OVEC is a relatively small group that effectively takes on the most powerful industrial interests in West Virginia. Since 1987 Janet Fout, Dianne Bady, and their co-founder, the late Laura Forman, have organized Appalachian communities to protect their air, water and mountains from being destroyed for oil, timber, coal and other profitable enterprises. With research-grounded strategies, and bolstered by spirituality and heartfelt conviction, Bady, Fout and their colleagues pursue the a number of approaches.