Ashley Lynn Priore: A chess strategy may help unify Pa.
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I’m a proud Pittsburgher. How could I not be? I was born and raised in the Steel City and attended the University of Pittsburgh down the street from my home. In 2014, I founded a nonprofit organization, Queen’s Gambit Chess Institute. I have taught chess in Pittsburgh’s nine districts ever since.
I’ve lived here since 1999, and I thought I knew everything I needed to be an educated citizen. I was wrong.
It wasn’t until earlier this summer when I spoke to leaders from four states. They challenged me to describe some of Pennsylvania’s common issues (to compare and contrast how each state differs on nationwide concerns).
Taken aback by such a broad question, I spoke, regrettably, as if Pittsburgh and Philadelphia made up the entire population of the state. I discussed education, gentrification and other factors that not every county in the state would agree with. I was not alone. After reaching out to my Pennsylvania colleagues, we realized the sad truth. We answered on behalf of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia all the time, but what about Pennsylvania?
After more research, I quizzed my community about the state. “Do you know Tioga County? What about Clearfield? Centre? Monroe or Schuylkill? How many mayors does the state have? What about commissioners?” Each question was answered with difficulty and little accuracy. A common response: “I don’t live there, so why should I care?”
Pennsylvania has no state unity — that is, not yet. We fall short on state pride and enthusiasm, lacking the ability to advocate for anything other than our own city, town or borough. Perhaps most frustrating, no one seems to say “I’m a proud Pennsylvanian” — it’s always a proud Pittsburgher or Philly proud. This needs to change.
I see a need for an organization in Pennsylvania to build relationships between counties, put the state on the map as a place to thrive, and find a way to allow for easy connections between elected officials and community members.
Proud Pennsylvanian, an initiative of Queen’s Gambit, is dedicated to creating a stronger state. With 67 counties, 1,546 townships, 959 boroughs, 57 cities and 500 school districts, we are a coalition of over 12 million people who live, work and thrive in Pennsylvania.
Why should a chess organization be leading an initiative such as this? The answer is simple: strategy.
We were never just a chess club. We are a community think tank, using chess as a catalyst for positive change. Since our inception, we have formed a consulting firm to tackle society’s biggest obstacles through applied critical thinking. Our first endeavor? Uniting Pennsylvania.
This movement is about statewide goals and initiatives, ensuring each county and its community members are connected in thoughtful ways. We are here to forge partnerships between Pennsylvanians and their government officials, host community gatherings to discuss statewide issues. and uplift our unique history and culture. We believe in making Pennsylvania a better place for all and cultivating community values to promote our state globally.
However, we can’t do this alone. We need your help. We are developing an advisory board with members from each of the 67 counties to oversee the execution of this initiative.
Are you ready to answer the question, “What about Pennsylvania?”
Ashley Lynn Priore is founder, president and CEO of the Queen’s Gambit Chess Institute.