River Voices: January 2018
Welcome to the January 2018 edition of River Voices! We hope you enjoy the fresh look and feel of our monthly publication, designed to highlight essential insights, inspiration, and resources to further your work. This month we explore the topic of how agricultural communities and conservationists are working together for healthier rivers. Also, don’t miss fundraising tips from our Leadership Development team, plus the latest events and webinars.
Photo credit: Josh Duplechain
Unlikely Partners for Healthier Rivers
The headwaters of the Colorado River in Grand County, Colorado is not the state’s largest river, but its importance as a water source looms large. A litany of federal agencies, regional authorities, local governments, and individual land owners rely on the river to meet both human and wildlife needs. This quiet stretch of mountain stream boasts a national park, three on-channel federal reservoirs, gold medal fisheries, dozens of family ranches, and world-class whitewater. For almost 100 years its story has been one of man versus nature, city versus rancher, locals versus outsiders. The new short film “A River’s Reckoning” tells the powerful story of traditional ranchers joining conservationists to protect Colorado River flows. Learn more about the film and River Network’s support of stream management planning in the full article.
Meet Our Team
Meet Nicole Seltzer, River Network’s Science and Policy Manager who focuses on the Colorado River. Nicole taps into water’s power to inspire curiosity, create community, and foster advocates for sustainable water management.
Federal Policy Update
In 2017, River Network was encouraged to see so many people engaging with decision makers about issues that matter – many for the first time. But 2017 was an ugly year, too. Here’s our recap, plus what to expect in 2018.
River Rally 2018
Ready, set … apply! River Rally scholarship applications close February 1st. Don’t miss out on this year’s River Rally program—and the beautiful setting near Lake Tahoe, California. Register and apply today.
When urban youth are involved in the process of defining and solving environmental problems, they not only learn about their connection to natural resources but also learn how to sustain those resources for future generations.
–from Urban Waters Learning Network, “Creative Engagement: Involving Youth in Community Solutions.” Read the article.
Upcoming Webinars & Events
Fundraising Essentials: Making “the Ask”
February 1, 1-2 pm EST. Part 4 in our 5-part series, this webinar breaks down the process of soliciting a gift from a major donor from prospecting to follow-up. This is a premium webinar for paid River Network members only. Register today.
Wild & Scenic Rivers 50th: Spark Community Engagement
February 6, 2-3:30 pm EST. 2018 marks the 50 year anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. Join us to learn how you can use the 50th Anniversary toolkit to plan events that engage community. This is a free webinar. Register today.
Water Cycle Wellness: A Conversation
February 12, 1-2 EST. Join authors Sandra Postel and Abbie Gascho Landis to explore health of our water cycle and how we can address human impact on water’s natural rhythms. Moderated by River Network President, Nicole Silk. This is a free webinar. Register here.
Advocacy vs. Organizing in Your Community as a 501c3
February 27, 1-2:15 pm EST. Part 1 in our series on growing civic support, this webinar offers tools, tips, and best practices to increase civic engagement without compromising 501c3 status. This is a premium webinar for paid River Network members only. Register today.
Video: Top 10 Signs of Fundraising Readiness
In this short, 3-minute video learn how to assess your organization’s readiness to fundraise with leadership development manager, Caroline Bott.
Resources
Careers & Professional Opportunities
Check out our network’s job board for the latest water-stewardship career opportunities. Have a job to post? Submit a job here.
Funding Opportunities
Paid River Network members enjoy this premium benefit! Submit projects to the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank. Learn more.
River-Science Connection
Do you need science or technical support? River Network members can post detailed requests at the River Science Connection. Get paired with the right resource.
Contact Us
Are you looking for training in water stewardship, organization leadership development, or water science and policy analysis? Contact us.
