Partners in the Field Networking Nashville Style
by Guest Writer on October 28th, 2009Written by Justin D. Sanders
The dust is still settling from the National Preservation Conference, and many attendees may still have the distinct sounds of Nashville and its honky-tonks still reverberating in their ears. Aside from the sights and sounds of Music City, this year’s conference saw a wide array of educational sessions, inspiring keynote addresses, and unique field experiences which contributed to what many call one of the best meetings in years. However, it was the networking opportunities at this year’s conference, both planned and impromptu, that I found most beneficial as a Partners in the Field representative.
We field representatives are often referred to as the ones who are working in the trenches in our communities, broadening the base of individuals receiving direct preservation assistance. Being on the front line often requires a “tool bag” of different approaches, strategies, and techniques that can be utilized to address various needs. What is easy to forget in these situations is that more often than not, the needs in our own communities are not vastly different than those occurring in other areas of the nation.
The sessions at this year’s National Preservation Conference allowed field representatives from small and large communities alike to share best practices and discuss the impact of preservation field services on their individual areas. This year’s PiF gatherings were designed as collaboration between newly hired field staff and those of us who have been on the ground since last fall. The meetings allowed for both a refresher for “veteran” Field Representatives and a chance for our new colleagues to hear real world experiences from the field, building a relationship among field staff to candidly discuss the preservation issues affecting our regions.
Covering topics such as reporting practices, utilization of social networking, funding, and effective community outreach, Round 1 Field Representatives shared case studies from their experiences, and provided insight on implementing similar programs throughout the country.
Outside the meeting rooms, PiF representatives were able to expand upon the facilitated discussions and potentially collaborate on future projects. In some instances, field representatives from nearby geographic regions or from the same state are planning to combine their individual resources to create events or programming that will have an even larger impact. These collaborative relationships, fostered by this networking opportunity, are central to the mission of Partners in the Field.
I count myself lucky to be part of such a diverse, energetic, and hard working group of professionals. Our daily experiences may be different, but at the heart of our work are the same challenges and opportunities and the same ultimate goal—expanding and growing the preservation movement to help people save the places that matter.
Justin D. Sanders is the Preservation Field Services Representative at the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
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