(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Tired of what passes for civic discourse on most social media platforms? A small project out of the Eastern Panhandle could offer a model for a different way.

William Polhamus, Oriole Saah and Paul Johanson are working on the West Virginia Clarity Project, which they hope will create a “civic platform” for residents to access information, discuss issues and organize community-focused projects somewhere other than legacy social media.

“It’s intended to be like a civic platform or civic infrastructure,” Polhamus said, according to a report by The Journal in Martinsburg. “I wanted to make it a place where people can contribute to it and their voice can be heard.”

We all can see how nasty — even dangerous — social media has become; and how little it offers in terms of improving and uplifting our communities and our state. That’s why Polhamus says the focus of the Clarity Project is on maintaining respectful dialogue. The idea is hope, not harassment.

“You’re not going to bully somebody out of this,” he said. “I very much want to keep the mission intact and for people to feel like their voice matters.”

In an era obsessed with weaponizing out-of-context soundbites, the Clarity Project conducts — and posts — long-form interviews. Its organizers say it was inspired by the challenges witnessed by those who have grown up in West Virginia such as addiction, poverty and mental health struggles. One might also include exploitation via social media manipulation.

Its developers aim to help connect residents with local initiatives and practical ways to improve their communities.

Though in its early stages, the Clarity Project appears to be an attempt to help those who understand someone needs to do SOMETHING, but aren’t quite sure what they can do.

“I wanted to provide something for West Virginia that we were kind of lacking,” Polhamus told The Journal. “Giving people hope and showing them that people are working toward doing good for the state.”

Should the Clarity Project remain true to that course, it would be wonderful to see it become a statewide resource. In the meantime, it is encouraging to know there are people working to develop a platform that offers not just an alternative, but hope.