Ep. 17: Sarah Brooks discusses how the Methow Conservancy builds community

Art of Community NCW podcast

This episode features Sarah Brooks, the ebullient associate director of the Methow Valley Conservancy, a land conservation organization that is modeling creative community building in North Central Washington. We discuss the powerful ways that the conservancy engages neighbors in Methow Valley in building a future that supports economic sustainability, stewardship of the land and caring for the human beings who live there.

She shares with me her passion for not only the beauty of the land but also the sense of community that makes living there worthwhile. We talked about how the conservancy and others seek to find common ground to discuss challenging issues that affect the valley. She also spoke of how the wildfires of 2014 and 2015 galvanized the nonprofit leaders in the valley to work together more effectively and consistently.

The practice of viewing the community as a whole rather than as isolated parts is far more conducive to creating abundance and long-term success. She also shared deep insights about fundraising. She has adopted a philosophy of being a "broker of dreams" who works with "game changers" (people who want to make a meaningful difference.

She has a deep appreciation and understanding how communities can be successful and there many lessons that any community or organization might want to adopt or adapt. We spoke at the Nonprofit Practices Institute at Campbell's Resort in Chelan.