Fellows provided the following testimonials about the value of the VNRLI program.

"VNRLI offers a broad based approach to leadership and conflict resolution. By combining several different skill areas that are traditionally presented in isolation, VNRLI offers powerful tools to those who seek to improve their effectiveness as a participant and mediator of community conflict. Classmates, faculty and guest speakers offer a diversity of perspectives on the extensive variety of environmental issues presented. Included in these discussions was ways to identify all the players in the game and bring to one table with the same set of rules. One leaves the program with an expanded toolbox of dispute resolution and leadership skills and a broader understanding of the environmental issues confronting us at the community and global levels. "

2001 Fellow

"Ability to communicate better, to understand better and be better understood."

2002 Fellow

"Learned that individual relationships are the most important factor when working with others. This has proven true professionally and personally."

2001 Fellow

"I learned that listening is integral to building the kinds of relationships that provide the foundation for conflict resolution."

2001 Fellow

"Becoming a VNRLI Fellow provides an excellent opportunity to become better informed on natural resource issues, work with some great people, and develop valuable skills in facilitation and mediation."

2001 Fellow

"Provided me with a better understanding of the need to identify all the stakeholders to an issue; listen for issues and not for positions, work toward results which reach for higher ground (create a better environment for all parties)."

2002 Fellow

"Not only enter discussions with an open mind, but can now recognize the traps I fall into (i.e. close-mindedness) and be able to right myself."

2002 Fellow

"Participation in VNRLI has provided me with a deeper awareness and understanding of the complex, inter-disciplinary natural resource challenges facing Virginia. VNRLI also served as an interactive laboratory where I was able to learn about, practice, and build on skills in areas of consensus building and negotiation."

2001 Fellow

"I think people should attend VNRLI because it will help you become more effective in your work as a leader of environmental programs. I have gained a much broader perspective of the environmental challenges we face. More importantly, I have developed more confidence and knowledge in my efforts to bring people together on particular issues. I now understand that we can have different interests, but we can move ahead towards consensus. I have gained some new tools to deal with these challenges."

2001 Fellow

"I am a more effective liaison between the public I serve and policy makers because of the conflict resolution and negotiation skills I learned at VNRLI."

"I learned the importance of being a good listener and allowing all voices to be heard. Conflict can be beneficial and very productive, and should not be feared. "

2002 Fellow

"Eyes and mind pried WIDE open to a complex world of environmental issues, challenges. Sense of being actively a part of a huge network, knowing some key players."

2002 Fellow

"I value the group facilitation and other skills I learned for helping groups of people work together more effectively. I was impressed with the diversity, quality and dedication of the other participants, instructors and speakers. I learned a lot, made many useful contacts and many good friends."

2002 Fellow

"Awareness of environmental issues not directly related to my profession but similar in nature. The processes of conflict resolution have many common denominators which can be applied to numerous situations. It has also broadened my circle of influence to individuals and other organizations."

2002 Fellow

"Greater confidence in leading discussions of people with diverging views and opinions. I have more methods and techniques to approach local environmental issues in collaborative efforts."

2001 Fellow

"Due to the nature of my work and volunteer activities, I often find myself in situations that require mediation, negotiation, or facilitation skills. The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership course offers education and hands-on experience in all three. I began using techniques learned as a VNRLI Fellow after the very first session!….This Institute has reinforced the notion that I must be a better listener and communicator. All sides deserve to be heard with fairness and equity…. I learned that once people are really communicating, all kinds of 'thinking out of the box' can occur."

2001 Fellow

The VNRLI Fellows are periodically surveyed about the impact of the program on their lives.

Is there any specific program or action of collaboration, assistance, conflict resolution, or consensus building that has directly occurred (emphasis added) as a result of your involvement with the VNRLI program?

A sampling of the VNRLI Fellow responses indicate that the VNRLI program has provided many Fellows with the skills and knowledge to become change-agents for collaborative problem-solving in their communities and/or organizations.

"Chaired Appalachian Regional Logger Training and Education council: used large group facilitation techniques to achieve reciprocal agreements with representatives of eight states. Consensus was reached, making it easier for certified loggers to work in border states."

2001 Fellow

"Chaired West Virginia SIC (Sustainable Initiative Committee) on developing process for reporting inconsistent forestry practices. Used small group facilitation techniques to achieve consensus on a SOP for member companies involved in this program."

2001 Fellow

"I attended and was certified in general mediation training. I was chosen by my peers to serve as co-chairman of the Goochland Leadership Enterprise, acting as facilitator in community classes and group discussions. I initiated local government support for community involvement in long-range planning for Goochland County and served on the Goochland Land Use Committee, collaborating with Planning Commissioners and Supervisors on a process to allow for community involvement in revising and amending Goochland Comprehensive Plan. I served as a facilitator at the 2002 Fluvanna County Open Space Forum, a community-planning project. I have been actively engaged in resolving conflicts at work, between employees and managers."

2001 Fellow

2001 Fellow

"I was chosen by my peers to serve as co-chairman of the Goochland Leadership Enterprise, acting as facilitator in community classes and group discussions.

"I have been actively engaged in resolving conflicts at work, between employees and managers."

2001 Fellow

"I have been appointed a member of a new committee of the James City Board of Supervisors. The group consists of individuals with varied backgrounds and beliefs of what and how lands should be utilized. This requires skill to reach meaningful decisions and keep dialogue open."

2002 Fellow

"Began a Smart Growth Roundtable in South Hampton Roads to develop proactive guidelines and principles for the region. VNRLI gave me the basic skills and confidence and ideas to approach environmental organizations, builders associations, city governments, and others."

2001 Fellow