Persuasive Speech, Assignment 17: Jesse Konopka

Usually, when people think of problems in the world today, they think globally about hunger, poverty, and the wars currently going on in other countries. However, how often do people really think of a specific example of these problems close to home? Here in lies an issue, we want to help, but sometimes only think from a worldview. While there is nothing wrong with this, it isn’t likely that we will be able to make as much of a difference this way. Therefore, I would like to bring up a specific issue that we may be able to impact within the next several years. This is the issue of poverty in the Appalachian area of Kentucky.  

Historically, these Kentuckians have been  without formal education, direct connection to the outside world, or even money. Even today, areas of the Appalachia region have a 10% higher poverty rate, which means 1 in every three people in this area are below the poverty line. Also, households in this area make $10,000 less than the average household income in other regions of Kentucky.  However, these people are not completely helpless. In recent years, very direct actions have been taken to try and solve these issues. Roads have been built, and people in Appalachia are finally starting to experience a higher standard of living.  

Now, an organization known as S.O.A.R. (Shaping our Appalachian Region) has been formed to help combat these issues with the help of both local people and government. This program was formed in the Fall of 2013 through collaboration between Governor Basher and Congressman Hal Rogers. Their goal is to stimulate the economy in the region after coal has become near obsolete. The decline of the coal has had a major impact on this area as this has been a major staple and steady source of income for the Appalachia region. One objective of S.O.A.R. is to improve access to broadband internet and cell service to the area to help attract businesses which offer the replacement for the coal industry. Even so, programs like S.O.A.R. need support so that these Kentuckians will have the same opportunities as people in our state. They need volunteers and the help of state-wide student organizations to complete these tasks. With our help, the Appalachia region can transform its economy and provide opportunities for it's residents. 

This is an issue we can solve, and can see end in our lifetimes, but only if we care enough to help people of this region.