Log:
Today I finally got a taste of what I came here for. I started the day by removing invasives at CCAT, planting some native plants and, touring the grounds. I also met Melanie Williams, who will be my CCAT supervisor. Everyone at CCAT was entertaining and so helpful.
I accompanied the co-directors and Melanie to a meeting about their house getting moved. Not knowing much about the project or a lot of the acronyms that were being used it was almost like listening to a foreign language. Like watching other cultures, emotions were more obvious than literal translations. It was obvious that communication was not clear between the two parties. Also, it was obvious that there was a sense of frustration with the speed of bureaucracy. Seeing CCAT face these struggles helped me put their program into perspective. I had always looked up to CCAT and held it to unattainable standards in my mind, it’s good to know that established as they are, they still have issues to face.

Questions:
-How does CCAT typically run meetings?
*CCAT usually holds meeting for 12-15 people (employees and co-directors). An agenda is written on the blackboard, and all items are addressed. The meetings usually include food of some sort as well as updates from the co-directors. Glenn commented that meetings could be more efficient, but the challenge is that there are so many different groups to address and not all information is pertinent to everyone. CCAT also holds monthly potlucks. Noelle would like to see CCAT hold open meetings for community members as well as any other interested parties so that CCAT could function more like a typical club. She feels that these meetings would enable people to get involved with CCAT who didn’t already work there and were too shy for potlucks.
-How could the process CCAT is going through be applicable to others? (working with a project committee within state spending regulations, designing changes to their house, selecting materials to build with, etc.)
-How can SENS improve its institutional memory?
*SENS could mimic CCAT’s filing system to keep track of previous projects, as well as take time in orientating new employees to leaf through these.

Feelings:
I felt so welcome and comfortable at CCAT! I’m really excited to make these connections. It’s so refreshing to be around amusing, enthusiastic people. It makes such a difference that the CCAT folks put effort into welcoming me. I appreciated it so much!

Tip of the day:
Make your own fruit fly trap by putting balsamic vinegar in a jar and poking small holes in the lid.