“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” MARGARET J. WHEATLEY American Author and Teacher CONNECTIONS AND COLLABORATIONS Catalysts for Community Change 15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMUNITY COUNCIL REGION
TO FOSTER A TRUSTED GATHERING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ENGAGE IN DIALOGUE, INQUIRY, AND ADVOCACY TO BUILD A VIBRANT REGION FOR EVERYONE. OUR REGION INCLUDES COLUMBIA AND WALLA WALLA COUNTIES AND THE MILTON-FREEWATER AREA. A COMMUNITY WHERE ALL PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO CREATE THE FUTURE THEY WANT. MISSION VISION
06 Community Council’s Citizen Driven Model for Community Change 07 History 10 Impacts Building Connections 10 Expanding Community Participation 11 Fostering Deeper Understandings of Community Challenges 12 Changing Lives 13 Strengthening Our Region 14 Enhancing the Educational Attainment of Our Region’s Children 15 Optimizing Resources: Value-Added Agriculture 15 Reducing Gang Membership Through Prevention 16 Improving Communication Among Citizens and Government 16 Improving Food Security 17 Enhancing Outdoor Recreation Opportunities 17 Education as a Path to Economic Growth 18 Affordable Housing 18 Internet for All 19 20 Looking Forward: Enriching the Regional Fabric CONTENTS
“What I found most appealing is that it’s not just ‘engagement’, but it’s ‘enrollment’ and getting people to participate.” JEFF REYNOLDS Vice President, Telecommunications Engineer, Banner Bank
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 6 Fifteen years ago, Community Council launched a community driven, problem solving model in our region. We learned that the process works. As a catalyst for community change, it has built connections, expanded community participation, fostered deeper understandings of community challenges, changed lives, strengthened our region, and, importantly, solved problems. The Community Council model endures and continues to facilitate connections, weaving together volunteers who thoughtfully engage and identify consensus solutions to complex issues in the community. Your contributions of time and resources to Community Council in this effort enriched the regional fabric in significant and far-reaching ways. As one participant recently expressed, “I wish every region could have a Community Council where we could come together and solve issues.” We agree. And we look forward to the next 15 years! To celebrate our first 15 years, we: Interviewed 69 people in March 2024, asking them to tell us about Community Council’s impacts. Many of their comments are included in this retrospective. Created a document of interview summaries. Published this retrospective in June 2024, posting it and a summary of the interviews at www.wwcommunitycouncil.org “Community Council plants the seed and helps nurture it, and these great things then grow from it.” CHAD HICKOX President, Walla Walla Community College COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S CITIZEN DRIVEN MODEL FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE THIS IS A CELEBRATION OF OUR COMMUNITY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPACTS! COMMUNITY COUNCIL THANKS EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED! YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE! WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT 15 YEARS!
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 7 HISTORY Community Council grew out of a series of community forums held during 2006 and 2007. Participants expressed the desire for a process that would engage people in community conversations about growth and change across the jurisdictions and sectors of our region. "Riding the Wave—Managing Community Change" was moderated by a representative from the Jacksonville Community Council, a citizen group in northern Florida with over 35 years of cooperative problem solving experience. A founding board of directors launched Community Council with the purpose of engaging residents in a recurring cycle of community discussion, research, consensus, advocacy, and measurement of progress. OUR FIRST PROGRAM WAS A COMMUNITY DRIVEN PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE. OUR MODEL FOR BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO IDENTIFY PRIORITIES EVOLVED INTO THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS.
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 8 COMMUNITY DRIVEN PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL Our study/advocacy model for positive community change engages residents in developing long term solutions to complex problems. During a three-to-four-year process, community members identify a topic of regional significance, study that topic intensively, generate recommendations for improvement, and advocate for positive change. Once this study is almost concluded, Community Council initiates the study/advocacy process for the next topic. As one participant described it, “The system of Community Council is smart, thoughtful, tested, repeatable, and scalable. It is not haphazard.” STUDY TOPICS Between 2008 and 2023, the community identified these nine regional problems to study and advocate for recommended solutions: Enhancing the Educational Attainment of Our Region’s Children Optimizing Resources: Value-Added Agriculture Reducing Gang Membership Through Prevention Improving Communication Among Citizens and Government Improving Food Security Enhancing Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Education as a Path to Economic Growth Affordable Housing Internet for All HISTORY COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ADVOCATE IMPLEMENT STUDY
COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES Community Council invites residents to come together in Community Conversations to learn about and discuss the quality of life in our region. By incorporating locally relevant demographic, social, economic, and environmental data into conversations about well-being in our region, Community Conversations inspire change and inform the collaborative actions necessary to improve the quality of life in our region, so that everyone can thrive. IMPACTS AWARDS The Community Council’s work has garnered recognition from across the region and Washington State. Community Council was: Named one of eight Pacific Northwest Changemakers by Philanthropy Northwest in 2017 Given the Duane Wollmuth Catalyst award by the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2017 Awarded the Citizen Involvement prize in 2018 by the American Planning Association’s Washington Chapter and the Planning Association of Washington for the Blue Mountain Region Trails project Presented the Washington Governor’s 2019 Smart Partnership Award for the Blue Mountain Region Trails project Featured in a 2019 National Park Service article, “Moving Mountains: A Bi-state 354 Mile Trail Plan” about our Blue Mountain Region Trails Plan Featured in the William D. Ruckelshaus Center’s A Road Map to Washington’s Future Final Report, Volume 3: University Partners Research and Data Inventory of 2019 that highlighted our Community Conversations project Community Council’s study/advocacy process in the nine study areas catalyzed many broad and specific impacts. HISTORY 15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 9 “Something that impacts one person impacts the entire community.” YNEZ VARGAS Owner and Certified Interpreter and Translator, Profesionales Bilingues
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 10 Community Council’s model for community engagement brings people together across sectors, jurisdictions, and demographics to study specific topics or provide input on regional priorities. Our gatherings provide community members with the opportunity to build and foster relationships. Through this networking, community members develop a sense of belonging and ownership of the community. IMPACTS Building Connections “What we are learning is that in philanthropy, nonprofits, and the world, who is at the table is the most important part.” BRIAN HUNT CEO, Sherwood Trust Many people said that the personal and professional connections they made with people they otherwise would not have known through our gatherings have impacted their lives. One person expressed it this way, “What a gift!” and “It changed my life.” Another said his participation was “a hit on a personal and professional level” for meeting many people through Community Council. A Spanish language interpreter/translator said her Community Council experience “opened doors.” “I’ve gotten to know a lot more community members.” “The connections I have made impacted my life, for the rest of my life.” “You get to have relationships and friendships across sectors with a cross section of the community. That’s what makes it so special.” “One key thing the Council has done is its network effects.”
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 11 Community Council fosters a welcoming atmosphere and reduces barriers to participation by offering Spanish interpretation and translation, childcare, and food at its gatherings. These inclusive practices increase attendance and bring together more diverse community voices. And it’s not just the participants who notice. This welcoming approach produced what several participants described as a “ripple effect” in the region. One noted, “The process itself is the most important part of Community Council.” Another community member said, “This group is truly dedicated to raising voices.” Community Council’s process has become part of the region’s infrastructure. Community Council conducts extensive outreach to encourage community members with diverse backgrounds to attend gatherings, participate, and share their input in a welcoming setting. Often the number of participants is large, sometimes as many as 400 people. As one person attending such a large gathering of many voices said, “How much better does it get than that? It was an important moment for me.” Other participants agreed: “Everyone who wants to do the work can approach Community Council.” “I saw smiles and high-fives with parents who could attend with their children, and they can express their feelings about their community.” One participant said that when she heard there would be “free childcare,” she said, “The number of doors that phrase opened is incredible,” and she could attend. “I love that Community Council engagement is creating inclusive participation, and it’s nonpartisan.” “It has made a huge difference in people’s ability to participate” given the locations chosen, Spanish translation and interpreter services, food, and childcare at meetings. “It really made a difference. More organizations are doing that now.” Expanding Community Participation IMPACTS “That’s the purpose of Community Council – relationship building.” ROGER ESPARZA Owner and Designated Broker, Bella Terra Real Estate
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 12 Community Council’s problem solving model opened many residents’ eyes about local problems and identified opportunities for them to initiate change. Listening to individuals’ direct experiences, coupled with solid data, created deeper understandings of the community’s challenges. Participants in Community Council recalled: Community Conversations “gave me so much more appreciation for not only who was in the room, but also about how people feel about this place we call home.” The Affordable Housing Study “completely changed my view of my community.” The Affordable Housing Study “opened my eyes in a different way—how desperately we need to support eradicating these issues.” “All the elected officials in the county benefit in a couple ways—the studies themselves provide background to help educate elected officials, and they also provide local officials support for their votes.” “There is respect in the community for this work. I hear leaders refer to the studies.” Fostering Deeper Understandings of Community Challenges “The thing about Community Council is, they educate and change people.” MIKE RIZZITIELLO City Administrator, City of College Place IMPACTS
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 13 Community Council’s work has affected individuals in many ways. Volunteering to improve their community in a setting that is welcoming, open, diverse, respectful, educational, encouraging, and unbiased was a significant life experience for many participants. One person noted that when we build bridges between community groups “people grow.” “Community Council’s work is done by community members who have a vested interest in the project outcomes. It is ‘collective brilliance’ in action.” DEVON PLAYER Advocacy Coordinator, Community Council IMPACTS Changing Lives Other participants recalled how the process impacted them: Observing and hearing diverse cross-sections of the community speak during the inclusive process at a large Community Council gathering changed one participant in a “fundamental way.” “In my professional career, it was one of the most moving processes I have ever been involved in.” One person said that serving on Community Council’s board was impactful. “I was really surprised to be at that table. It was incredibly informative. It was one of my first experiences of having a seat at the table in my hometown.” The board service was a “leadership growth experience.” One person learned to advocate for legislative changes by the Walla Walla City Council and the Washington State Legislature. “It was a good experience. It brought out a lot of good in me.” Another participant noted that the Community Council study process brings people together who might not share the same views. Community Council’s process taught one individual to let the community guide the outcome. “My whole love now is being patient and being an advocate.” A bank administrator reflected that the study/advocacy process caused him to take more time now with his team at work, letting them find their own answers to problems. “Now, I am less of a manager and more of a coach.” One meeting facilitator said, “I was leading lots of conversations. I felt empowered.” A study committee chair said he developed listening skills and discovered how to draw people out to speak what’s on their mind. “I learned a lot—to be accommodating to everybody.” One participant confirmed that Community Council’s process also developed leadership skills and noted that listening is “the first stage of leadership.”
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 14 Community Council’s grassroots process gives agency to the community to identify, study, discuss, build consensus, and respond to our regional problems. Participants successfully used the process as a springboard to create change across jurisdictional lines. As one participant observed, “Community Council really pulls the region together.” Another described the process as giving many people the knowledge and confidence that “they can affect change in their own community.” This collaboration and bonding strengthened our region with meaningful and tangible results. Over the past 15 years, the community has tackled nine topics. The final reports of the study committees and implementation task forces are not just placed on a shelf. Instead, they have a lasting impact, providing a common language and ongoing resources for our community. Many detailed examples are provided in each topic’s final reports posted on the Community Council’s study webpage. Here are highlights of some of the impacts. IMPACTS Strengthening Our Region
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 15 IMPACTS IMPACTS: The degree to which the study elevated regional awareness of the effect of educational needs, mental health, and housing issues on children’s ability to achieve in school was an important outcome. A county mental health tax was adopted by the Walla Walla Board of County Commissioners, which generates over $1 million each year for mental health services in Walla Walla County. As one participant noted, “The County used evidence generated by the public to really address a community need.” The Walla Walla Valley Early Learning Coalition used the study report to support its successful application for multiple grants, securing funding from local and state foundations. The Health Center located in Walla Walla also used the study report to support its successful grant applications. IMPACTS: This study elevated the awareness of Value-Added agricultural opportunities and entrepreneurial issues. Decision makers were convened to explore opportunities and find new ways to work together. Advocates were recruited to continue promoting the study’s recommendations. A public agency’s executive director described the study as “completely validating everything we were thinking about the agricultural impact on the community”, and they have shared the study “a lot.” This study provided support during development of Blue Mountain Station, an artisan food center, in Dayton. Enhancing the Educational Attainment of Our Region’s Children 2008 - 2011 TOPIC: “How can the region best coordinate its educational, mental health and housing stability services to improve the educational attainment of its children?” Optimizing Resources: Value-Added Agriculture 2009 - 2012 TOPIC: “How can the region’s economic viability be enhanced through the creation of valueadded businesses using agricultural resources?” Study Committee Report Co-Chairs: Mari Prieto Steven Wooley Implementation Task Force Report Chair: Mark James Study Committee Report Chair: Roger Bairstow Implementation Task Force Report Chair: Robert Zagelow
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 16 IMPACTS IMPACTS: The Study Committee concluded in 2011 that preventing gang membership is complex, requiring a multifaceted approach and a coordination of resources with broad community participation. The Implementation Task Force’s increased public awareness of gangs and options for reducing gang membership, and encouraged collaborative relationships among community stakeholders. Prevention was established as a long-term community approach for dealing with gang issues. As one participant said, “It got the conversation going.” The INK-OUT tattoo removal program was created to allow former gang members to move forward with their lives. “This one was a life changer,” said one community member. INK-OUT is now housed at The Health Center, located in Walla Walla. The YMCA recently used the study report to obtain a grant to increase security in its lobby. IMPACTS: This project provided useful communication strategies and resources for governmental entities in the region and their constituents, describing several that were implemented by governmental entities. The process created a greater awareness among governmental entities, citizens, and the media about the importance of investing greater attention and resources into improving interactions among citizens and government. The Walla Walla City Manager used the study to support his successful request for a new communications manager position for the City of Walla Walla. Reducing Gang Membership Through Prevention 2010 - 2013 TOPIC: “How may prevention efforts reduce gang membership and the effects of gang activity in the region?” Improving Communication Among Citizens and Government 2012 - 2015 TOPIC: “How can communication and cooperation among citizens and government entities help to ensure that regional and community challenges are identified, understood and addressed?” Study Committee Report Chair: Douglas Carlsen Implementation Task Force Report Chair: Robert M. Withycombe Study Committee Report Chair: Rick Griffin Implementation Task Force Report Co-chairs: Julia Leavitt Jim Sporleder
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 17 IMPACTS IMPACTS: This project created lists of resources and best practices for those addressing the issues of food insecurity. The Study Committee recommended a statistically valid survey to more specifically define the extent and locations of regional food insecurity. The Implementation Task Force documented the surveys conducted in its final report. One participant said the study led to a “culture change” around food distribution “and as a result we are doing it differently and better. It got food into the hands and homes of individuals who need it.” IMPACTS: In an unprecedented regional effort, more than 30 local, regional, state, and federal stakeholder entities joined forces to develop the Blue Mountain Region Trails Plan that spans all local jurisdictions. The Blue Mountain Region Trails Plan is a community driven, locally supported, regionwide, non-motorized trail and transportation network that integrates existing and planned urban sidewalks and bike routes with urban and regional trails. The network provides access to outdoor recreational opportunities, increased walking and biking options, and connectivity among community centers and cultural, historical, and natural resource sites throughout the region. One participant described the public participation in our Blue Mountain Region Trails project this way, “In my more than a quarter century in planning, I never saw anything like it and never will again. People of so many backgrounds.” Another participant said, “I was most impressed with the sheer number of people who attended. That was the biggest value of that work—somebody looking at it for the entire region.” A participant from a federal agency remarked that the post-study work created an “extraordinary and exemplary plan” that would not have happened but for Community Council. Area trails plans and maps were digitized for use by local jurisdictions. Improving Food Security 2014 - 2017 TOPIC: “How can we ensure that all residents of the region have access to adequate amounts of nutritious foods and the means to utilize them?” Enhancing Outdoor Recreation Opportunities 2014 - 2018 TOPIC: “How can we promote, enhance, and develop outdoor recreational opportunities and accessibility to improve the region’s quality of life and economic vitality?” Study Committee Report Chair: Anne Haley Implementation Task Force Report Chair: Genie Crowe Study Committee Report Chair: Adam Kirtley Implementation Task Force Report Co-chairs: Kate Bobrow-Strain Mike Denny Kevin Mills
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 18 IMPACTS IMPACTS: Public and private agencies and businesses continue to rely on the study to document the region’s affordable housing crisis. “We can take that data and run with it—all the right people are at the table,” explained one banking official. Public policy changes catalyzed by this study were new zoning ordinances with protections for mobile home park residents, which include the notification to residents when their mobile home park is for sale and the opportunity to purchase and manage their parks by themselves or in conjunction with a nonprofit organization. The City of College Place was the first and the City of Walla Walla was the third city in Washington State to adopt these protections. Statewide publicity around this work helped promote existing legislation that advocates worked on in other municipalities and at the state level, which led to the adoption of similar ordinances elsewhere and legislation by the Washington State Legislature in SB 5198 in 2023. Development of an infographic, “Our Region’s Affordable Housing Crisis,” which presents data in engaging graphic design, increases awareness on housing issues in our region and continues to be widely used. Creation of Common Roots Housing Trust, our region’s first community land trust, a community-based organization that will own land and develop housing to create permanently affordable homes. Creation, revision, and distribution during the pandemic of the “COVID-19 Housing and Utility Relief Information Sheet” that was published in English and Spanish, which provided information about legal protections for homeowners and renters, and relief programs provided by Oregon and Washington States, and the federal government. IMPACTS: Creation of a regional coalition, “Elevate,” a “cradle to career” regional partnership working to eliminate barriers to student success and building better alignments across the educational continuum. Elevate is led by United Way of the Blue Mountains. The study recommended the creation and support of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes access to resources and fosters a culture of innovation. As part of that effort, 35 business leaders, representatives from government and higher education, and entrepreneurs met to inventory existing supports and identify needs. Creation of BE Walla Walla, an online portal for businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. The portal is a clearinghouse for resources, community contacts, events, and articles. One person observed that the portal “would not have been developed except for Community Council.” The online portal was built and is maintained by Ingeniux. Affordable Housing 2018 – 2023 TOPIC: “How can we meet the need for safe and affordable housing in our region?” Education as a Path to Economic Growth 2015 – 2019 TOPIC: “How can we strategically invest in education as a way to drive economic growth?” Study Committee Report Chair: Meagan Anderson Pira Implementation Task Force Report Co-chairs: Gustavo Reyna (July 2019 - January 2022) Laura Prado (January 2022 – October 2022) Erendira Cruz (October 2022 - March 2023) Study Committee Report Chair: Jan Foster Implementation Task Force Report Chair: Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 19 IMPACTS IMPACTS: The Study Committee’s report was released in June 2023. The Implementation Task Force is in its first year of advocacy for the recommendations in the report. In order to access unprecedented federal funding for bridging the digital divide, states were required to develop Broadband Action and Digital Equity Plans. In Washington State, each county was charged with developing its plan using a Broadband Action Team (BAT). Community Council facilitated a meeting of over 40 stakeholders in Walla Walla County that resulted in Blue Mountain Action Council becoming the lead agency for Walla Walla County’s BAT. One community member said, “If this had not been on Community Council’s radar, we [Walla Walla County] would have been left out of that funding process.” The BATs for Walla Walla and Columbia Counties met regularly to complete their plans. Community Council Study Committee members and staff served on both counties’ Broadband Action Teams. The plans were completed and submitted in June 2023. Information from our study resource speakers was critical for the initiation and completion of the plans. The study also highlighted current resources, such as help for students’ connectivity online. “What surprised me is that there are options out there to help people. It was huge to learn how I can help people,” said an assistant principal. Internet for All 2022 – 2026 TOPIC: “How can we create universal access to affordable and reliable broadband internet in our region?” Study Committee Report Chair: Tobit Salazar Implementation Task Force Report Chair: Brian Berry “We became part of the fabric of the community. It was very gratifying.” JULIE REESE Former Executive Director (2008 - 2013), Community Council
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 20 Fifteen years ago, Community Council launched a community driven, problem solving model for community change in our region—Walla Walla and Columbia Counties in Washington and the Milton-Freewater area of Umatilla County in Oregon. Community members enthusiastically pulled up their chairs to the table, and generously shared their time, wisdom, and support. This work has provided a positive influence on individuals and a constructive outcome for the region. As one community member said, “I feel strongly that this has made a huge difference for the community.” To sum it all up, as said by one community member, “Community Council is a process. When a community comes together to work on a community issue, its members develop a heightened sense of belonging which leads to accountability and being responsible for its future.” Enriching the Regional Fabric LOOKING FORWARD
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 21 ENRICHING THE FABRIC OF OUR REGION By weaving a community fabric where all people come together to create the future they want.
15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 22 “Truly, I can’t thank you all enough for your tireless efforts to protect the vulnerable people in these mostly unknown and under-appreciated communities. That you have quietly been working behind the scenes for so long to advocate for us is astounding. Because of that, the stage was set last night for the City Council to hear what we had to say, and even more, to feel what we were feeling. It simply could not have happened without your paving the way.” JAN LEONARD Community Member
2024 COMMUNITY COUNCIL BOARD ERENDIRA CRUZ, President JESSICA COOK, President Elect KATHRYN WITHERINGTON, Secretary DARYL HOPSON, Treasurer RODNEY OUTLAW, Immediate Past President RUBEN ALVARADO, MARISOL BECERRA, LYDIA CAUDILL, RANDY JAMES, E. DAVID LOPEZ, TONY MCGUIRE, RYAN MUNSEY, ABBY MURO, JULIE PERRON, KAELYN PYKE, TOBIT SALAZAR, CATHY SCHAEFFER, LAUREL SWEENEY, JIM WILSON, MARY WOLLMUTH, SARAH ZESSIN STAFF MARY CAMPBELL, Executive Director LAURA PRADO, Community Research Coordinator DEVON PLAYER, Community Advocacy Coordinator NANCY KRIER, Writer ANNE HALEY, Editor STEVE LENZ, Photography (Cover photo and page 20 photo) Integrity Design & Copyworks, LLC, Printer Published June 2024
CONTACT “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” MARGARET MEAD Cultural Anthropologist P.O. Box 2936, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | www.wwcommunitycouncil.org THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OF THIS PUBLICATION
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==