Dearest RARE Fam,
I sure hope this message finds each and every one of you amazing humans happy and healthy. Spring is upon here in Oregon and with it has come some much-needed sunshine; ample opportunity to enjoy the amazing landscape that surrounds us; and most importantly, some much-needed and long-anticipated light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.
Most of the RARE team and our members have been vaccinated, which has me extremely excited about what the future has in store for all parties involved. There is talk of members gathering for a multi-day rafting trip on the John Day River; service projects on the Oregon coast; group hikes amongst the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge; and maybe, just maybe an in-person End of Service Gathering on the McKenzie. One of many benefits of serving rural with RARE is the adventure one embarks on with fellow members during a given service year. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy it makes me to know this year’s members are getting that experience before we close out the service year.
Many of our members are also returning to their respective host sites with hopes of carrying out the remainder of the service year on-site and in-person. The return of in-person meetings, trainings, and gatherings puts the community back into community development. Getting to connect in-person with supervisors, colleagues and community members is another big part of the RARE experience, and one that I am pleased to see many of our members returning to.
This last year has challenged us like no other, especially those of us who desire a strong sense of connection and community. The fact that we have worked through the majority of the service year virtually is a testament to the dedication, grit, and tenacity of the RARE team and our wonderful members. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for these individuals who have proven that regardless of the circumstances we will continue to “get things done” for rural Oregon.
As you can tell, there is just a bit of excitement in the air as we turn a page on this pandemic. We have high hopes of returning to our old ways of doing as we gear up for another stellar service year come September. Back to handshakes and hugs for this guy 😊. Onward and upward in the weeks, months, and years ahead!
For the love of RARE… for the love of rural Oregon!!
Regards,
Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director