We hosted our CEP and Presidents’ retreat at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, at the beginning of June. Our team greatly enjoyed the two days of deep engagement with a group of more than 20 attendees. We invited participants to reflect on their experiences at the retreat. Amy Stevenson, Wartburg’s Information Literacy and Community Engagement Librarian, provides our first reflection from the perspective of a member new to Seed Coalition’s offerings.
…Working together within this committed community amplifies our impact and benefits our students, faculty, staff, and broader communities.
I stepped into a new role as Information Literacy and Community Engagement Librarian at Wartburg College this year. While the support from my colleagues has been wonderful, this year has been a whirlwind, as is often the case during transitions! As a newcomer to Seed Coalition, the recent Presidents’ and CEP Leadership Retreat was a breath of fresh air. This was an opportunity to meet with fellow community engagement professionals from across Iowa and Minnesota, and I was thrilled to connect with people who understand the nuances of the work we do.
Seed Coalition facilitators created time and space for proactive thinking throughout the retreat. This was a much-needed opportunity after a year of legislative discussions that often left us reacting to decisions beyond our control and pivoting to make the best of things. The activities throughout the retreat were thoughtfully designed to both honor the expertise already in the room and to spark fresh ideas. It was invigorating to be surrounded by professionals who are not only committed to strengthening education for an engaged democracy but are also willing to push boundaries and dream big, while still acknowledging the real challenges we face. This balance between idealism and pragmatism was incredibly inspiring.
What I’m taking with me beyond the retreat is a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the power of this coalition. Community engagement is a broad, multifaceted, and vital field. Learning more about the diverse and impactful work being done on Seed Coalition campuses is inspiring. The dialogue, idea exchange, and frank discussions throughout the retreat helped me frame my own goals for community engagement opportunities in the coming school year with a clearer vision and a bolder spirit. It was a powerful reminder that while our individual efforts are important, working together within this committed community amplifies our impact and benefits our students, faculty, staff, and broader communities.
Thank you, Amy, for sharing your experience of the retreat and reminding us of the strength we have when we come together in community and collaboration.
Amy Stevenson
Information Literacy and Community Engagement Librarian
Wartburg College
