The Observer, December 2004
Community Corner: It’s the volunteers who make our council work
By Linda Robinson, Community Liaison
During our December quarterly meeting, we take time to thank our volunteers at our volunteer appreciation party. This is an opportunity for us to honor the many volunteers that donate so much to make our organization effective. At any one time, we have from 50 to 60 volunteers who serve as board members and committee members.
Our volunteers represent the communities and organizations that were affected by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. They include scientists, educators, students, small business owners and many other professionals and laypersons interested in promoting environmentally safe oil transportation.
PORTLAND MEET – Project Manager Lisa Ka’aihue and board member John French helped staff the council booth at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry annual meeting in Portland last month. Photo by Linda Robinson.
Suggestions for new projects generally come from these volunteers, and the volunteers are instrumental in laying out the plans, hiring the contractors, reviewing and approving each project. They work closely with staff to ensure that the council produces quality data and reports. They are willing to spend time away from job and family to work for the good of our mission.
As we approach a new year, we would like to take this opportunity to give our heartfelt thanks to all of the folks who have donated their time and expertise to advance our mission. They are the ones who have caused this “noble experiment” to succeed.
On the Road Again
Following a reception for the Kenai Peninsula Borough during our September board meeting, the booth was set up for three additional conferences. The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, a member of the council, hosted its annual convention this year in Juneau. The booth was assembled and board President Tom Jensen, and Executive Director John Devens also attended. Devens gave a presentation to the Chamber’s board to update them on the council’s current activities. Jensen moderated a panel discussion with Senators Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski, and Representative Don Young.
The booth was assembled at Pacific Marine Expo (formerly Fish Expo) in Seattle in mid-November. John Devens, Marilyn Leland and Scientific Advisory Committee member Michelle Hahn O’Leary assisted me with the booth. We were able to update many visitors and friends on the council’s activities. There was particular interest following the recent Dalco Passage “mystery spill” in Puget Sound.
The following week the booth was assembled at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry annual meeting in Portland. Board member John French, staffer Lisa Ka’aihue, and I spent time in the booth discussing scientific projects. Jon Bower, volunteer for the Terminal Operations and Environmental Monitoring committee, had a poster titled “Synoptic survey of major solutes, metals, and volatile organic compounds in snowpacks of Valdez, Alaska” accepted for the conference.
This event attracts scientists, industries and students from around the United States and the world and our organization always receives a good deal of interest. We meet people interested in being included in our experts database and others that provide us with information that can assist the council in its mission and outreach efforts. We believe the council’s booth adds some balance to the focus on industry at this conference and is a good place to promote citizens’ concerns and set an example for those who want to have input in the development of their communities.