Summit Redux

Last Wednesday, March 19, well over 300 people packed the Oregon Zoo ballroom for The Intertwine's 2014 Spring Summit. We thought this record-setting attendance made for great energy as we introduced Collective Impact, a new guiding framework for our coalition.

But we're even more interested in your reaction. Here's how twenty Summit attendees answered this question:

What stood out the most for you today?

“It’s the momentum. I remember an early meeting we had in Vancouver, sitting on the ground. Now we have 327 people and a formal agenda. It’s great to see this growth.” - Rocky Houston, Oregon Parks and Recreation

“Equity -- I’d never made the connection between what The Intertwine does and those who are underrepresented. I guess being from rural Clark County that doesn’t come up so much, but it was in every single session today. I thought that was really cool.” - Casey Gozart, Clark County Environmental Services

“What stood out for me was basically the elevator speech for the Collective Impact model. I see it as the pitch for what The Intertwine does and why it matters.” - Dick Schouten, Washington County Commissioner

“For me it was the emphasis on Collective Impact and the deliberate mingling of folks who generally see the world with one lens. You can’t develop a common vision until you have a common language.” - Beth Kaye, Oregon Public Health Authority

“I’m glad the conversation on equity is happening. We need to do better at that.” - Corrina Chase, Tryon Creek Watershed Council

“I was staggered by the quality and immense experience of the breakout group I was a part of. I’d like to do longer breakouts, or follow-on sessions.” - Rich Hunter, Clean Water Services

“That the public might not know the difference between a watershed and wetlands, for example. As we identify ourselves as a common group, a common language will make it easier for people to understand what we’re  asking for.” - Bryan Burch, Portland Parks and Recreation

“I’m really excited to see the beginnings of a collaborative marketplace here today -- the idea that we can’t work competitively, in silos.” - Maria Cahill, Green Girl Land Development Solutions

“One of the challenges The Intertwine faces is understanding how to improve the quality of services through equity. We’re not going to get the answer tomorrow, but hopefully these kinds of gatherings can help move things forward.” - P.K. Melethil, Zero Waste Alliance

“What I noted was the participation by so many community-based organizations, from trail advocates, to folks trying to expand GPS for underserved communities, to those focused on children.” - Dick Springer, West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

“What stands out about this group is the wide variety of folk. It will take many different people to figure out how to message fish and wildlife values to the broader public. ” - Meg Kenagy, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

“I came in late and was looking all around for a seat. That’s cool, but it could also be a challenge for The Intertwine -- how many partners can share a common goal or belief?” - John Jackson, NW Regional Education Service District’s Outdoor School

“When I looked around at the different breakout groups, I saw how they could all be a fit for me.” - Kari Schlosshauer, Safe Routes to School

“I really appreciated the breakout session dialogue. It’s a good reminder of big picture thinking.” - Lisa Goorjian, City of Hillsboro

“What was interesting, at least in my breakout group, was the level of awareness that exposure to nature at an early age is an important tool for environmental stewardship. We all have stories of those seminal experiences, like a camping trip or Outdoor School, that create that bond.” - David Karstad, Frank Creative

“For me it was the comments shared after the breakout session -- how excited people were in subjects outside their interest area. I suspect there would have been a lot more comments but people get shy about standing up.” - Matthew Crampton, Walker Macy

“I was one of the table facilitators, and one person brought up the need for one voice on what are ecosystem services and why should we care. We don’t have coordinated messaging on important issues like this.” - Lori Hennings, Metro

“I love that the organization is growing. I was at the very first meeting and we’ve more than tripled. I also reconnected with someone who’s retiring soon -- we had an ‘aha moment’ about how we both know exactly why we’re doing this work at this point in our lives.” - Roberta Schwarz, Neighbors for a Livable West Linn

“What stood out for me is that Collective Impact is something we’ve been doing but weren’t aware of it. This takes the conversation to a level that’s more intentional. Maybe the formal study of it will give us tools to be more effective.” - Jim Desmond, Metro

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