Interview with Jeff Monroe, August 18, 1987

Interview Summary

Jeff Monroe was the chairman of the board for the West Virginia Office of Economic Opportunity poverty program. In this interview he talks about how the West Virginia OEO began and how he was put in charge of it. He talks about conflict between the poverty programs and local politicians and the politicians' views of the VISTA workers. He discusses political corruption in West Virginia. He talks about his motives and the motives of the VISTA workers within the program and how his involvement has impacted his life. He compares the poverty programs in Mingo, Raleigh, and Wyoming counties to other programs throughout the country. He discusses his philosophy for eradicating poverty.

Interview Keyword

anti-poverty organizations

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Economic assistance Economic assistance, Domestic--Appalachian Region Monroe, Jeff Monroe, Jeff--Interviews Politicians

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.