More Than the Journey of Water Over Land
A watershed requires more than just topography and physics to be defined. Life is an essential element for what makes a watershed that includes plants, wildlife, and people, all working together.
The Long Tom Watershed has always been shaped by the living beings who call it home. And while many issues we face today have human origins, so too do our most powerful solutions. Every project we have ever embarked on has begun with an honest conversation between people. The vast majority of those conversations have been between people with a lot of differences, but with one very important thing in common – a shared sense of “We.”
“Us” is the object of a sentence, for whom things are done. But “we” is the subject — the doers of those things. Watershed work is We work. We do things, and we do them together. By becoming a donor and supporter you become an essential part of that We.
None of the projects you will read about in this year’s annual report could be accomplished by just one person.
Not a single one. And none of those projects are happening without generous gifts to support this notion of meaningful action together — when you give a gift to the Council you are giving the essential gift of We.
That is because the most important thing the Council does is to bring people and ideas together. The outcome of that work is meaningful improvements to our watershed home. But that step of relationship and dialogue is where everything begins. It is also the work that is the hardest to fund.
While we have great relationships with grantors who help fund projects once they are developed, laying the groundwork to make those projects happen depends almost entirely upon the generosity of our donors like you. So your gifts of any size have an outsized impact on turning ideas and opportunities into realities that benefit us all.
This is so important it bears emphasizing: the most important thing we do, the thing upon which everything else depends, also depends almost fully upon you.
When you give a gift to the Council you’re ensuring successful outcomes for our projects and for the health of our watershed, and you’re doing it by ensuring a successful beginning for each and every one. You are supporting the time and patience it takes to really listen, and show up for our community partners. And, your gifts allow us to be present with all people and communities to grow a more diverse and inclusive We.
In 2022 the Long Tom Watershed Council will celebrate 25 years as a friendly partner to watershed neighbors working to make sense of essential environmental questions together. With your support, we will continue to join you and your neighbors in dialogue on these ongoing questions at the heart of a healthier home watershed.
If you can, please give a generous gift to the Watershed Council this holiday season. We would be thrilled to put it to work on your behalf in building the healthier future for the Long Tom Watershed in 2022 and for years to come.
Thank you for all you do by being a part of our watershed community. Best wishes to you and everyone who you choose to share it with this season.
Sincerely,
Clinton Begley, Executive Director
PS:
: Gifts to the council are tax deductible! I know your generosity comes from your deep care for this watershed and our community and not the tax breaks. But they may help you to increase your gift this year! Talk to your tax professional to find out more about how you can maximize your gift!