In the latest Local 20/20 Port Townsend Leader column, Judy Alexander describes the upcoming Connectivity Fair, and how Local 20/20’s history shows some examples of the Ripple Effect.
Connectivity Fair April 16th – Come Meet Local Non-Profits
By Judy Alexander
So, is the onset of spring making you antsy to get out of your house after 2+ years of COVID isolation? Are you new to town and itching to meet some folks? Not busy Sunday April 16th? Come join us at Blue Heron School for the Connectivity Fair that afternoon: it’s free, it’s fun, and it’ll get you inspired! The fair will convey that one person’s actions for change DO make a difference. This is so due to the Ripple Effect when we understand that we are all connected to each other! This fair is to showcase our local non-profit organizations co-promoted by 4 local non-profits, with Local 20/20 being one of them.
Local 20/20’s history shows many examples of one person’s actions making a difference. Over the years, individuals have been encouraged to initiate projects that excite them, to “be the change” we all want to see in the world. Initiatives that fit within Local 20/20’s mission focused on sustainability and resiliency are afforded non-profit status, website space, and the seasoned tactical support to be effective. Examples include the instigation of numerous neighborhood-based, and food bank dedicated community gardens. Those gardens still serve those neighborhoods and all local Food Banks, alongside the donated fruit and produce from the Quimper Community Harvest gleaners. And today we enjoy public power because 4 local guys promoted a countywide ballot initiative that emanated from Local 20/20’s Energy Action Group and ultimately led to the purchase of our power grid from a private corporation, Puget Sound Energy. The partnership forged between Local 20/20 and Jefferson County’s Department of Emergency Management is another example, which motivated over 100 neighborhoods to self-organize for preparedness and resilience. Local 20/20 has quietly demonstrated over and over again the ripple effect – how one person’s initiative can have sustaining and resilient impact on an entire community. Even beyond, since LION, the Local Investment Opportunity Network, another program born of Local 20/20, has grown networks nationwide.
Now Local 20/20 has teamed up with 3 other local non-profits, Skillmation, Jefferson Land Trust, and Community Build, to host a Connectivity Fair designed to further highlight, motivate and connect the power of citizen initiative to make further shifts in our local economy, food system, energy access, and our very social safety nets. The Connectivity Fair will feature many tables staffed by the plethora of local non-profits, all of which can benefit from increased local support and participation, especially after the isolating influence of the pandemic. And for the many newcomers who now call Jefferson County home: get connected, engaged and inspired. What excites you? What gift did you come to share? How do you want to contribute to strengthening the fabric of our community? Whether you are looking for your new best friend, finding good reasons to leave your house, or cultivating deeper meaning and purpose in your life, your interests can be met in attending the Sunday April 16th Connectivity Fair. At Blue Heron School from 1 – 5 PM. Come on time, the event starts with a tribal welcome and an inspiring short (15 min) film called Interconnections, made by a local filmmaker highlighting the ripple effects of our actions in an interconnected world. The event is free and child care can be provided. See you there? For more information see: l2020.org/connectivity.
Bio: Judith Alexander has been a resident of Jefferson County for over 40 years and has been self employed as a clinical social worker in private practice. Having helped found Local 20/20 in 2006, her attention was split primarily between instigating Community Gardens along with other food system projects, as well as co-facilitating L20/20’s Neighborhood preparedness efforts.
