— by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter –
A series of online meetings are continuing throughout the week as the community involvement phase of the Orcas Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project gathers momentum.
The overall aim of the project is to develop an action plan for economic recovery and community resilience that is both attainable and rooted in a shared vision of the island’s future.
Everyone who feels a connection to Orcas Island and has an interest in its future well-being is welcome to participate. To date, nearly 90 people have signed up to attend a meeting.
There are two ways to register. One is to visit the project website. On the website, scroll down to the ‘Get Involved” section and click on the “Join a meeting” tab and select the meeting you would like to register for from the list. Registration can also be arranged by contacting Megan Neal (megan@oicf.us, 360-376-6423).
More information on the Recovery and Resiliency Project is available here.
How were the steering committee and working committee chosen? Until today, I had never heard of this group or these efforts, or what they stand for, or if the community will have equal voice and partnership in directing our future.
There are several important meetings taking place this week; Port, EPRC, and Hospital District. Is this the last chance for people to weigh in? Can we write out our thoughts and have them be considered? To whom do we address our contribution to this dialogue?
Sadie- OICF advertised this process in the newspaper and online in the hopes of gathering a wide representation of the community in the conversation. We received over 70 applicants and redesign the structure to include all.
We moved quickly, as we wanted to have solid goals to strive for moving into the Fall. We also recognize there may not be the energy or focus to run a process that lasts months Haste is also a challenge and I apologize to anyone who has felt left out.
The process was set up to allow for maximum participation while staying virtual and currently have 17 meetings running through out the week and weekend open for all to attend (sign up at http://www.resilientocras.com). An important part of the process is working as a group to generate and prioritize ideas, so I hope you will find a time that works for you.
These are challenging times for all. These conversations are an attempt to help the community work together to rise out of this crisis changed for the better.