The commencement speaker at a May 19 college graduation was Dr. Rebecca Stanfield McCown, director of the National Park Service Stewardship Institute. Part of her message was “social movements begin around kitchen tables.” I agree. I have sat around those tables.
My first “kitchen table” was with the president of a lake association as he invited me to take on a leadership role caring for his lake. The second was learning the ropes as I assumed duties of treasurer. And the third through 10th or so was with the secretary of that lake association, a veteran conservationist who taught this newbie almost everything I know about caring for a lake.
A couple of years after that first kitchen table, I was president of the North Pond Association, not exactly a social movement. Without those casual yet informative kitchen table discussions, I would have been clueless. I was just a guy who bought his first boat to enjoy recreation on six of the seven Belgrade Lakes (so far).
As president, I attended meetings with the other lake association presidents, alongside lake scientists with Ph.Ds. Others in attendance were knowledgeable about everything from fundraising to political lobbying. The brain power and lake knowledge of those around me was daunting. I still remember the first time I timidly offered an opinion on the topic of discussion.
They were brainstorming names for what later became 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes. The names considered did not include the phrase “Belgrade Lakes,” which struck me as odd.
I told the gathered that when I applied for a job in Oakland years before, the job was “marketed” to me, in part, because it was “in the famous Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine.” The brain trust took my suggestion seriously, and more conversation ensued. Phew!
Which brings me to Dr. McGown’s second point, as she addressed the 300 graduates of University of Vermont’s Rubinstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (300!): Everyone’s “lived experiences” in nature are important to the work of conservation. In fact, she said, “Our work relies on the knowledge of lived experiences.” Whether you’re a trapper, a summer camper, a Bud Light-drinking ice fisherman, or a guy with a boat (yours truly), you have important information to share.
McGown encouraged the meeker students, like me, to never hesitate to add their voices to conservation discussions. “You might feel awkward, unsure, or afraid to speak up,” but we need you, she said. And to the bolder future leaders caring for our environment and natural resources, she invited them to encourage and support all voices around the table, no matter how “small” or new to the cause.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those 300 graduates, maybe my niece, starts a social movement.
Lakes are a little like tables. They hold things up. Tables often hold up valuables: heirloom silver and dinnerware, vases of flowers, photos of loved ones, and more. Likewise, lakes hold up ducks, geese, fragrant water lilies, frogs, frolicking children, and our iconic loons. During winter, lakes hold up skaters, skiers, snowshoers, and ice shacks. “Water table” is also a technical term we use in the context of aquifers.
Admittedly, some “kitchen tables” mentioned here were not in kitchens. Still, they shared the warm and supportive connotations of kitchen tables and what they represent: family, good food and laughter.
The world can seem dispiriting at times due to climate change, politics, and war. But kitchen tables can inspire us, and, sometimes, that inspiration does lead to social movements.
Whether your passion is for conservation or some other important cause, try the kitchen table approach. Feel the power of people doing good as they brainstorm, haggle, discuss, and bandy about their ideas based on the knowledge of their lived experiences. Respire: breathe in the communal energy.
At a recent “kitchen table,” the folks at 7 Lakes were questioning what to name the newest vessel in their fleet. I offered several names. Years ago, they chose to leave “Belgrade” out of 7 Lakes Alliance, but one of my boat names is still in the running. I’ve been told it’s near the top of the list.
Again, not a social movement exactly, but one more contribution from a guy with a boat.
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