Local impact or changing the world?

I’m going through a point in my professional career and personal passion when I am striving to have a local effect, and making some small bits of progress, but frustrated that I cannot seem to engage in the broader arenas where that effect could be “leveraged”.  That’s the current, jargon, right?

 

I made the choice to swim in a bigger pond once before, and I have only occasional regrets because I miss actual design, interaction directly with owners, and project management.  I went from Architect and Project Manager at a good and encouraging 80-person local firm to working as a Director of Sustainability for a state Authority.  My work now affects many, many more buildings, to the tune of nearly $1 billion in construction work at any given time, but it feels often watered down and success can have long dry-spells.  Government moves slowly, and I do not!

2014 GB2

Anyway.  Back to now.  I have spent many years volunteering with my local Chapter of the USGBC and the last five years volunteering at the national level organization to increase connectivity and help define the “feet-on-the-ground” approaches that would work.  I was (and am) vocal, and though I work hard to voice my concerns with possible solutions, and I also work very hard to communicate that the issues are not rightly “blamed” on anyone or any one “side”, I have ruffled feathers.  Most of the people that are expected to get VERY upset seem to hear me well, and are eager to work with me or use my thoughts to spring off more communications, and for that I am proud and humbled.  Thanks to them, for hearing me with the good will I intend.

However, since my terms of volunteering have ended, all at once and at several layers of the complex organizational structure, I have attempted to volunteer in other capacities and have at all times been turned down.  Quite often the statement is that they want room for “new blood”.  Hmmm.  When did I, at the tender age of 47 and just hitting my stride, become “old blood” and why would any organization turn experience and investment and passion away? How about finding a place for the old blood?

So, my dilemma:  Do I continue to apply and gain rejection after rejection, as I have heard from several sources the ideas that I am “old blood” and “too vocal” and suspect I will not easily be welcomed into the vital work of the USGBC?  My entire career has been about implementing the good work of LEED and of connecting with and growing the work of the intelligent, forward-thinking people of that organization.  How can I continue to advocate for that work when I feel so side-lined?  How do I value an organization and process that does not value me? Or, do I just ebb away from that arena (sounds deceptively simple) and focus solely on the local issues we face every day, like understanding green procurement for our state and the mutual benefits of promoting MWBE goals while becoming more sustainable in material use, tools and expertise, and energy efficiency?

My biggest issue – how can I, Jodi Smits Anderson, truly be of service?  I have real, foundational knowledge, I am able to understand the co-benefits and burdens in situations, and I am adept at identifying the people that must be involved in the work.  I bring a state view to the nfp world of the USGBC and an architect’s view to discussions of state and federal policy.  I am clear and well-spoken, intelligent, and respectful, and, at this point, sorely underutilized.

How can I change the world?   Or is changing the world merely easy-speak for the grunt work each of us must do in our own local arena every day, over and over, despite the obstacles and cold shoulders?  Oh boy. That would suck large.

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