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University Communications

Coordinator Named for Connect Rappahannock Project in Essex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Middlesex, Richmond and Westmoreland Counties

February 7, 2006

Leslie Franklin has been named coordinator of Connect Rappahannock, a free, Web-based network designed for people with a common interest in building a stronger community through information-sharing.

Franklin holds a bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary. A native of Lancaster County, she is a graduate of Lancaster High School. She was a teacher in Essex County and formerly resided in Middlesex County.

In coming months, Franklin will meet with nonprofit leaders and introduce the project at community meetings in Essex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Middlesex, Richmond and Westmoreland counties.

Through Connect Rappahannock, citizens, particularly those who work in the nonprofit sector, can access research and data and each other through a Web site and an email list. Resources also will include a searchable nonprofit and government services database, a database of volunteer opportunities, and a regional calendar designed for event planners. The project will be launched officially March 16 at a public event in Tappahannock.

Franklin is based at Rappahannock Community College in Warsaw. Reach her by email at lfranklin@connectnetwork.org or telephone (804) 694-7356.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies are invited to contact her and encouraged to add her to their distribution lists for reports and other information that would be of interest to citizens and nonprofit leaders. To get involved, click on “join the email list” from http://www.connectnetwork.org/rappahannock/.

Connect Rappahannock is made possible by a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. It is being created by a team at the University of Richmond with advice and support from a steering committee of local supporters as well as educators and administrators at Rappahannock Community College. During its development stage, the project was referred to as Connect Northern Neck, but advisors recommended adopting the more inclusive name Connect Rappahannock.