Partner Patron Post - River Rally 2011 Wrap-up

Wow, another River Rally has come and gone. After Rally is over, I always feel as if I was a significant member of a wedding party. The event was joyous, uplifting but I leave wanting more and feel as if I just didn’t spend enough time with so many wonderful colleagues and friends.

This Rally in particular was something quite special. From the opening funny and touching sense of place remarks of Rudy Mancke and his insightful directive to always consider the “was-ness of the is” to the heartwarming celebration of another River Heroes Banquet, this Rally left those who attended with lasting memories.

The comments of those who attended Rally are inspirational, motivational and rewarding for me and the River Network Board and Staff. Remarks like:

“The best conference I have ever attended.”

“I came here burned out and exhausted and I leave energized and refreshed.”

“Janisse Ray was the best plenary speaker that I have ever heard.”

“The diversity panel was timely and very instructive.”

“The River Heroes Banquet is my favorite event on one of my favorite days of the year – every year.”

“Thank you for thanking those of us who work as public servants. It means a lot during these difficult times.”

“Thanks again for the call to action to restore protections to the waters of the U.S. Thank you, thank you, River Network! Rally ho!”

“I was honored to take part in the service project for the local community center.”

“River Network rocks!”

Speaking on behalf of the Board and Staff these comments mean the world to us. They inspire us to continue to do all that we can to help local river and watershed groups to do their work to the best of their ability. We are motivated to continue to work to achieve nothing less than excellence, whether it is holding the next River Rally or simply responding to a Partner request. Finally, it is so rewarding to spend time with so many dedicated, talented and committed people in our movement.

In less than eleven months we will gather again in Portland, Oregon for the 13th River Rally. Please join us. Between now and then well over a thousand river and watershed groups across the country will work hard for their home waters. Battles will be won and lost. The public policy rivers of debate will surge forward, eddy at times and sometimes drop precipitously into a pool of dark waters. But we will gather again next year to inspire, educate and celebrate.

Rally ho!

Todd