Don't Panic. Get Organized: Fundamentals of Rural Organizing
Tucker United is a grassroots coalition formed in 2025 after the discovery of plans for a massive gas- and diesel-fueled power plant to be located within 2 miles of their community to power a 10,000-acre data center complex, and the passage of West Virginia House Bill 2014. An unconstitutional piece of legislation that strips counties of their right to pass zoning ordinances for this type of industry, directs 70% of the generated tax revenue away from the host county, and shields vital information about these projects from the public.
For the past year, they have been organizing and advocating for transparency, proper safety rails for their community's health, economy, and environment, and their right to have a say in what is built in their backyard.
In this session, we will hear from Executive Director Amy Margolies and Community Organizer Shaena Crossland, two of the founders of Tucker United. Amy and Shaena will go over the basics of their organizing efforts and discuss what worked and what didn't in their community.
Get first-hand experience on the ups and downs of organizing your community against big tech and bad legislation.
We will provide time for questions and discussion!
Speaker Information:
Shaena Crossland is a born West Virginian and resides in Thomas with her husband and daughter. She has lived in Tucker County for 25 years. Shaena holds two Montessori Education certifications, is a business owner in Davis, and the community organizer for Tucker United.
Amy Margolies, PhD, is a public health specialist and the Executive Director of Tucker United, a grassroots coalition in West Virginia advocating for sustainable economic development and community oversight in the wake of rapid digital infrastructure expansion. Her work with Tucker United focuses on the environmental, public health, and resource impacts of massive, co-located energy and AI data center complexes in rural areas. Dedicated to making science accessible and actionable, she frequently collaborates with local and state officials, non-profits, and residents to ensure that local communities retain control, transparency, and a seat at the table as West Virginia’s digital economy grows.