Dearest RARE Family,
I sure hope this message finds each and every one of you wonderful individuals in good spirits. Change is in the air as we close in on the end of the 2021-22 service year. It’s during these times of transition that I find myself pausing for some much-needed reflection. Taking time to consider how far this year’s members have come and how far RARE has come in general brings me joy, perspective, and inspiration.
The team and I are so proud of the 25 individuals in this year’s cohort that have given their all to serve rural Oregon. At the end of the service year, these individuals will have provided over 40,000 hours of service, each leaving their mark on the communities we serve. Weather it’s a mural in downtown Cave Junction; the creation of an interactive planning map for the City of Roseburg; development of a Climate Action Plan for Lane County; or design and installation of a kayak launch on the South Coast… talk about “getting things done” for rural Oregon!
As we know, community impact is only part of the story. Over the last few weeks, I have found myself asking our current members about their experience serving rural Oregon, curious to know if it’s the “transformative experience” that I rant and rave about. Based on these conversations I am happy to report that we are still changing lives and building up the next generation of leaders, one placement at a time.
Having been with the RARE Program for over ten years now, well, it has truly been an honor to watch this program continue to take shape. While RARE’s foundation will always remain intact, there has been ample change taking place throughout the last few years. We now have a team of 4 individuals fully dedicated to supporting the RARE Program and our members; 10 statewide partners providing technical expertise and resources; financial support from The Ford Family Foundation; an adopted equity plan that we are implementing; development of a successful mentor program; and new systems in place that increase effectiveness and efficiency, all while maintaining compliance. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I stand here today honored and proud of where the RARE Program is at and where it’s headed. Onward and upward!
It’s easy to keep the wheels spinning, never slowing down enough to fully realize the impact we have on those who serve and those we serve. Reflection helps to better recognize and celebrate the many positives that result from this program that many of us hold so dear. As you read through this month’s newsletter, I hope you find time to reflect on your RARE experience and how it helped shape who you have become.
Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director