As you may know, This I Believe is an international project of National Public Radio, based on the popular 1950’s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow. The project engages people in writing, sharing and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. In discussing the many different ways that VNRLI has impacted our lives these past nine months, writing either This I Believe or This I Used to Believe statements seemed a good way to share with the faculty and other fellows what we have learned and gained from each of our individual experiences. We have compiled them here for the faculty and fellows.

Note that our individual statements are separated by, the Japanese symbol “enso”, which can signify continuity, enlightenment, strength, or simply “circle”. With this symbol, we connect all of our individual experiences and growth to signify our strength and capacity as a group of fellows on this graduation day, and our potential to take what we have learned and continue to apply it in our personal and professional lives.

We sincerely thank the faculty and staff of VNRLI (Tanya, Frank, Mike F., Mike E., Paul, Caroline, Christine, Kate, and all the others who helped make each session possible) for all of their hard work and dedication to this program. We have all benefitted immensely from this experience and look forward to continue using the knowledge, awareness, and skills we have developed, and maintaining the relationships we have built.

Sincerely,

The VNRLI class of 2009

John Ignosh, Kelly Vanover, John Eustis, Mike Steen, Josh Didawick, May Sligh,
Lenny Dupuis, Marek Smith, Gene Crabtree, Mike Liberati, Kelly Hitchcock,
Gwynn Crichton, Jennifer Morgan, Chris Moore, Noah Hill, Sean Sheppard, Jonah Fogel, Mitch Wapner, Michelle Prysby, Erin James, Adele MacLean, Susan Garrison and
Abbe Kennedy

When we have knowledge, when we listen and when we understand, together, we can reach higher ground when facing difficult issues......This I believe. – Gene Crabtree

A friend once asked me if she could borrow some articles of clothing for the local high school musical, so I gathered some items and threw them in the back seat of her car. When she returned them, they were all fresh from the dry cleaners, on hangers, with plastic bags protecting the garments. “My mother always taught me to return things better than I found them, she said.”

There is a Native American Proverb: We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
This I believe.

I believe that with the privilege of life on earth comes the challenge of leaving it a little better place than we found it. We all plant the seeds… literally and figuratively. It may be through our actions regarding the respectful treatment of our environment. It may be through simple acts of kindness and the memories we make with our friends, family, fellows, colleagues, teachers, and students.

This I know: that I will strive to have a lasting influence on the LOVES of my life: the people, and the land. – Abbe Kennedy

I believe that through the ever expanding VNRLI network, the real lasting impact of my participation through this year’s program will be seen as we all delve into the complex resource management issues ahead of us. With a great level of confidence I can say that the VNRLI classes themselves have increased my overall capacity to understand the complex interconnected issues of today. Furthermore, the collective VNRLI network, that is always “in session”, has positioned me to better handle new complex issues we’ll all be facing tomorrow or further down the road – through creative collaboration via the VNRLI network. This I believe. – John Ignosh

This I believe, that safe water and clean air is an outcome that can be achieved in our lifetime and when a group of like-minded friends set out to work together on a common goal - anything can be accomplished. – Michael Steen

I have come to believe that almost any fruit or flower can be made into wine. My first winemaking experience was at the Bronx High School of Science, as part of a course. The course was not "Ecology" which was a new offering at the school and was (as was the book, Silent Spring), suddenly a popular notion. It seemed to me that if we just went back to the OLD Ways, everything would work out. I believe I was a "SOFT" environmentalist, though it took years (and VNRLI) for me to learn that was my label. My dream back then was to be a subsistence farmer, and it was a pretty big dream for a boy living in a seventeenth floor apartment, with no family farm (or any piece of ground) to inherit. Fast forward to the 21st century and 125 acres in Virginia, disregard how much carbon it took to get here, and (as the Wizard of Oz said) "pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!". I'm growing food organically, (though I can't use the word "organic" anymore, since the government hijacked it) and enrolled in VNRLI. I still believe in soft environmentalism, but now realize there is no "going back". Hard must balance soft to move forward. I believe a dollar is a "vote"...and I believe that the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. – Mitch Wapner

I believe there is inherent value in wild places and they are worth saving. I believe that we do not have a god given right to use up natural resources just because we can. I believe we should pay the full cost price for our consumption including the ultimate cost of disposal and the environmental costs. I believe we are at a confluence of events, a possible tipping point where we must either change our ways or resign ourselves and future generations to environmental hell. Finally, I believe in the power of a motivated, committed and hardworking group like this VNRLI class to be able to make things better. – Kelly Vanover

I believe in the power and possibility of bringing together people with vastly different backgrounds and perspectives. I always tended to harden and shy away from different points of view, seeing them as a threat to my own beliefs. I see what can be accomplished by simply enabling a conversation to occur between people or groups who wouldn’t normally find themselves talking or listening to one another, or even in the same room. Although those who know me may find this hard to imagine, I believe that to achieve any of this, there must be quiet, space, patience, and time for listening, rather than just talking. ? – Erin James

I believe we must do the things that we "cannot, not do"...which is to say something quite different than "doing what must be done". Doing "what must be done" implies that a person is doing something because there was no other option...a difficult task that could not be avoided (like homework or eating ones vegetables). Doing something that we "cannot, not do" is to do something that we are compelled to do whether for the benefit of self-actualization or ethical behavior (like writing the great American novel or marrying your spouse). No matter how hard you try to convince yourself otherwise or run from the situation you are compelled to do it...eventually...the universe demands it. To solve the great problems of our day, I believe, will require individuals doing the things that, they feel, "cannot, not be done". A person compelled to act feels no effort is too great and sees few challenges. Those who go beyond "what must be done" inspire me to do so too, and help others do what they feel "cannot, not be done". –Jonah Fogel

I believe we all have a responsibility to conserve, restore and heal the natural world for its own intrinsic value, wonder and beauty as well as for the nourishment, shelter, clean water and bountiful resources it provides us. I believe that being a faithful steward of “Earth our island home” is my spiritual calling for which I am very grateful and humbled. While I struggle daily with the astounding and devastating pace at which the natural world is desecrated and destroyed by human activity, I believe that conservation-minded people can make a difference in saving the planet and that there is great meaning and hope in the struggle to make the world a better place.

By exposing me to a panorama of natural resource challenges across the Commonwealth including the menhaden fishery in the Chesapeake Bay, industrial chicken houses in the Shenandoah Valley, and coal strip mining in southwestern Virginia, VNRLI has reaffirmed my calling to help conserve the natural world while empowering me with new skills and approaches to conflict resolution, negotiation and leadership. My experience with VNRLI has taught me in new and refreshing ways that as a society and a civilization it is possible for human communities to find common (and higher!) ground regarding natural resource uses that benefit people without destroying the planet. This gives me great hope going forward. – Gwynn Crichton

This I used to believe. Corporate has always been a dirty word to me. I'm the product of parents in public service, and 13 years with public land-grant universities. I've never worked anywhere where I had to worry about making a financial profit. I thought of for-profit corporations as the bad guys, and working for them akin to going over to the dark side. But the corporate viewpoint was always included in our VNRLI experience, and usually in a very positive way. While I knew before in theory that corporations should be part of the dialogue in solving environmental problems, I can now more whole-heartedly welcome them to the table. –Michelle Prysby

My Mom raised me to live by “The Golden Rule.” She has lived by this “ethic of reciprocity” all her life and to this day, at 85 years old, is still a shining example of this fundamental way of life. In order to achieve this you must understand the concept of respect. If I had to choose just one word that would describe the VNRLI experience and teachings I would say it is respect. I believe that respect is the corner stone of all successful relationships. It is the one common thread that our outstanding VNRLI staff has woven throughout all our lessons, panels, field trips and negotiation exercises. Without respect there would be no hope for successful environmental contract negotiations, reaching a consensus, or achieving a win/win situation. I believe quite simply that this “Golden Rule” concept, having a deep respect for each other and for the environment, is the essence of VNRLI. Thank you VNRLI staff and fellows for the mutual respect, and for an unforgettable, worthwhile experience that has truly enriched my life. –Jennifer Morgan

I believe conflict and resolution are both multifaceted. Conflict has multiple sides all of which may be valid and all sides must be explored in order to move beyond impasse. Open and honest communication including listening is critical to progress and overcome the misunderstandings that frequently prevent parties in conflict from realizing common ground. Thus, one trait of a good leader is to try and understand the complexity of conflict and the consequences of various resolutions. –John Eustis

I believe that active participation can be uncomfortable but that learning, understanding, and fellowship are developed in community. I believe that our differences connect us and that our struggles unite us. I believe that not everyone has to be quiet to be introspective and not everyone has to be outgoing to contribute.

My experiences at VNRLI have enriched my perspective as a leader and community member. My classmates and I stood on top of a surface mine and viewed a significantly changed landscape. We visited commercial poultry and fishery operations; and I listened and learned. I believe that I must take responsibility for how my actions lead directly to environmental issues. I turn on my air conditioner and create demand for electricity. As a result, there is surface coal mining in southwest Virginia. I buy chicken from the grocery store that is produced on large commercial farms; therefore there are poultry houses and water quality issues in the Shenandoah Valley. I learned that environmental issues are complex and should be thoughtfully considered with the input of all affected parties. As an example, if I reduce my demand for electricity and poultry, working class families in the commonwealth who depend on these industries for their livelihood may be negatively impacted. I learned that I must work in community at the state and local level to be part of the solution and affect change. I believe that the faculty and fellows of VNRLI have helped me become a more socially conscious and informed leader who can bring community together to reach common ground. –Susan Garrison

This I Believe... Conflicts over complex natural resource issues are increasingly resolved through a social context and one where scientific knowledge is often negotiated. As a biologist that has been a realization that I have struggled with throughout this course. I leave now with new tools at my disposal and with restored hope that science will remain integral to the process. But as a practitioner, I must challenge myself to find new ways of communicating its relevance and using that exchange to help facilitate the dialogue. –Marek Smith

This I believe.....that VNRLI has been an opportunity to leap into discussions of complex environmental issues with a really vibrant and interesting mix of people, to develop and practice active listening skills for true understanding of varying interests, to always keep in mind the balance of professional and personal, to be our best, to seek justice, especially where we see those who are disenfranchised by some assault on their surroundings and culture, to always embrace the stories because they truly matter and connect the people to the landscape, like those of our Appalachians which are woven around their destruction. VNRLI is a unique chance for self-discovery time, reflecting on past and projecting new skills into the future....moving beyond conflict and into the community of shared potential for the most sustainable solutions to complex environmental problems. –May Sligh

As a “perfectionist”, I used to believe that working toward achieving common goals meant an incessant focus on detail and what I perceived to be the need for absolute accuracy and precision that often unconsciously clouded my ability to see things and sometimes even so much as think about things from a different perspective. This may sound corny, but I now believe that working toward goals is like working on a puzzle. No matter how simple or how complex, the puzzle consists of many pieces – each unique- of different size, shape, shade, background - that all somehow come together to complete the picture. I now try to envision each person at the table as a piece of the puzzle – each with his or her unique perspective, talent, personality and vision. It takes a lot of work and patience to get all the pieces to fit together, but the end product is most often worth the effort – and sometimes worth framing! --Lenny DuPuis

This I believe.....My VNRLI classmates and the VNRLI facility have given me back the optimism I had when I first began in this field of work. I thank you all for that gift. –Noah Hill

I believe in the power of one’s life experiences to produce positive change not only for the individual, but for the community around them and beyond. Although environmental challenges loom large in our state and region, VNRLI has provided another a unique experience, one that unfortunately few will have the opportunity to take part. This experience has exposed a wide breadth of the knowledge, experience, and creativity that I was unaware existed, but was so happy to have found. Very seldom does one experience working with such a dynamic group of individuals who are so willing to share their ideas and experiences both good and bad in order to make others who better. It has reminded that although problems may be complex, those seeking solutions understand the complexity and are positioning themselves not to stay step ahead of the game, but to change the game. I will miss working with those people, but bit farewell, following seas, and hope you all see success wherever your journey takes you and I hope our paths cross again. –Chris Moore

A group of people can come together to learn techniques that seem so simple, but without a strong foundation, are often our largest hurdles in building consensus and resolving conflict. These skills, along with the other many ideas and concepts we have been exposed to, will continue to serve us for the rest of our lives as we work toward reaching a higher ground in our personal and professional endeavors. I am fortunate to have gotten to work with, learn from, and be inspired by the class of 2009 and the VNRLI faculty. –Josh Didawick

I believe that the successful resolution of complex resource management or environmental issues benefits from the development of relationships between stakeholders and their organizations. Getting to know people and the mission of stakeholder organizations outside of formal meetings will assist to better understand their perspectives and attitudes on issues. My VNRLI experience has done just that - my classmates represent the range from farmers and gardeners to career public servants, with a few of us "polluters" sprinkled in. It was a unique experience for me to be immersed in this group, and my most valued discussions happened outside of the classroom. I hope that I represented the "industrial perspective" truthfully and accurately, and that my classmates have learned as much from me as I have from them. –Michael Liberati

The earth and its inhabitants are in the most precarious position I have seen in my lifetime. The threats are almost too great to take in all at once: global warming, peak oil, species extinction, colony collapse disorder, polluted rivers, streams, groundwater, toxic waste, water shortages, deforestation, and desertification not to mention hunger, terrorism, and looming economic depression. I am scared. I believe human indifference, self-delusion, distraction, and folly are largely to blame. We have messed up so much—globally, nationally, statewide, regionally, and locally. I am saddened. We’ve been waiting for a crisis to wake us up, give us a reason to change practices we knew were unsustainable. Now we have a smorgasbord from which to choose. I am angry (but also guilty myself). We have a small window of opportunity to turn things around before it’s too late. People in this room are already working hard to make a difference throughout the commonwealth. I am full of hope. VNRLI is the heart of that change. The connections we’ve made here and will continue to make between issues and ideas, new skills and practices, agencies and organizations, but most of all with one another and with those outside this circle willing to help us will be the key to our success. This work is incredibly important. I am so grateful to have been part of this impressive group. You are my hope. –Adele MacLean

There is the old saying of “preaching to the choir”. It is the understood notion of expressing similar ideas to similar-minded people disposed to a similar cause. It is often met with concern that the message is not reaching the targeted audience. Through VNRLI, I have come to realize there is incredible diversity in the choir. Each choir member projects a different tune and adds a unique instrument that adjusts and expands the song. It is this more melodic tune that radiates beyond the original choir that attracts new members. I believe that VNRLI has and will continue to expand its choir and that the protection of Virginia resources will be the better for it. – Kelly Hitchcock

To the top

llows provided the following testimonials about the value of the VNRLI og