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Community Council Solicits Topic Suggestions for 2009 Regional Study

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Contact: Mary Campbell

What issue do you think the Community Council should study next?

Each year the Community Council will bring citizens of Walla Walla and Columbia Counties and Milton-Freewater, Oregon, together to analyze and find solutions for important issues facing the region.

The annual Study focuses in-depth on one topic. Based upon the group’s findings and conclusions, recommendations are developed, and the Community Council helps citizens advocate for their implementation.

The Community Council is preparing to select its 2009 Study topic and asks you to submit your suggestions for consideration. All submissions should be very specific and focused to meet the following selection criteria:

  1. Definition and Manageability:Is the issue clear? Can the issue be researched and effectively handled by the Study process?
  2. Importance:Is the issue of importance to the region? Does it affect large numbers of people on an economic or quality-of-life basis?
  3. Necessity:Is it likely that other groups can or will carry out a similar study?
  4. Citizen interest:Is the issue likely to attract participation from a broad spectrum of members of the community at large?
  5. Effectiveness:Can the issue be resolved by reason, based on fact, or are the emotional overtones too great to permit reasoned analysis?
  6. Timeliness:Will the Study provide guidance for decisions needed now? Is there enough time to complete the study before community decisions must be made?

To submit your idea, send it with your name, telephone number, and email (or mailing) address to Community Council, P.O. Box 2936, Walla Walla, WA 99362 or to julie@wallawallavitalsigns.org.

Submissions are accepted throughout the year, but to be considered for the 2009 Study, the information must be received by February 28, 2009.

The Community Council Board of Directors will announce the year’s topic later this Spring. The Study Committee will begin meeting Fall 2009.

The region’s first annual Study is currently underway. It is focusing on the educational mental, health, and housing stability of the region’s children. A report of the committee’s findings and recommendations for change will be announced in June 2009.

The Community Council was formally organized in 2008 to inspire a citizen-driven, consensus-based, problem-solving process to prepare the region for future growth, change, and challenges and to enhance the quality of life for everyone.

For additional information call Julie Reese, Community Council Executive Director, 509-540-6720.

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