The Alliance for Sustainability is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building capacities that result in the development of thriving communities in the Chequamegon Bay Region of Northwestern Wisconsin. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
“Shared Paths” From Our Executive Director
August 5, 2009
It’s been about four months since I’ve begun this chapter of my life as the first Executive Director in the Alliance for Sustainability’s esteemed history. It was a big step for this organization to “take the leap” and create this new position of leadership. It is my tremendous honor and privilege to serve you and the Sustainability Movement in this role. When I heard about this opportunity through the North American Association for Environmental Education, a professional organization to which I belong, I lifted out of my chair with excitement. I knew this organization was leading the way in the State and Nation and I wanted to be part of it.
As I mentioned in my job interview last March, “all paths in my life have led me here.” As an environmental educator, a businesswoman, a professional grant writer and strategist, and as someone who has extensive nonprofit experience and has served at all levels of government (local, state, federal, and international), I have never seen a “crossing of the roads” like this before! The beautiful thing about sustainability—about developing communities where our environment, economy, and our health are thriving—is that it is about everything and FOR everyone. It’s about balancing our wants with our needs today and purposefully choosing pathways that also consider the future. It is about building capacities that help us find locally and regionally smarter, longer term solutions and savings that protect our shared stake in the future. No, this isn’t about being tree-huggers or developers or Republicans or Democrats or perfectly green. This is about being human beings in a contemporary world. This is about finding common ground and common sense solutions that ensure we have a vibrant community to live in, work in, grow old in and pass on to our grandchildren’s children.
I believe that the Alliance for Sustainability and the Chequamegon Bay Region have everything going for them. The timing could not be better to “mature” through the Alliance for Sustainability organization to meet contemporary challenges head on. I’m excited about where the Alliance and our Region is headed, but I also recognize that there are many challenges before us. One of the greatest things we have going for us is YOU—those of you who are already calling yourselves “members of the Alliance” and those of you who are looking to us to help you shape your own life and community. Look for new opportunities coming soon to become involved in moving our movement forward. I’m excited to share this pathway with you!
Patty Dreier