What Caring Looks Like

Well, Spring officially sprung, full of new life, new hope and new energy. Reading the words of wisdom from one of our country’s premier poets reminds me of other qualities that, when exercised, create a wellspring that never runs dry.  A wellspring is the origin of a continual, abundant supply of something tangible or intangible. The 1 Mississippi Team was lucky enough to see this kind of miracle in action with Mississippi River Network member Living Lands and Waters (LL&W). With that group, caring and kindness are a part of them; it is how they work.

LL&W practices caring, though not like you practice an instrument to get better; instead they practice caring like a doctor practices medicine or a religious man his rituals. Application has become inseparable to their way of life, a second nature, a way of being. For three years now, LL&W has volunteered to help 1 Mississippi by hosting our staff training. We sing by the fire, sit on piles of bags of garbage and discuss the best methods for cooking on the River. They provide us space to learn about the River, time to come together as a team and include us in their River clean-ups. Intangibly, they offer the power of their example, one which motivates, inspires and gives us a deep understanding of what caring for the River really looks like. Thank you, LL&W, for everything you do and everything you embody.

With our Spring training complete, the 2014 1 Mississippi Outreach Assistants are now out in your community talking about the importance of the River to our health, the country’s economy and wildlife that can’t speak up for themselves. Think of these folks as your local ambassadors for the 1 Mississippi campaign; they are an official envoy seeking to instigate, inspire and encourage real action on behalf of the River. This year, we are happy to welcome back Mark, Chris and Karen and welcome new staff Greg, Jessica and Elizabeth to the team.

Volunteer Time, Ideas, Energy!

In October, the 10,000th River Citizen joined the campaign. You – our Founding Fathers – are the ones who have made 1 Mississippi a real thing; you turned an idea into reality. To move forward, we need to think about how we can reach more people along the River. The fact is that people respect and listen to the people in their lives. You hold amazing power within your community. Here are three ways you can volunteer your time and ideas that will be sure to create your own wellspring of energy.

1. Become a River Citizen Captain in your community. Email your local 1 Mississippi Outreach Assistant and let them know you want to help spread the word. They will send you a care package of brochures and buttons for you to give away.
2. Consider volunteering one afternoon and join us in spreading the word about 1 Mississippi at an event. River Citizens volunteer at all kinds of events, from Earth Day to farmers markets; every volunteer gets a River Citizen T-shirt!
3. Think of the groups you are involved in. Please email your 1 Mississippi Outreach Assistant to tell them about hiking and bird watching groups, book clubs, places of worship or other community groups who should to be included in the 1 Mississippi campaign so they too can have the opportunity to participate and be part of positive change for the River.

All Team member emails are listed here on the website. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

 

Your grateful comrade,

Annette Anderson

1 Mississippi Outreach Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Trivia Question:

What was the most important cooking tool (besides a knife) we brought with us on the River?

1. Coffee pot
2. Frying Pan
3. Propane
4. Dutch-oven

Find the answer in this month’s blog, “Fresh, simple, spicy, saucy – Food on the Mighty Miss”