“It
Only Takes One Person to Get the Ball Rolling”
By Kimberly Starkey, Casper
Aquifer Protection Network Groundwater Guardian Team, Wyoming
I
came home one afternoon to a message on my answering machine from a person who
shared not only my first name but also my maiden name. I figured my
identity had been stolen. Then I noticed that I had an e-mail in my inbox
from the same person associated with a professional organization. So I
did a Google search of the organization to find out if there was a real person
with that coincidental name. Much to my surprise, that was the case.
Unbeknownst
to me, a friend had nominated me for recognition by this professional
organization to which she belongs. I was absolutely shocked to find that
I was being honored as the “2013 Public Citizen of the Year” by the Wyoming
Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for my efforts to protect
our local groundwater.
Specifically,
I was recognized by NASW for my efforts in helping found the Casper Aquifer
Protection (CAP) Network to: 1) better inform the public of decisions being
made at the local and county level, 2) encourage citizens to get involved in
policy decisions being made about their community regarding water protection,
and 3) to challenge the information the City of Laramie’s City Council and
Albany County Commissioners were using to create policy around water
protection.
The
CAP Network has been a Groundwater Guardian since 2010.
I
was humbled to be singled out for recognition, but it made me think about the
many, many neighbors who have become involved, educated and engaged in
groundwater issues in our community. I have an immense sense of
satisfaction knowing that I have helped supply my neighbors with the information
they need to make wise decisions regarding groundwater protection and to
advocate for public policy.
It
only takes one person to get the ball rolling. All that is needed are
facts, persuasion and perseverance. Who knows, you could be that person in your
community!
_________________________
25 Weeks Until the 2015 Groundwater Foundation National Conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration!
30th Anniversary Story Teller Sponsor
Marshfield Utilities
30th Anniversary Story Teller Supporter
National Ground Water Association
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