Reflections on the 2015 ITP Grant Partner Gathering: <em>by Rebecca Patton, Wildlife Conservation Network</em> http://invokingthepause.org/reflections-on-the-2015-itp-grant-partner-gathering-by-rebecca-p_blog-archive_5980.html ITP Blog - Archives is powered by WildFireWeb(tm) at http://invokingthepause.org/reflections-on-the-2015-itp-grant-partner-gathering-by-rebecca-p_blog-archive_5980.html en (c) Copyright 2016, WildFireWeb Inc. Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:01 GMT Thu, 3 Dec 2015 12:42:40 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss WildFireWeb RSS Engine 120 Reflections on the 2015 ITP Grant Partner Gathering: by Rebecca Patton, Wildlife Conservation Network http://invokingthepause.org/reflections-on-the-2015-itp-grant-partner-gathering-by-rebecca-p_blog-archive_5980.html http://invokingthepause.org/reflections-on-the-2015-itp-grant-partner-gathering-by-rebecca-p_blog-archive_5980.html Invoking the Pause, Grant Partner Gathering, Wildlife Conservation Network, Rebecca Patton Thu, 3 Dec 2015 10:31:51 GMT WCN_Logo.jpg

Rebecca Patton is a conservationist and Vice President/Board Member of Wildlife Conservation Network. 
I was honored to have been part of the recent Invoking the Pause retreat, which brought together individuals applying their talents in creative ways to the issue of climate change, with an emphasis on the power of collaboration.  We embraced a version of "The Hero's Journey", a beautiful framework that made our 24 hours together one of meaning and growth.
 
Since traditional approaches to creating a collective commitment to deal with climate change have been insufficient, the emphasis of ITP Grant Partners has been around social change, coming at communication and influence through visual arts, non-traditional advocacy and community engagement models. I was struck by the creativity and passion of the presenters, whose approaches were also rooted in the rigor of social science models.
 
As an "outsider/ally" with experience in a number of conservation organizations, I had the opportunity to provide input and "mentorship" many of the Grant Partners. I also enjoyed the many stimulating conversations and connections I made throughout the retreat.  I came away inspired, energized and deeply grateful for the many talented and committed people and organizations working to make a difference in one of the most challenging and critical issues of our time.
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