Winter Training 2008 a Success!

This past December, dozens of watershed leaders from across the country descended into Nashville for a three-day conference with attention on two areas: Organizational Development: Training for Trainers and Warming Watersheds: Training for Sustainable Water Supplies. This three-day program combined River Network’s Watershed Support Network and Saving Water Saving Energy programs to create the opportunity for education, inspiration and networking.

The participants of the Warming Watersheds sessions came to the conference hoping to increase their knowledge of climate change and learn about successful water efficiency programs. Thanks to a diverse group of presenters—including water utility representatives, scientists, energy consultants and other water and climate change experts—participants received valuable information and refreshing perspectives on the watershed-level impacts of climate change, how to secure in-stream flows for rivers, the potential for water efficiency to be utilized as a “new” water source and the water-energy connection.

Organizational Development attendees represented 14 river and watershed alliances from throughout the country. Through conferences, webinars, printed materials and collaborative activities, River Network and the Watershed Support Network trainers have demonstrably increased the capacity of local watershed organizations to fulfill their missions.

At the Winter Training, River Network staff presented a range of strategies and tools designed to help trainers work with the many grassroots organization within their own region. During the Board Development session, attendees explored methods for assessing their Board structure and effectiveness, as well as clarifying roles and responsibilities. Moreover, trainers were given the opportunity to work in small groups and address issues that affect Board effectiveness, such as founder’s syndrome, commitment, recruitment/ orientation, succession plans, and the Board’s role in fundraising. During the Fundraising session, attendees were introduced to a variety of strategies that assessed an organization’s current fundraising program and its readiness for taking on a major individual donor program. Attendees practiced with a number of fundraising and solicitation strategies and developed ways to involve Board members in the myriad tasks associated with fundraising.

All and all the conference was a huge success with many of the participants leaving with a sense of inspiration, educated and energized to continue the work in their watersheds. As one of our Winter Training participants put it:

“I really understand now how important this work is for river groups to be doing, that it is more than possible and it makes so much sense to use water efficiently. The case studies let me know it is possible.”

“I really appreciate their [River Network] dedication to us!” I always gain so much from these trainings.”