CONSERVANCY COMMONS

The Parks Conservancy has convened two interdepartmental working groups to review and strategize content and delivery aspects of virtual, online programs. This team has developed a process that we can all begin to use going forward. You can now access this information about virtual programming and process on our SharePoint site.

If you have any ideas or questions please email virtualprograms@parksconservanc.org for guidance.

We promise ourselves we'll change our lifestyles for better health. We start diets, launch exercise programs or try to quit smoking. And then we stall. We hit a plateau, putting us at risk of losing precious gains or quitting altogether.

Are you stuck on a plateau? Here are six tips for pushing onward from Michael Mercer, Ph.D., coauthor of the book Spontaneous Optimism: Proven Strategies for Health, Prosperity and Happiness.

At the All Staff Meeting on July 23, Katherine Toy and Elizabeth Lindner presented on the progress of the draft DEI plan and what our leadership team will commit to addressing in 2020 and 2021. See the list of commitments by viewing the PowerPoint slide deck here. You can also catch their presentation by watching a recording of the meeting on SharePoint (the presentation starts at 39:05).

For more info on the DEI plan, visit the DEI Committee’s Sharepoint site here

Reach out to Katherine, Elizabeth, or the DEI Committee at dei@parksconservancy.org with any questions.

Since 1995, the California Academy of Sciences' Summer Systematics Institute (SSI) has offered undergraduates important insights into the contributions that museum-based research can make to issues facing society today. To celebrate 25 years (and inspire the next quarter-century), a lineup of SSI alumni will discuss their current roles, how SSI experiences influenced their journeys and careers, and what advice they'd offer to undergraduates today.

Kelly Trombley and Samir Soriano put together updates to monitor key changes regarding COVID-19 for the leadership team. This information is gathered from public agencies and local news outlets and includes updates that may be of interest to Covid-19 planning and safety.

You can sign up to receive these updates directly. This is voluntary and open to any staff member.

You can view recordings of previous All Staff video conferences on Sharepoint. Please use your work email and login to connect.

Our next All Staff Video Conference is this Thursday, August 6, 10-11 am via Zoom Webinar.

All staff will need to register in advance to join this webinar. Attendees will only be required to register once to attend any future occurrences.

After registration and approval, you will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom Webinar information. If you need any assistance, please contact Nessa Ramos at nramos@parksconservancy.org

Wed., August 12, from 1 – 2:30 pm 
This circle is for staff who identify as black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). We will gather again to connect, build our conversations from last week, identify ways we can support and care for one another, and dismantle anti-racism in ourselves, our communities, and our organization.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83690162383?pwd=SDBFemhlSXcvSko1ZUVSbU9sNEFJZz09
Meeting ID: 836 9016 2383
Passcode: 354622
One tap mobile: +16699006833,,83690162383#,,,,,,0#,,354622# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Wed., August 12, from 1 – 2:30 pm. This circle is a space for white-identifying staff to explore the implications of white culture and privilege and focus on tangible actions to dismantle this power dynamic.

To prepare for this week's circle, please watch both of these videos: Power, Privilege & Oppression and Sometimes you’re a Caterpillar. These videos will help frame and guide the discussion we hope to have around power, privilege, and oppression. 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82149361412
Meeting ID: 821 4936 1412
Passcode: 128084
One tap mobile: +16699006833,,82149361412#,,,,,,0#,,128084# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Mark your calendars for upcoming Community Circles.

• Wed. 8/12 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
• Tues. 8/25 from 1pm – 2:30pm
• Tues. 9/8 from 1pm – 2:30pm
• Wed. 9/23 from 1pm – 2:30pm

Hollaback! teaches bystander intervention using their 5D’s methodology: Distract; Delegate; Document; Delay; and Direct. Exit polls show that 98% of people leave the training confident they will intervene next time they witness disrespect or harassment. Visit the Training Portal calendar to view the multiple sessions available for next week.

Visit the Training Portal calendar to view the multiple sessions available during the week of August 10.

Did you know that the Training Portal offers a suite of on-demand trainings that can be taken any time? There are over 30 trainings to choose from with new ones added regularly. Click the "On Demand" tab to view choices in: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Safety, Health, and Wellness, Technology and Systems, and Park Resources. You can also check out the Training Portal calendar tab for new time-specific trainings.

Have a submission for the Conservancy Commons? Send content and images to commons@parksconservancy.org by Friday at 10am to be included in next week's newsletter.