Many people don’t start creating new years resolutions until it’s time to buy a new calendar but the staff at Idaho Organization of Resource Councils began planning for 2020 with plenty more time. In early December the staff gathered in Pine, Idaho for a 
goal-setting staff retreat. What followed was three days of team building and intention setting for our journey ahead. We returned to the office – and cell service – with pages of notes and posters to turn into metrics, budgets, and operational plans. We’d like to begin the year by sharing this vision with you.
Revitalization
IORC members have worked tirelessly over the years to empower people to improve the well-being of their communities, sustain family farms and ranches, transform local food systems, promote clean energy, and advocate for responsible stewardship of Idaho’s natural resources. These big goals have been worked on through chapters and issue-based campaigns. The addition of a new Communications & Membership Coordinator in September and a Bilingual Agriculture & Food Organizer in December has not only added more capacity to the organization, but also new perspectives to help fuel change. As we move into a new year, a major election cycle, and a changing landscape for environmental justice, our team is prepared to bring new ideas and plenty of commitment to invest once again in our mission.
Growth
One of the most exciting highlights of 2020 is to welcome a brand new chapter into our family. Visión 2C Resource Council will launch with a big celebration on February 29th in Caldwell, Idaho. They are leaping right into a campaign focused on protecting farm workers such as those poisoned by pesticides in 2019. Idaho Organization of Resource Councils will also welcome many new members through a simple, transparent, and rewarding membership program.
Strategy
The vision of IORC is to live in a state where every person can meaningfully participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives to create a just, healthy, self-reliant communities. To achieve this vision, our team must be active in strategizing for our future. The Grassroots Action Team is already at work at the Idaho Statehouse monitoring administrative rules and pending legislation. Strategies such as a communication network and a new bill-tracking tool are just the beginning of the work we will see this year.
The staff, board, members, and network have all been hard at work preparing for the year ahead. We anticipate an exciting 12 months of possibility and are so glad to have you along for the journey. Cheers to 2020!