By Chantal Ivenso, Rural Economic Recovery Coordinator, Northeastern Oregon Economic Development District
Like many individuals during 2020, I was also annoyed by the constant surveys and questions that asked you to articulate answers to ‘how are you doing?’, ‘what has your experience been like?”, “please participate in…”. Before 2020 was in our rear-view mirror, terms like ‘Zoom fatigue’ and ‘survey fatigue’ were circulating the offices. However, as the Rural Economic Recovery Coordinator at Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD), my role has been asked to do all the above to connect people to the right services and resources. How have you been impacted? What do you need? How can we help you and your business? I needed to listen, observe, and learn to best support the community I am serving. But everyone is tired. Most are struggling. Some cookie-cutter answers lead to more questions. And because of the pandemic, it is not safe or easy for me to interact with those that I serve. So, how do I do my job and respect everyone’s time and space?
As most of us know, there are many unexpected ways to accomplish a task. For example, Fishtrap, Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Wallowa County that promotes ‘clear thinking and good writing in and about the West’, allowing locals of the region the chance to learn how to express themselves in various ways. Their quarterly zine, called Circle of Seasons, allows writers and artists to share their work with the community. Here was another space for folks to express themselves specifically about the last three months of 2020 without pressure. No list of specific questions you cannot answer or do not want to answer. No expectations. No black screen demanding your attention (unless you want to use it). No comment section to scroll through.
The zine’s call for submissions prompted my thoughts about other ways I could be listening, observing, and learning. I thought about all the relationships and types of interactions I have witnessed in rural Northeast Oregon. The energy surrounding those who give and receive support. The different walks of life that creates a community. And the constant connection we have with one another, regardless of spatial distance, and regardless if the entity is an individual, organization, or industry. All of this inspired me to submit a doodle to the zine:
My RARE-AmeriCorps experience here in Northeast Oregon has been fulfilling, uplifting, inspiring, challenging, enlightening, entertaining, and exciting. During my time here, I have learned to embrace my creativeness and quirkiness. I have realized that to continue my role with NEOEDD, I must find creative and efficient ways to listen to others, I must observe the communities with a holistic and equitable lens, and I must learn about what and who truly makes up our community. I hope the result of my work will lead to the needs of the community being heard and acted on, and that no one will be annoyed.
About the author, Chantal Ivenso: At the University of Cincinnati (UC), Chantal completed her undergraduate studies in Geography and Biology. She continued at UC to complete her graduate degree in Physical and Environmental Geography, with a focus on environmental management and planning. When she is not studying or working, Chantal often seeks volunteer opportunities that allow her to be active and supportive in various communities. In addition, Chantal enjoys various outdoor activities (such as rowing and hiking), tabletop games, dancing, and crafting.