Core Goal 5: Promote Professional Development

Serving with the WHWT and a sponsoring watershed group is not only a benefit and opportunity for the community and organization; it must also be an opportunity for the individual serving the Watershed Team. All Western Hardrock Watershed Team sponsors will support the OSM/VISTA member to better prepare him or her to become a valuable Team member, broaden his or her ability to engage with watershed and community development issues, and enhance his or her opportunities for professional development and future employment.

OSM/VISTA helps organize successful Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference in Vail, CO

OSM/VISTA Aaron Parker (second from right) with his coworkers at CFWE

OSM/VISTA Aaron Parker from the Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE) assisted in organizing the Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference in Vail, CO in the fall of 2010. This conference, held annually, is a collaboration of several Colorado organizations and provides useful workshops and networking opportunities for participants. Parker was charged with securing silent auction items for the conference and raised over $2,500 in donations. On top of securing donations, Parker gained valuable experience securing presenters and coordinating logistics during the conference. Parker had never been responsible for planning a conference and through this experience was also able to connect with colleagues and build partnerships for the CFWE. Four OSM/VISTAs were awarded scholarships to the conference and were able to bring useful tools back to their organizations. Sessions that OSM/VISTAs attended included workshops on water education, stream restoration, water and land use and possible sources of funding.

OSM/VISTA attends National Water Quality Monitoring Conference in Denver, CO

In April 2010, OSM/VISTA Sarah Tolan from Colorado River Watch attended the National Water Quality Monitoring Conference in Denver, CO. This conference focused on many aspects of water quality and water quality monitoring for improved understanding, protection, and restoration of the country’s natural resources and communities. This conference provided a great opportunity for Tolan to network with professionals in the field. Tolan explains, “On the first day, the opening speaker asked everyone in the auditorium to stand up. There were over 900 people there. Then the speaker asked for everyone over 50 years old to sit down, then over 40, over 30, etc. Finally there were only 4 people (under 30 years old) left standing in that huge auditorium and I was one of them. The purpose of this exercise was to show how few young people are involved in this field. It made me realize how important VISTA is as it got me through the door into this field where I am obviously needed.” Sarah Tolan had such a successful year and made such an impact as an OSM/VISTA member at the Colorado River Watch that her organization offered her a full-time staff position as their Outreach Coordinator.