Hello Beach Watcher Friends
Bet you are wondering what happened to me. Some of you may be asking why you haven't heard from me in a while. I mean it wasn't so long ago that I was bugging you with emails nearly every other day. Lately you may have received emails "from me" via my old wsu.edu email address but you have been tricked! It's actually Sarah, the newest leader of the fearless Island County WSU Beach Watcher Crew. I haven't actually met Sarah yet but rumor has it that she is a quote "mature Kristen". Not to say that I was immature but I have a feeling that Sarah complements her skills and passion with a more experienced and steady energy.
So, what have I been up to?! First and foremost I am a recovering coordinator.
Although there wasn't any down time between transitioning from Beach Watcher coordinator to Volunteer & Education Manager for the Puget Sound Partnership, starting a new job always demands some reflection and adjustment. Two things that have surprised me about this new role is one, that it's lonely in comparison to Beach Watchers and two, having a job meant for one person instead of three makes a big difference!
Mostly I really miss you all!! There is nothing in the world that compares to working with people so dedicated and passionate that they spend their time, energy and money working at something they believe in. Nothing, nothing, nothing, beats that sort of energy. It's the kind of energy that SERIOUSLY needs to be Puget Sound wide, heck, world wide! But I think I'll just work on Puget Sound wide for now ;)
So, really, what have I been doing?! One of my first priorities was to get to know what is happening in the South Sound. I felt pretty comfortable with my knowledge of the North Sound but no clue what was going on in the South. What I've found is fairly impressive. There are a lot of things happening but the one I’m paying most attention to is the amount of partnering that is happening. It seems that in every county or area there is a coalition of environmental education groups that gets together periodically to coordinate efforts, messages, and information. This appears to be really effective and creates a more unified and coordinated effort.
The second thing that occupies my time the most is the creation of an education & outreach plan for the entire Puget Sound that is three things: (1) a well coordinated and orchestrated effort happening Sound wide, (2) done in a truly sustainable way with consistent funding and consistent focus and (3) an effort that is accountable to the public, the Partnership and the individual program.
I will have lots of specific details but that will have to be saved for a face to face. I’ve been trying to find excuses to catch up with Beach Watchers but commuting to Seattle three days a week takes time (but the train ride is really nice). I've made it to one south end breakfast with Beach Watchers, been talking to some of the Sound Waters crew, was VERY bummed I had to miss the Cama Beach opening, and thinking a lot about all the new projects and busy summer activities. Boy I wish retirement was a little closer for me!
The Partnership will be getting a video camera very soon and trying to capture people explaining their relationship with Puget Sound and what matters to them. I've certainly got a number of Beach Watcher shots in my mind so don't be surprised if I come knocking!
Bottom line, I am even more convinced than ever Beach Watchers is the most effective and sustainable program in Puget Sound. You guys are awesome! Please contact me anytime .. kristen.cooley@psp.wa.gov.
I can’t wait to see you all at the picnic in July!
Mostly I really miss you all!! There is nothing in the world that compares to working with people so dedicated and passionate that they spend their time, energy and money working at something they believe in. Nothing, nothing, nothing, beats that sort of energy. It's the kind of energy that SERIOUSLY needs to be Puget Sound wide, heck, world wide! But I think I'll just work on Puget Sound wide for now ;)
So, really, what have I been doing?! One of my first priorities was to get to know what is happening in the South Sound. I felt pretty comfortable with my knowledge of the North Sound but no clue what was going on in the South. What I've found is fairly impressive. There are a lot of things happening but the one I’m paying most attention to is the amount of partnering that is happening. It seems that in every county or area there is a coalition of environmental education groups that gets together periodically to coordinate efforts, messages, and information. This appears to be really effective and creates a more unified and coordinated effort.
The second thing that occupies my time the most is the creation of an education & outreach plan for the entire Puget Sound that is three things: (1) a well coordinated and orchestrated effort happening Sound wide, (2) done in a truly sustainable way with consistent funding and consistent focus and (3) an effort that is accountable to the public, the Partnership and the individual program.
I will have lots of specific details but that will have to be saved for a face to face. I’ve been trying to find excuses to catch up with Beach Watchers but commuting to Seattle three days a week takes time (but the train ride is really nice). I've made it to one south end breakfast with Beach Watchers, been talking to some of the Sound Waters crew, was VERY bummed I had to miss the Cama Beach opening, and thinking a lot about all the new projects and busy summer activities. Boy I wish retirement was a little closer for me!
The Partnership will be getting a video camera very soon and trying to capture people explaining their relationship with Puget Sound and what matters to them. I've certainly got a number of Beach Watcher shots in my mind so don't be surprised if I come knocking!
Bottom line, I am even more convinced than ever Beach Watchers is the most effective and sustainable program in Puget Sound. You guys are awesome! Please contact me anytime .. kristen.cooley@psp.wa.gov.
I can’t wait to see you all at the picnic in July!
Kristen Cooley