabama who, like us, are dedicated to building stronger communities that work together to solve problems and seize opportunities. As the years go forward, it is our hope to evolve beyond the scope of public education and advocacy by extending our service reach through community-centered support services. It is the long-term vision of the McGilton Advocacy Group to eventually create community centers and shelters providing direct access to services, including laundry facilities, basic necessities, employment assistance and support services aimed at empowering individuals to re-establish their dignity and independence.

It is also the organization's deep held belief that responsible care of our communities is inextricably linked to careful consideration of the public policies and infrastructure that guide them; the McGilton Advocacy Group is a proud advocate of research and development of secure and responsible energy policy and technology that is focused on developing the future while maintaining the economic well-being of our residents, their communities, and our environment. Currently, the organization is led by Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Christian Alexander McGilton, with support from devoted members of the community who are committed to public service, transparency, and enhancing our shared communities; as the organization grows, future members of the Board of Directors and of our advisory council will come from within the community we serve, ensuring that our endeavors are always grounded in the desires and needs of our constituents.

An early goal of ours is to acquire a permanent space in Hazard, Kentucky, which will be a one-stop shop for information, services and assistance to community residents. Through tireless fundraising efforts, public support, merchandising, donations and grants, we intend to build a strong, sustainable organization that grows while retaining our commitment to our local community. It is our hope to not only build a strong organization but a stronger community, as well. We believe that the key to progress lies in the ability for people to collaborate, for public institutions to remain accountable to those they serve and for every citizen to have the opportunity to contribute to the common good; it is through service, advocacy and engagement that the McGilton Advocacy Group seeks to build that future.