Virtual Events
Appalachian Leaders Network hosts regular virtual events and webinars to keep local, tribal, and state elected officials informed of climate and democracy issues and policies that affect Appalachian communities. See below for our upcoming events and information on how to participate.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS:
Protecting Local Elections from Overreach & Interference
Local election administrators across the U.S. are facing concerns about politically motivated investigations, bad faith information requests, and interference with the local election process. On Monday, June 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET, Pennsylvania’s top election official, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, and The Brennan Center for Justice will offer frontline insights and actionable guidance. Download the flyer and agenda.
Federal Oil & Gas Leasing: What Local Governments Need to Know
Speakers from The Wilderness Society will join us for a webinar Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET to discuss changes to the federal oil and gas leasing program, major upcoming lease sales and their impacts, and how local governments can get involved and speak up for their communities. Download the flyer and agenda.
PREVIOUS webinars:
Building a Stronger Democracy (Part 2 - On the Front Lines: Addressing Intimidation in Local Election Administration)
Part 2 in this three-part webinar series focuses on a new study from The Brennan Center for Justice that shows local election administrators are increasingly facing threats, harassment, and intimidation for doing their jobs. Download the flyer.
Building a Stronger Democracy (Part 1 - The Price of Democracy: Closing the Election Funding Gap)
Part 1 in this three-part webinar series focuses on the growing needs, priorities, and costs of local election administration, and how local election administrators and other elected officials can address the funding shortfall. Download the flyer.
The Federal Budget and Maintaining Progress
The federal budget bill has far-reaching consequences for communities and the progress they’ve made to develop clean energy, protect public health, cut pollution, build local resilience, and more. National League of Cities’ Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy Irma Esparza Diggs and Lawyers for Good Government’s Director of Clean Energy Edward Yim discuss how the budget stands to impact local governments; actionable steps local, tribal, and state officials can take to safeguard local authority; and resources to help leaders keep essential programs and services running. Download the flyer.
Defending Federal Climate Investments and Environmental Protections
Center for American Progress Energy and Environment Senior Fellow Mark Haggerty, Lawyers for Good Government VP for Climate Change and Environmental Justice Jillian Blanchard, and Environmental Protection Network Senior Advisor Jeremy Symons discuss the risks facing federal climate investments and environmental protections, and what local, tribal, and state elected officials can do to defend them. Download the flyer.
2024 Election Analysis and Strategies for Conservation, Climate, and Democracy
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project Executive Director Elise Jones, Earthworks Policy Director Lauren Pagel, Montana State Representative-elect, and Defiance County, Ohio, Board of Elections Director Tonya Wichman discuss how they are preparing to defend our elections and advance climate initiatives. Download the flyer.
Democracy is on the Ballot: Safeguarding Election Security and Preparing for Election-Related Violence
New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and Pima County, Arizona, Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly discuss how officials can champion democracy, prepare their communities for a safe and secure election, and work with state leaders for support. Download the flyer.
Democracy is on the Ballot: Promoting a Safe, Secure Election in 2024
Pima County, Arizona, Elections Director Constance Hargrove and Defiance County, Ohio, Board of Elections Director Tonya Wichman shared best practices, resources, and ideas to ensure a successful 2024 election. Download the flyer.