Building a MOVement: How MOV Engage and Serve is Sparking Local Change
In the wake of growing political frustration, two Mid-Ohio Valley residents decided to turn their concerns into action. That decision became MOV Engage and Serve—better known as MOVES—a grassroots group with a big vision: to connect, educate, and empower local citizens to get involved in civic life.
For founders Anna DeHart and Samantha Skinner, the idea came from a shared desire to transform worry into meaningful change.
“MOVES started because Sam and I were feeling frustrated by what we were seeing in our nation and wanted to find a way to enact positive change,” Anna said. “We met with some great people in our community who are passionate about political activism and began brainstorming ways to address the gaps that exist within the community at large, with young voters or voters who are undecided.”
For Sam, the catalyst was personal. “I was upset and worried about what four more years was going to do to myself and the people I care about,” she said. “Creating MOVES was a way to take control—encouraging those local to take action too.”
Though still in its early days, MOVES has already hosted a handful of events aimed at connecting like-minded individuals and helping people take that sometimes intimidating first step into activism. Their February kickoff highlighted local organizations, while their follow-up event offered a more casual space to build relationships.
“Our first event had a nice little turnout and we made great connections,” Anna said. “So far, everyone we’ve met have been awesome, passionate people who want to see our communities thrive.”
That sense of connection and mutual care is a driving force behind everything they do.
“The selfish answer is—it feels good,” Sam said. “Working with people to do good for your neighbor, weaving a community that will hold strong and also help you when you need it. It creates bonds that can often reach over the political divide and allow people to see the extremism on the federal front often doesn’t exist on the local level.”
MOVES isn’t just about politics; it’s about community. Their work emphasizes volunteerism, education, and solidarity.
“Volunteering makes a significant, positive statement about the love and care we all can give one another regardless of political affiliation,” said Anna. “Because we’re working to create a network of people who want the best for our communities, volunteering felt like an obvious feature we wanted to include.”
Now, they’re building momentum. Two events were lined up for May: the first, “Reps and Sets: A Civic Workout,” was held May 21st in the Summers Auditorium of the Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library. “We talked about resources to use and then got the ball rolling by writing a postcard to a representative—provided by Clutch Collective!” Anna said.
MOVES will host its first Banned Book Club meeting via Zoom. On May 28th, participants will discuss Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (And the Next) by Dean Spade. The group will then vote on their next title.
Looking ahead, MOVES is partnering with the Wood County Women’s Alliance to co-host a powerful storytelling event in June: “The Queer Mountaineer: A Collection of Stories Growing Up Queer in West Virginia.”
Even in just a few short months, the impact is palpable.
“We’ve met with several other groups and learned more about different interests in our area,” Sam said. “Because of this, there’s been a lot of overlapping and encouraging from others, which opens us up to more opportunities and expanding our reach.”
For both founders, the work is deeply personal—and hopeful. “The current political landscape feels overwhelming and I often find myself feeling helpless to the decisions being made around me,” Anna admitted. “However, the more we lean on each other and work together, the more of a positive difference we can make!”
Sam echoes that sense of resilience. “Even with how new MOVES has been we’ve already made connections and created community, being invited to other’s events and working together to create something meaningful,” she said. “Simply by coming together, I’ve seen a change in myself - I’m happier, I’m hopeful and we’re proving that despite what’s happening, we’re not going away, we’re not going to be quiet. We’re going to continue to fight and demand better for ourselves and for everyone.”