It’s time to talk (and for us to listen)

One of the reasons I enjoy being part of the land trust community is there’s a collaborative spirit here that allows our community to thrive. A prime example is the effort to revise Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible land trust operation. The Standards Advisory Team quickly demonstrated to me and others how much they care for this guiding document, honoring the crucial role it plays for all Alliance members.

It is in keeping with that collaborative spirit that I ask today for the entire land trust community to share thoughts on our current draft of the revised Standards. You can now examine what we’re calling the “discussion draft” here. Once you’ve had an opportunity to review it, there are three ways you can provide us with your feedback:

• Attend a dedicated discussion session at any of 18 events held this spring. For a list of all events hosting such a session, click here.
• Join an April 21 webinar that will discuss the revisions process and collect high-level feedback on the discussion draft. For more information, click here.
• Watch for us to launch an online platform that will collect your direct feedback on the discussion draft. This platform, which will come online shortly, will allow us to respond directly to your feedback as we collaborate on the best way to proceed with revising Standards.

The Alliance welcomes your participation in any —  or all — of these venues. The land trust community does best when we work together toward a greater goal. And this is one such moment.

It’s time to talk. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Andrew Bowman is president of the Land Trust Alliance.