As Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) I’ve enjoyed the honor of attending River Rally for at least a decade, and the event has never disappointed. 2024 was no different!
As in 2022, I have the Campbell Foundation to thank for supporting this wonderful experience. Their support directly benefited my trip in May to Grand Rapids, Michigan, the site of this year’s River Rally, and will indirectly benefit other staff at POWR (and PEC) as well POWR’s partners, constituents, and stakeholders as I continue to reflect, share, and apply what I learned.
It is not easy to measure the benefits of conference attendance as a professional development activity. In many ways, the experience becomes a part of all the ways in which one applies oneself to the work “back home.” Phrases heard during the event (“technical and organizational assistance should be informed by community, not just delivered to the community”) become a part of one’s speech. An inspiring book recommendation (Interpretive Writing, by Allan Leftridge, or Reconciliation in a Michigan Watershed: Restoring Ken-O-Sha by Gail Gunst Heffner and David P. Warners) might become part of a professional library. And someone else’s approach to overcoming a challenge or improving a project (simplify grant application processes to make it more accessible to more applicants while still maintaining the integrity of expenditures) becomes a solution for others.
And there simply isn’t a metric one can use to quantify the benefit and the joy of finally meeting, in-person, a colleague with whom you’ve only emailed, or maybe encountered in a Zoom meeting. Gatherings like River Rally provide opportunities to share a meal and a conversation — tidbits of which come back to you at random moments and make you smile, or keep you going on a tough day in the office!
River Rally was intentionally developed by River Network staff to be an event that not only presents information to attendees, but also creates space for reflection, builds community, celebrates successes, strengthens networks, and re-inspires motivated engagement. And of course, elements of River Rally’s programming are just plain fun — and who’s to say some big “ah-ha moment” or an impactful new idea can’t happen over a giant-sized game of Connect 4?
While every new River Rally experience is a little different than those that preceded it, one thing that remains the same is the incredible diversity of attendees. In this case, I am considering many different metrics of diversity. The people at River Rally truly reflect the communities throughout this country: presenters and participants represent urban, rural, and suburban areas; participants from diverse racial and ethnic communities share their experiences, challenges, and successes; new professionals mingle with those receiving lifetime achievement awards; and those facing the quandary of being “mid-career” have the chance to be both mentors and mentees for a few days and to come away with new solutions, new ideas, and the calming realization that others are facing similar challenges and asking themselves similar questions.
River Rally draws professionals working at small, community-driven non-profits, as well as larger policy- and programmatic-driven ones. Government agencies from the local, state, and federal level send staff to listen, learn, and share resources. Funders who support the incredible work being done share meals and field trips with the organizations whose work depends on philanthropic and government funding.
This spectrum of experiences, perspectives, and expertise is critical to the magic that happens at River Rally. It can feel intimidating to be surrounded by people who have accomplished so much, but it can also be humbling to hear that they find your own work inspiring. It is impossible to ignore that inequality persists in access to clean healthy water, and that much work remains. But the collective impact of the efforts of River Rally attendees and the work being done by the organizations they represent every day in communities across the county is astounding. These reminders are among the many intangibles benefits of attending River Rally.
A few more ideas, reminders, and points to ponder from presentations and panels at River Rally:
- While navigating the abundance of federal funding that is currently available can be daunting, frustrating, and overwhelming, be inspired that it is also an incredible opportunity to finally and truly address the current urgencies around water access, quality, and community health.
- Disrupt and demystify any and all grant application processes to make them more inclusive and equitable, and to alleviate unnecessary burdens on already overburdened communities.
- Lift up community voices with services and technical support based on relationships and trust.
- Work within existing systems — including the power of community, not just the force of policy — to leverage long-term positive change.
- Imagine policy as a creative endeavor.
- Be a part of the movement to hold decision makers accountable for clean water goals.
- Take the time to build authentic relationships; be vocal about the need for funding and philanthropic support for this critical part of community-centered work.
Reflections on River Rally and follow-up correspondence with other river and watershed advocates, managers, community leaders, and program leaders who attended and presented will continue for months to come. I’ll be reviewing and sharing new mapping tools, “rainscaping” site assessment forms, volunteer training tips, and more as POWR works to support, promote, and celebrate the efforts of community watershed groups in Pennsylvania.
About POWR
POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the Pennsylvania Sojourn program and supports the work of Community Watershed Organizations statewide. To learn more, visit pawatersheds.org.