To bring young voices and views into a larger conversation of conservation, a group banded together under a bigger umbrella that is the Montezuma Land Conservancy.
The Next Generation Advisory Board formed during the pandemic, roughly four years ago now.
It’s a youth board – made up of five individuals ages 21 to 45 – that meets once a month in Cortez, usually on the third Tuesday, to talk conservation, locally.
This month’s meeting was on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and drew in a few new faces with its promise of soup on a brisk autumn evening.
“It’s a normal meeting, we just added soup,” said Ilana Newman, the interim chair of the youth board, as people filled mix matched bowls with their choice of soup.
Once everyone settled around the table and introduced themselves, the board started talking.
They agreed that a lot of people wonder what they do.
It’s a “continuous conversation,” though “I think we’re getting really close to understanding what we are,” said Elise Goggin, a board member.
Goggin added that people who join can help morph it into what they think it ought to be, as it’s constantly evolving.
And with that, they’re trying to figure out their purpose as it relates to the Montezuma Land Conservancy, which works to secure easements that protect the land in a lasting, “in perpetuity and forever” kind of way.
“I’ve heard so many cool ideas come out of this group,” said Molly Mazel, a liaison to the youth board from the Montezuma Land Conservancy. “Some are still on the chalkboard, others we’ve done.”
Mazel said the very existence of the youth board is unique, and inspired by a land trust with a similar model in Montana.
Beyond getting involved in local conservation, the board serves as a place to grow professional skills, Mazel said.
When more people join, they’d like to create a funding committee to have a better handle on budget and expenses, she said.
“You don’t need to be a funding guru,” said Mazel. “A big part of this is professional development and cultivating leadership.”
Because this board could be the ones to step in and take over where folks on the Montezuma Land Conservancy leave off; they’re the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
A large part of the meeting focused on event planning, and what they’d like the next one to look like.
Traditionally, the Next Generation Advisory Board puts on two events per year that helps raise funds, spread awareness of its existence and thus recruit new members and/or simply educate.
They’ve had a bike event in the past that they’ve “nailed,” Newman said.
Sometime in January, they’d like to screen a film – so long as they can get rights – that sparks conversation and makes people think, too.
Later on in the year, when the snow melts and it’s good biking weather again, they’ll put on the bike event again, as it’s been a great success.
One thing they’re working to do is grow as a group and a board; they need a vice president and a new secretary come March.
If you’re interested in getting involved, visit the Montezuma Land Conservancy website and apply through the Next Generation Advisory Board tab under the “About Us” section.
In addition to attending seven of the 10 meetings each year, there’s also requirements for volunteering time and providing “a meaningful contribution,” too.
It’s a roughly three to five hour commitment each month, Mazel said.
“Depending on what we’re doing,” Newman added.
“The Next Generation Advisory Board seeks to expand the reach of MLC’s efforts by working to inspire the next generation of land stewards, hosting events that highlight the importance of conservation and engaging our broader community in MLC’s mission,” its website said.
