350 Wenatchee Climate Conversations NCW

Big news!

 

I really tried to get your attention there, with the “Special Update” subject line, because I have some big news to share. I have decided to transition out of my role as Executive Director in order to focus more on climate action and resilience. Part of that decision is also for personal reasons. I’ve found that my current role, with so many evening meetings and events, has kept me away from family dinners and bedtime with my young kids too often. But, I am thrilled to be shifting focus to my main passion, which is how we can address the climate crisis locally. As soon as we hire a new ED, I’ll take on the role of Climate Action Coordinator at SNCW.

 

Of course, this means we’re hiring! As some of you may remember, it didn’t work out to add a second SNCW employee earlier this year, and so for the past six years it has been yours truly as the sole employee. It’s so exciting to DOUBLE our capacity by replacing myself as part-time ED, and creating a new part-time position for myself. At this time, we only have funding to cover 20 hours a week each, for both the new ED and my new role. However, there is plenty of work to be done on both accounts and we look forward to increasing those hours as our budget grows.

 

As for my replacement, we’re looking for someone who is passionate about environmental sustainability. I’m biased, but this is such a cool opportunity! They’ll become the new face of the organization, and so must be comfortable with public speaking and making connections with partners. While we’re not requiring any specific education or background, they will need to be adept at managing a wide variety of tasks including continuing to grow our fundraising efforts. And here’s hoping for your sake that they’re better than I am at keeping email updates short. 

 

Because I will be staying on, there will be lots of opportunity for on-the-job training if the right candidate needs it. The full job description and application instructions can be found here – please share far and wide!

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the chance to lead this organization over the last six years. It’s thanks to members and donors like you that I’ve had this opportunity. Getting to know so many of you, receiving your kind words of support, and our shared passion has kept me going even when things have been hard. I look forward to this new endeavor while continuing to help move this organization – and our community – toward a more sustainable future.

Jana

Upcoming events

• We’ve been having a great time in our partnership with NCW Libraries for our FREE series of hands-on workshops this fall, Low Waste Holidays. There are still two left! They are from 5:30-7:30pm(ish) at the Eastmont Community Center at 230 N Georgia in East Wenatchee. This is not to be confused with the Eastmont Parks and Recreation building! The Community Center is a grey building on your right as you head toward Grant from 3rd. Snacks provided.

  • November 15th – DIY Fill in the Love Book – This activity is great for all ages, and is the perfect chance to create a thoughtful, handmade gift for a loved one in your life.

  • December 13th – Gift Wrapping Alternatives – Tired of tossing a mound of wrapping paper, a lot of which is not recyclable? Learn about wrapping alternatives and how to make your own at this hands-on workshop.

 

In case you missed it

Joan and I enjoyed sharing about how the food you eat (or, waste!) affects the climate crisis in our Pybus University talk, “Diet for a Warming Planet.” You can watch the recording here or take a look at the slide deck which includes links to resources. Both are linked on our website under Events & Classes for future reference. Thank you again to Ridge 2 River Animal Haven, Nourish NCW, Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Club and NCW Libraries for joining us with informational booths!

 

Green Drinks – this Thursday

Join us at this month’s Green Drinks event at LOGE Leavenworth at 321 9th St downtown Leavenworth Thursday, November 16th from 5-7pm. Note the earlier “winter” timeframe, compared to past events.

 

This time we’re partnering with Waste Loop to feature C6 Forest to Farm, the nonprofit bringing a biochar pilot plant to the Winton site near Leavenworth. Co-founder Gina will be doing a TEDx style talk at 6pm, so come at 5, grab a drink, and socialize with fellow Green Drinkers before and after her 15 minute talk. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the cafe. To stay up-to-date on C6’s progress, follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn.

 

Give NCW Turkey Trot

We’ll be participating in the Community Foundation of NCW’s first annual Give NCW Turkey Trot and we’d love for you to join us. All proceeds from the event (5k and 10k walk/run) will be shared equally among the nonprofits participating in Give NCW. The event is Thanksgiving morning starting at 9am, and registration starts at $20 (free for kids).

 

We thought it’d be fun to dress up as veggies, since there will already be plenty of turkey outfits, and a lot of us hippies are vegetarian or vegan. Tofurky, anyone? If you have a costume or want to make one and join us, please do! Or, if you have a pea or avocado costume lying around and want to let one of us borrow it, please let me know! There is a prize for “Best Group Effort” and I think we’ll get points for originality. Register here.

 

 Fundraising with TruEarth

A few folks have been asking for our special link through which you can shop for eco-friendly goods from Canadian company TruEarth (such as laundry strips) so I got smart and added it to our website, on a newly designed Donate/Support Us page. There, you’ll find the Tru Earth link along with other similar programs like Fred Meyer Community Rewards and Colchuck Consignment’s Community Donation Program.

 

 

Thank you business sponsors!

Thank you to our two newest business sponsors, Clean Straws and Calbom & Schwab Law Group! We’re so grateful for local businesses like theirs who are committed to sustainability. And a shout-out to renewing sponsors: Wenatchee Valley Massage Clinic, Visit Chelan County, CMI Orchards,Town Nissan, and Dolco.

 

 

We’re looking for board members

We are currently looking to grow our board and will have several openings available in early 2024. Board members commit to giving at least 3-4 hours per month, including attending board meetings on the third Monday of the month from 7-8:30pm. We have a goal of our board representing the diversity of our area, so we’re especially looking to include those in the Latinx community who are passionate about sustainability. We welcome applications from a variety of folks, no matter your experience, education, or knowledge of environmental issues. For more information, please reply to this email.

 

 

Sustainably, 

Jana Fischback

Executive Director