Dearest RARE Family,
Sure hope this message finds each and every one of you amazing humans in the best of spirits. It’s been a little while since you have received one of our newsletters and I am personally excited about the opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and share a few of programmatic updates with you folks!
I can’t help but start by looking back to 2022-23 service year, which offered up another impactful experience for all involved. The list of accomplishments from the 32 current members who served throughout our 29th year of service is extensive. Whether it was launching a digital directory and online marketplace, updating an array of long-range planning documents, supporting small businesses and famers looking to increase use of renewable energy technologies… it’s clear that our members continue to “get things done” for rural Oregon, all while growing personally and professionally throughout the service year. I am proud to say that we continue to hit the mark with our dual mission of providing critical capacity to rural Oregon communities, all while building up the next generation of leaders.
Having been involved with RARE for over 15 years, well, I have watched this program go through a lot of change. Now here we are, having just embarked on our 30th year of service, which we kicked off early September with RARE Orientation. It’s been a wild ride getting to this point, one that has come with many ups and downs, but I truly believe we as a Program are in better place then ever before. We have updated systems, expanded the program, new funding streams in place, developed (and actively apply) an equity lens, work with an array of new statewide partners, and so much more. We have a lot to celebrate and are already looking forward to hosting a 30 Year RARE Reunion in August of 2024… More to come!
Finally, I want to give a massive shout out to my colleague, friend, and all-around amazing human, Victoria Binning, who served as Program Coordinator over the last 3.5 years. It’s all about the people we meet along the way, and I am forever grateful to have gotten to serve rural Oregon alongside that amazing human. You can read more about her next adventure in this month’s newsletter. Wishing Victoria nothing but the best as she opens a new chapter with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Forever honored to be part of this wonderful network!
In Service,
Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director