Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation

As Orcas enters summer under phase 2 of the Governors reopening plan, it is clear that the impact of COVID19 is deep and lasting and will continue to result in major disruption to our economy, our education system, and our community. What does the future look like? How can we create a more resilient economy? How can we grow out of this crisis a stronger, more engaged, healthier and powerfully resilient community?

This is a time of possibility. The Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Community Emergency Response Advisory team are launching the Orcas Island Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project. This will be a fast-paced 8-week program to bring together representatives of diverse sectors of our community to create a common understanding of current conditions, challenges and opportunities facing this community. The work will be facilitated by the Pomegranate Center (https://pomegranatecenter.org/) and will begin with a group of 25 islanders who will be selected to represent the diversity and demographics of the island residents. Given the current situation, the meetings will all be virtual. The goal is to come out of the process with clear steps forward for our long term recovery and resiliency.

If you are interested in participating, please go to www.oicf.us to read more about what is involved as a participant and to complete an application. Applications are due June 5 at noon, meetings begin the week of June 8. The 25 participants will meet once or twice a week and each be tasked with outreach to the broader community sectors they represent with the goal to engage all who are interested. Working together, we can ensure that the Orcas of tomorrow is one where all are able to thrive.