No Community Without “U:” What CECs Mean to LiKEN

Madison Mooney, former Community Engagement Coordinator and current Community Care Coordinator (CCC), with current Community Engagement Coordinators (from left to right) Michelle Caroll Cole, Tina Johnson, Randal Caudill, and Danielle Kirk. Photo by Madison Mooney.

For LiKEN Knowledge’s Giving Thanks Week, on this Thanksgiving Day,  I want to give thanks to our amazing Community Engagement Coordinators throughout LiKEN Knowledge’s Organization. 

CCC Madison Mooney reuninting with former CEC Will Majors at a community event in Harlan County, KY, in 2024.

From 2018 through 2021, LiKEN Knowledge had a dream of creating more “boots on the ground” local staffers that could work with core counties and communities. Between 2018 and 2020, LiKEN Knowledge was able to partner with Martin County Concerned Citizens, Appalachia Fellows, Appalachian Citizens Law Center and the University of Kentucky to support a very community-engaged role with the Martin County Water and Health study, which led to the creation of the first Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) to support this boots on the ground project. This project was where LiKEN knowledge piloted out what a CEC role would look like within the organization, and how they could support boots on the ground local projects and the communities' voices. 

CCC Madison Mooney with former CEC McKensi Johnson at Kentucky Waterway Alliance's 2024 Summit in Morehead, KY. Photo by Madison Mooney.

Fast forward to 2021, and the results from the Martin County Water and Health Study had opened the door of opportunity for LiKEN Knowledge to hire a full–time CEC to support both LiKEN Knowledge and Martin County Concerned Citizens Group. This project and opportunity started to open doors fully for LiKEN Knowledge and seeing the importance of “rooted community engagement” and taking the time to truly connect with one’s community to build bridges towards trust, transparency, and change that comes from the core of the community to support present and future livelihoods. 

I have had the honor and privilege to watch LiKEN Knowledge grow within the last almost five years and being able to see more CEC throughout our organization to support some of the most community driven and deep livelihood work that I have ever seen! Each and every CEC, whether you are currently working for LiKEN Knowledge or were a former colleague within the CEC role EACH OF YOU has played or is currently playing one of the most IMPORTANT ROLES within LiKEN Knowledge’s work and organization. 

Without the CECs, we would not be able to do the rooted work that this organization strives for. Along with being able to truly understand our communities and what they want to strive for in their present and future livelihood. This work simply would not be possible without YOU.

For all past CECs, thank you for your knowledge, support, and time as a LiKENeer. The knowledge you have shared and the level of support throughout your time have helped us grow our community engagement and understanding of the true importance of this work! The impact on your community, no matter how long your time with LiKEN Knowledge, still ripples.

Former CEC Natasha Moore with current CEC Danielle Kirk and CCC Madison Mooney tabling at Friends of the Tug Fork River's Paddle Camp on June 7th, 2025. Photo by Friends of the Tug Fork Board Member and Executive Director of Big Laurel Grace Williams.

For all current CECs, I just want to say how truly thankful we are to have  you. Working with each of you and supporting you as your community care coordinator has been one of my highest honors! Each of our current CECs is deeply passionate not just about the work that they get to do, but they are passionate for real core change, opportunity, and support for all present and future forms of livelihoods. 

LiKEN Knowledge is an organization that doesn't just want to invest in communities, but one that wants to be rooted in all communities. Without our strong, empowering, knowledgeable, and passionate CECs, none of these opportunities would be possible.