Finishing up

So much to do with so little time….

Last week was exhausting but exciting and rewarding to say the least.

The time and effort I put into the Columbine Hondo support book has already paid off! I have been assigned to work with Meghan Kissell, who works for Conservation Land Foundation –CLF, as their National Monuments Campaign Director.  I am organizing another support book… And yet again its time sensitive. Legislation for Brown’s Canyon lands designation is expected to be introduced December 3^rd and I am responsible for the support book that is sent to congress.

Working with Meghan from CLF has been a joy but more so a blessing. So far she has opened my mind and doors to hopeful avenues in the communications world. She has worked with the American Diabetes Association− ADA, Spitfire Strategies and now the communications director for CLF. She has introduced me to a website, Progressive Exchange which serves as a communications forum… a professionals helping professionals site with information on ad-buys, jobs, web development, etc.

I have recently applied for a job in Orlando Florida with the ADA. Meghan said she would send my resume over along with her recommendation to an old colleague from the ADA.  Since I am on the job/internship hunt I asked her for suggestions of any interesting places to work… Meghan quickly pulled websites up and somehow offered me to intern with her in January.

I don’t know what I’m going to do. My time with The Wilderness Society is ending and I don’t have a plan, I’m clueless to what’s next? I have learned a lot through The Wilderness Society, and after the four years of college I thought I was destined to do policy and lobbying… but after my internship, I know different. I am currently looking for an internship in marketing/sales and or fundraising. I like the environmental cause and non-profit work but I want to take more of a business route within it.

With that being said I have also looked into studying ABROAD! Auckland University in New Zealand, for a Masters of Management, specializing in business marketing.

I don’t know what life will bring, but I’m interested in taking the road less traveled and leaving a path for those to follow.

Columbine Hondo

The best Government in the World….

U.S. Senate committee on Energy and Natural Resources discussed senate legislation S. 776, to establish the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness in the State of New Mexico, to provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of National Forest System land in the State, and for other purposes.

This committee hearing, which was 2 hours long, is the reason I spent two weeks working on the Columbine Hondo support book. The support book was actually used in the senate meeting, referring to some facts and name dropping organizations in favor of the legislation. I am so proud of the work I have put into this campaign and will be elated if Columbine Hondo is designated with 45,000 acres of protected wilderness.

Most of the meeting was focused on other concerns but I have noted a few moments S. 776 was mentioned during the hearing. Here is a video of the meeting, click through to 00:48:00 to hear Udall, TWS leading supporter comment, as well as, 01:22:00 when Weidon mentions support of Columbine Hondo. Unfortunately, the meeting started late and I had to leave due to my night job. I cant wait to get a “big girl job” soon I hope!

VIDEO

I have learned so much about our government and the honest beauty that can come from it. I have never been so “proud to be an American.” It’s a slogan you hear often but with my time learning and working with our government I have never realized how blessed I truly am.

I look forward to the results of Columbine Hondo designation and I’ll keep you posted!

Thanks for reading.

Busy

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” ― Beverly Sills

This quote absolutely wraps up my previous week of work at TWS.

-To begin, my fellow communications intern left TWS… leaving me with a handful of extra responsibility.

-Next, I have learned the true necessity of cc in emails AND a new appreciation for technology (explained later).

-Last tid-bit, I’m sorry for not posting last week! I can explain.

I helped put together the support book for Columbine Hondo’s debut with congress this Wednesday the 20^th! The subcommittee will be reviewing the legislation and answering questions others may have about adding Columbine Hondo to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

There is over a thousand signed letters from businesses, organizations, communities and individuals organized with this document.  As well as clips of ANY and ALL news articles/reports on the wilderness area. This was very tedious work and had to be perfect because it was being shared with CONGRESS and many other eyes. Im proud to share with you the finished product.

If it wasn’t for technology this never would have come together. The document was due Friday by 5:00 to be sent off to representatives and senators, the deadline was CRITICAL. The biggest problem was organizing the thousands of signed letters that were distributed across the COUNTRY. Being able to scan the letters and upload them to a document that we all were sharing was INCREDIBLE. An organization that is spread from Alaska to North Carolina, without technology we would be lost.

Now, my new found understanding and love for cc in emails came from everyone being able to stay on track with no horrible confusion. Even if the conversation had nothing to do you, the information was always an asset to know. The Wilderness Society is the best organizational communications team I have ever seen. I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to work with theses inspiring professionals.

I have some exciting news as well; I will be attending the congressional meeting Wednesday at the Capitol

I am so excited!

Stay tuned, Ill be back Wednesday with more information!

Work in progress

Campaigns, legislation and clips….

November 20^th is going to be a busy day for congress and The Wilderness Society. Congressional subcommittee is scheduled to discuss several public lands bills…. But there is one prevalent to TWS

• S. 776, to establish the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness in the State of New Mexico, to provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of National Forest System land in the State, and for other purposes

S. 776 is my newest project. I am working with Michael Casaus on a support book that will be given to the senate. It will include hundreds of support letters and news clips for support of Columbine Hondo.

This support document needs to be ready in time to give senators the opportunity to build a defense for our campaign.

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Another project for me includes preparing for the 50^th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. This is a major landmark for The Wilderness Society and the opportunity for us to reflect on and promote our success.

There will be more to come soon!