In 2008, while at Civic Results, I facilitated a planning committee of over a dozen volunteer members from agriculture, nutrition, anti-hunger and regional policy groups to develop a vision, mission and key goals for a state-wide food policy council. The FSPC Planning Committee met regularly, keeping a diverse set of groups at the table together, in itself an achievement. The majority of original planning committee members continue to be involved as active policy council members, meeting on a volunteer basis, a testament to their investment into the food systems vision. The FSPC was developed with a purpose to: create partnerships among diverse stakeholders; develop a unified vision of an integrated food system; increase interest and action among elected officials and funders; and, increase the awareness of Coloradans around food systems issues.
Metro Denver Health & Wellness Commission Schools Policy Team
In the summer and fall of 2008, I worked with a broad group of school and children’s advocacy associations to draft, vet, refine and propose recommendations to the Colorado State Board of Education on the implementation of school beverage nutritional guidelines. The group was highly inclusive, seeking out the positions of as many stakeholder groups as possible before developing recommendations. Ultimately, the State Board adopted strict state-wide guidelines banning the sale of sugar-sweetened drinks and severely limiting the sale of diet drinks in schools as well.
Tuolumne River Coalition
From 2003-05, while at MIG, I worked with Tuolumne River Coalition in California, a collaborative effort that brought together 25 agencies and organizations to integrate existing plans, increase public awareness and obtain financial support for projects along the river. I assisted the Coalition in developing The Lower Tuolumne River Parkway: A Framework for the Future, which provides a vision and action plan for enhancing public access and recreational opportunities compatible with private interests, while improving the natural environment along the Lower Tuolumne River.
