Community-Engaged Leadership

The Community Fellows program seeks to strengthen and nurture Appalachian State University's relationship with students, faculty and Community Partners by facilitating resource sharing and exposure to the nonprofit sector. To reach this mission, six Community Fellows lead local volunteer trips to nonprofit organizations that serve Watauga and surrounding counties. The foundation of this program adheres to the United Nations' (UN) sustainability goals to ensure that all efforts made by the program support a better and more sustainable future for all. 

Partner Sites

The mission of F.A.R.M Cafe is to build a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Their "pay what you can" model invites patrons to contribute to their meal in the way that best meets their capacity, even if that's volunteering time in the kitchen. Menus change daily but strive to incorporate friendly, healthy options that source from local farms and gardens.

Did you know that Watauga County is the third poorest county in the state? Hunger and Health Coalition serves over 70 clients each day. What started as a small food pantry in a closet 40 years ago has grown into a food bank for all of Watauga County with the only free pharmacy in the area. Through generous donations and passionate community members Hunger and Health Coalition has a myriad of services including a Market, Food Pantry, Food Recovery, a Wood Lot, Back Pack program for children and Sharing Tree during Christmas.

The High Country is home to wonderous views and outdoor experiences. Volunteers In the Park helps keep our trails clean and safe, working with the National Park Service staff on maintenance and beautification projects to ensure the needs of the area are met along the Parkway. They promote the Blue Ridge Parkway in their communities and create a bridge between the park and local residents to ensure the preservation of this national treasure. 

Fall 2021 Trip Dates 

All Community Fellows trips can be found on Engage. Registration is required in advance, as group sizes are predetermined in order to best account for spacing at the volunteer site. Below are all dates on our schedule. Times and group sizes vary!

F.A.R.M. Cafe: 9/10, 9/14, 9/16, 9/24, 9/28, 9/30, 10/8, 10/13, 10/22, 10/27, 11/5, 11/10, 11/19

Hunger & Health Coalition: 9/3, 9/7, 9/17, 9/21, 10/1, 10/5, 10/15, 10/19, 10/29, 11/2, 11/8, 11/12, 11/16

Volunteers In the Park: 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19

Our Fellows