How You Can Participate in the AIA / GIPAC Process

General Information: The AIA (American Institute of Architects) Sustainable Design Team (SDAT), working in association with GIPAC, will be conducting an intensive workshop June 20-22, 2006. There are several opportunities for Islanders, who would like to have input and to receive information on sustainability, to be involved.

Opportunities for All Islanders: The following two community meetings at the Hall are for everyone:

Public Meeting from 7:00-8:30 PM on Tuesday, June 20

This will give the public an opportunity to meet the design team professionals. The Team will present their initial impressions regarding five workshop sustainability issues represented by the acronym WATER: Wildlife, Shorelines and Open Space; Aquifer; Transportation/ Ferry; Energy Resources; and Rural Community Character. The SDAT has received a wealth of information, maps, growth management plans , etc. pertaining to this island. On Tuesday, the SDAT will gather additional information from a full island tour and from the first Roundtable meeting.

Public Meeting from 7:00- 8:30 PM on Thursday, June 22

The SDAT will present their recommendations from the Roundtables that will take place during the three days. As both technical professionals and experienced facilitators, the AIA team will use the charette method to quickly generate ideas and promote discussion. The charette will enable passionate and knowledgeable Islanders, as well as technical and government folks, to blend ideas on issues, opportunities and challenges, and recommended actions. The ultimate goal is for all participants to develop a vision and a framework of action toward a sustainable future on Guemes. GIPAC will receive their final recommendations in writing within 45-60 days of the workshop.

Opportunites for Roundtable Participation - The five Roundtables will work on the sustainability issues. By necessity, these discussion groups need to be limited to about 10 participants, including technical experts and AIA folks. There are a few slots still available. If you think you have the knowledge, the ability to listen and consider diverse points of view, and the time to commit to this process, please contact the head of the Roundtable that interests you. Each Roundtable will meet from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on Tuesday and from 8:00 until noon and again from 1:00 to 5:00 on Wednesday. There will be chairs by each Roundtable for interested, silent observers. The daily schedule will be on the Hall door.

Please call or e-mail the following Roundtable contact persons ASAP if you wish to be considered for a Roundtable:

Wildlife, Shorelines, etc.: Susan Bassett, 293-2609, sbas476933@aol.com

Aquifer/Water: Marianne Kooiman, 293-5815, eyrie@cnw.com

Transportation/Ferry: Roz Glasser, 588-0171, rozglasser@juno.com

Energy: Howard Pellett, 293-8128, cpellett@cablerocket.com

Rural Community Character: Allen Bush, Jr., 293-7439, Bushman@mail.com

Sustainable Guemes Poster

See also: AIA Chooses Selects Guemes Island to Promote Long-term Sustainability

About The American Institute of Architects

For almost 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design, and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities make their visions real. www.aia.org

For further information contact Roz Glasser at (360) 588-0160 or rozglasser@juno.com.

[2.21.6]