As Orcas enters summer under phase 2 of the Governor’s reopening plan, it is clear that the impact of COVID19 is deep and lasting and will continue to result in major disruption to our economy, our education system, and our community. What does the future look like? How can we create a more resilient economy? How can we grow out of this crisis a stronger, more engaged, healthier, and powerfully resilient community?
This is a time of possibility. The Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Community Emergency Response Advisory team are launching the Orcas Island Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project. This will be a fast-paced 8-week program to bring together representatives of diverse sectors of our community to create a common understanding of current conditions, challenges, and opportunities facing this community. The work will be facilitated by the Pomegranate Center (https://pomegranatecenter.org/) and will begin with a group of 25 islanders who will be selected to represent the diversity and demographics of the island residents. Given the current situation, the meetings will all be virtual. The goal is to come out of the process with clear steps forward for our long term recovery and resiliency.
If you are interested in participating, please go to www.oicf.us to read more about what is involved as a participant and to complete an application. Applications are due June 5th at noon, meetings begin the week of June 8th. The 25 participants will meet once or twice a week and each will be tasked with outreach to the broader community sectors they represent with the goal to engage all who are interested. Working together, we can ensure that the Orcas of tomorrow is one where all are able to thrive.
Read below for more information about the application and selection process, and to access the application form. If you have questions or need more information contact OICF director Hilary Canty at hilary@oicf.us.
Request for Applications
Work Group on Orcas Island Long-term Recovery and Resiliency
Applications due: Friday, June 5, 2020, 12 p.m. Thursday, June 11 by midnight
Preamble: The Orcas Island community responded swiftly, strategically, and compassionately to the public health threat and economic harm caused by the COVID-19 virus. Together we created a safety net and an information network that enabled islanders to access needed emergency support… After meeting the initial crisis head-on, it is time to focus on recovery and long-term resiliency. Now is the time to make choices that could help shape the future of the island community for decades to come.
Invitation: The advisory group of the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Community Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is looking for 20 islanders to participate as part of a “recovery and resiliency group” in an intensive six-week planning process.
Goal: To develop an action plan for economic recovery and community resiliency that is bold and aspirational, while also rooted in a shared vision and capabilities.
Process: A steering committee* will convene the Recovery and Resiliency Group of about 20 people who will gather regularly over six to eight weeks in June and July. The group will hold at least one meeting each week via zoom video conferencing, and group members will also be expected to communicate regularly with their networks. The recovery and resiliency group’s meetings will be facilitated by Milenko Mataonvic of the Pomegranate Center. The process will include convenings of broader community-wide gatherings to test ideas and gather input.
Working Group composition: Members of the working group will be individuals who have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively, who have a track record for getting things done, and who are curious and open to different perspectives. The group will be diverse in ages, balanced by genders, and will have representation from a range of income levels and from Spanish-speaking households. The goal is to have the committee comprised of full-time residents, part-time residents, non-profit organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government; and to have representation from people who work in housing, food, mental health, hospitality, the arts, energy, and education.
Download the online application as a word document for serving as a member of the recovery and resiliency group, or complete the application questions below. Email application information to applications@oicf.us by midnight on June 11, 2020.
*Steering Committee members are Hilary Canty, Judy Scott, Kevin Ranker, Lisa Byers, Brian Moss, Berto Gandara, and Erin O’Dell.
First Name:
Last Name:
Email Address:
Mailing Address:
Age:
Sex:
Gender Identity:
Household Income:
___ $50,000 / year or less
___ more than $50,000
Are you in a Spanish-speaking Household?
Are you a resident of Orcas Island? Yes/ No
____ full-time
____ part-time
Do you work for, serve on the board of or use the services of:
___non-profit organization, name: __________________
___business, name: _____________________________
___faith-based organization, name: _________________
___government, name: __________________________
Do you have current connections to organizations or businesses in the following sectors:
___housing
___food
___mental health
___hospitality
___the arts
___energy
___education
___Other: __________________
Getting this whole group together will be a challenge. Are you able to meet weekly in June and July for a minimum of 3 hours. Please tell us your limitations or availability:
Please tells us why you want to be part of this group and what you believe you can contribute:
Email application information to: applications@oicf.us by midnight June 11, 2020.