Plea

A 1968 report entitled "Stay With Us, Don't Go Way," documented the numerous achievements made by FOCIS.  The report states:  "Their presence, their network of resources, their creativity and spiritual energy have been a major organizing force for over one hundred different community projects in six states, from health clinics in Tennessee to community-based factories in Virginia, arts in the schools, town water systems, and homeless shelters."  The complete booklet may be accessed at left.

The people of Appalachia did not trust strangers, so FOCIS members had their work cut out for them. Once invited into a home, when the time came to leave, a common phrase was "Don't go way, stay with us, sit a spell." As a way of expressing the feelings of FOCIS members, Maureen Linneman, the singer-songwriter for FOCIS, would pen the following tune:

They asked me where I came from

They wondered why I'd stay

Had I no home to go to?

Was home too far away?

Is family made of blood ties?

Are friends gained just in strife?

Does it happen when you're living

That you're thankful for your life?

Is it only when you're leaving

That we say "Don't go 'way?"

...But lately I've been saying

When you're far or when you're near

That it's not just when you're leaving

That I'm wanting you to stay

But it's even when you're with me

That I'm meaning "Don't go 'way."