Denise Webb, 20, is a CoGenerate Senior Fellow. She’s a student at Berry College and a seasoned activist, working with organizations including United Way, Partnership for Southern Equity and The Sunrise Movement. She is the co-author of Why Aren’t We Doing This!...
Purpose Prize
The Latest from CoGenerate
What Young Leaders Want — And Don’t Want — From Older Allies
We know from our nationally representative study with NORC at the University of Chicago in 2022 that 76% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennial respondents wish they had more opportunities to work across generations for change. In a new report, What Young Leaders Want — And...
Two Oscar-winning Films Shine a Light on Intergenerational Connection
Despite the ongoing drumbeat of generational conflict (a hate story), right in front of us is evidence of a new narrative of cross-generational connection and collaboration (a love story). That love story was on full display at the Grammys, most visibly in the Tracy...
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Dewey Houck
Purpose Prize Fellow 2006
Improving and preserving the community by a force of committed volunteers
Dewey Houck, 71, grew up in Mullens, West Virginia, in a small Appalachian village set between two coal camps. He left after high school but returned after an early retirement, intent on working as a full-time volunteer to help his hometown reverse high rates of poverty and unemployment caused by the decline in the coal industry. In 2001, shortly after Mullens was hit by the worst flood in its history, Houck founded The Rural Appalachian Improvement League, Inc. (RAIL). Initially RAIL worked to revive the waterlogged town, but soon expanded its focus to include the development of sustainable solutions to improve education, economic conditions, environmental quality, housing, and cultural and historical preservation. Under Houck’s leadership, RAIL has created literacy, arts and fitness programs and established a community center. New priorities include attracting industry to abandoned mine land, cleaning up local streams, helping with local home repairs, and boosting services to children and schools. The League accomplishes all of its work through the efforts of volunteers, including AmeriCorps and VISTA members.