The many hats we wear

||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

We all wear multiple hats. We may be parents, professionals, teachers, volunteers, aunties and uncles, activists, emergency responders, coaches, board members, artists, and more. We often approach these roles in different ways and reap different benefits from them. It’s this variety in life that I find the most rewarding, and learn the most from. 

Board service in particular is this way. I was recently reminded about the importance of board members serving as stewards of the long-term health and success of organizations. While a board member’s varying perspectives and experiences are the most valuable assets they bring to a board, personal agendas must be left at the door, board hats put on, and energy focused on the greater good. This can be quite a challenge, and one we need to continually remind ourselves of.

OICF wears many hats too. We are fiscal sponsors and supporters of initiatives that are important to the health and stability of our community. Among those are:

The Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI) brings together lead educators and board members from Orcas Island’s three licensed preschools with other community members and expert advisors to develop strategies to strengthen access and quality of early childhood education and allocate funds to implement these strategies. ECEI has achieved dramatic results, creating affordable access to preschool for all families and significantly increasing kindergarten readiness. Strong, stable early childhood education and daycare programs are vital to the health of our island families and our economy. ECEI is seeking community members who are interested in getting involved – please check out their website and get in touch if you are interested.

The Island Reproductive Health Initiative (IRHI) is another important program expanding access to reproductive healthcare on Orcas. Confidential, affordable access to birth control and STI testing is critical, especially on our small island with limited healthcare services, and when reproductive healthcare is under threat in our country. IRHI is also empowering island youth with facts and skills through educational programs for middle schoolers and high schoolers. Please follow the links on the IRHI website to get involved or support these initiatives.

The Community Dental Clinic bridges the gap in dental care access to islanders and ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the dental care they deserve. The clinic moved into its new permanent location this week, creating stability and capacity for serving more community members. The impact is encouraging: 110 patients have been seen and 745 procedures completed in 19 clinical days since May 2024. The success of the clinic is due to a strong partnership among several organizations and agencies, and generous volunteers and donors. We welcome you to support this important service to our community.

One more hat I’ll be wearing is a pointy black one next Thursday, paddling out to Indian Island. I hope everyone enjoys the festivities if you wish to celebrate Halloween. To get us in the spirit, Camp Orkila is hosting its annual Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride this weekend. After trick-or-treating, you might drop by the Community Church’s Fall Carnival from 5-7 pm, or dance the night away on All Hallow’s Eve at Oddfellows Hall, starting at 8:30 pm. 

Whether or not Halloween’s your thing, don’t miss the Orcas Island Education Foundation’s Annual Auction and Fundraiser on November 2nd to support Orcas Island Public Schools. Buy your tickets now before they sell out!
 
Stay safe and healthy!