What an awesome idea and successful event! The Production Alliance’s Connectivity Summit, which filled Chimacum High School with tables of information, workshops and “Ignite Talks,” left me hopeful and ignited. When the news prefers to focus on doomsday predictions, The Production Alliance introduced us to the many local faces and organizations offering creative solutions. I am reminded of the Japanese character for “crisis,” which literally translates to “danger” and “opportunity,” reflecting the idea that in a crisis there is always an “opportunity.” So rather than complaining or raging about less federal support, I now believe that my community can embrace change and thrive.

When the majority elect a president that many consider “a destroyer creating a crisis,” it’s easy to be seduced by that familiar “drama triangle.” News stories present “victims” and the administration as the “perpetrator,” our compassion then demands that we rise to the occasion as a “rescuer.” Personally, I find listening to the news leaves me feeling angry and powerless.

In contrast at Chimacum High School listening to stories of neighbors helping neighbors, I felt motivated to get involved. The teachers and students in our schools have struggles. Elders and parents in our neighborhood are struggling to survive. Small businesses and forests up the road are struggling to survive. If the present administration isn’t listening, I have now learned that local politicians and community leaders are!

The Connectivity Summit in its brilliance got us to leave our computers at home and brought us together to see the faces and hear the stories of one another. Remember the saying “Think Globally, Act Locally? I want to give a huge thank you to The Production Alliance for bringing Jefferson County a vision of hope by holding up the many concrete opportunities we have to thrive together.

Sol Riou

Port Townsend