We are excited about all that is happening with the Mentors, Fellows and others in their home communities! Here’s the latest:
Applications for the 2023 Boards & Commissions Fellowship will open this Saturday, October 1st. Watch our Boards & Commissions webpage for the 2023 application form.
On the Docket: Celebrations
This month, the North Carolina Boards and Commissions program graduated their inaugural class. Congratulations to Kerry Wiggins of the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters for a successful first year!
Old Business: Recruitment in Eastern Idaho
This month, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting friends, old and new, in eastern Idaho.
September 14th: Twin Falls
On September 14th, I had the pleasure of meeting with 2022 graduate, Tamara Harmon, in her home town of Twin Falls. Tamara is heavily involved in her community – she’s a member of the Rotary, she runs The Wellness Tree Community Clinic, and regularly volunteers at her son’s high school sporting events. She continues to help recruit for the program and has agreed to be a mentor for the 2023 class of fellows. We are grateful for Tamara’s leadership!
September 15th: Pocatello
September 15th brought me to Marshall Public Library in Pocatello where these fine people engaged in a robust conversation about leadership in their area. Pictured is our new friend David Hance, Emma Iannacone (2022 Graduate), Linda Leeuwrik (Pocatello City Councilwoman) and Laura Soldati (2022 Speaker). We brainstormed about who else in Pocatello should know about the Boards and Commissions program, as well as talked a lot of shop!
September 16th: Idaho Falls and Driggs
I had a busy day meeting with folks around this area – including people in Preston, Idaho. Here, I met with Karen Griffiths who has made her home in Idaho Falls. Karen showed me the Japanese Friendship Garden in Idaho Falls. This is a historically significant site and is very beautiful. If you decide to serve on Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Commission, you could be a part of growing and maintaining this beautiful outdoor space!
My final meeting on the 16th was in the shadow of the grand and beautiful Tetons in Driggs, Idaho. Two 2022 graduates and two enthusiastic potential fellows talked deeply about what it means for them to serve their community. All of them are part of the Latinx community and are eager to start a movement in their small towns so their perspectives can be heard.
New Business: On The Road Again
Tonight I will be at the Bellevue Public library, where I’ll join Wood River Valley folks in a discussion about boards and commissions in their area. Thank you to our partner, The Hunger Coalition, who is donating $25 gift cards to anyone who attends the information session! Another huge thank you to the Bellevue Public Library for staying late and allowing us to use their space free of charge.
I’ll be heading to northern Idaho early October, so be on the lookout for more information on CVI’s social media, including Facebook.
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If you’d like to schedule a one-on-one or if you are interested in attending an evening information session, I want to meet with you! Please reach out via email toni@cvidaho.org