The Unseasoned Weekly: June 1

A facilitation retreat on a regenerative ranch, surviving a corporate conference, apply for a role in public records.

- Words from the other side of outdoor seasonal work-

The Check In

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking a break from my 9-5 and attending a facilitation workshop on the Paicines Ranch in California (rural women and non-binary folks - check it out here)!

While troubleshooting one of my questions about shared leadership in our local community group, the host facilitator asked, “Is there anyone else who shows potential for facilitation in your group?” I considered, and answered truthfully: “I believe everyone has the potential to be a facilitator.”

The basic definition of a facilitator is someone who makes an action or process easier. I thought often throughout the week about my husband’s role as a middle school teacher (facilitating learning), the way guides host a river trip (facilitating an outdoor experience), or even simply the process of deciding where to go to dinner with a group of friends (facilitating a decision - quickly, we’re hungry)!!

I was also reminded the power of being able to put words and frameworks to experiences you’ve felt (more on that soon re: Pride month…). Many of us facilitate daily and it was so helpful to put terminology and problem solve common issues.

I walked away from the training full of phenomenal food, with new network across the US, and with a handful of tangible, actionable facilitation techniques in my back pocket. I can’t wait to bring them to my career support services, my 9-5 role as a program manager, and my local community initiatives.

What professional development have you taken on lately? What were your takeaways? As always, my DMS and replies are always open for your perspectives and questions.

XX - Emerald

- Questions for Your Next Journal or Hike -

On Reflection

A spring reminder! The $100/year Founding Member subscription unlocks full access to the newsletter plus an annual 1:1 career support session with me (with booking availability as soon as early next month).

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- Dispatches from the Unseasoned Community -

Heard on Social

Remember your first fancy hotel conference? I do!

emeraldlafortune

A post shared by @emeraldlafortune

@a_meandering_life said: If possible, I try to plan some PTO on either side of a conference trip to see something out of the city. When I had a conference in Baltimore I rented a car and went out to Assateague Island and then back to Catoctin Mountain Park and squeezed in a hike I don't regret despite still recovering from a calf muscle tear.

Great advice! Join us this week to learn with our community of over 5,000!

- Tips for your next application -

How I’d Apply

Heads up current/past federal employees with an eye for records management and interfacing with the public! The City of Bellingham is hiring a Records and Public Disclosure Coordinator.

Unique Value Proposition (UVP):

Sometimes folks who have worked in outdoorsy government roles, especially those that have begun to advance into office assignments, have experience handling sensitive environmental and law enforcement data, responding to public information inquiries, and training seasonal staff in documentation procedures. Additionally, your adaptability, situational awareness, and commitment to compliance under dynamic conditions make you uniquely prepared to support a secure, responsive, and legally sound records management system.

Sample Resume Bullet Point (Backcountry Wilderness Ranger):