Several days ago I'd intended to write a preview post about an open house held earlier this week by the local Architects Without Borders chapter, which has in the past sent volunteers to southeast Asia (after the tsunami) and the Mississippi Gulf (after the hurricane). But I got distracted and let the meeting come and go.
However, co-organizer John Blumthal of Yost Grube Hall was kind enough to provide this summary:
We had a great meeting Tuesday. More than sixty people showed up, with more than half of these being first-time contacts with AWB. Attendees included representatives of both David Wu and Earl Blumenauer's offices, many Portland firms, and both local architecture schools. Steve Claborne, Program Operations Manager for Mercy Corps, gave the group a wide-ranging description of the needs and opportunities for development assistance and disaster recovery aid around the world. Angelo Radich, AWB-OR President, provided an overview of AWB-OR activities in the past year and of the prospects ahead of us. We then had an opportunity to mingle and talk, and I was very encouraged by the fact that nobody headed for the door, but instead numerous conversation groups sprung up around the room as people sought out the AWB volunteers who had been to Sri Lanka and the Mississippi coast, and the AWB Steering Committee members who have managed organizational and support efforts here in Portland, to learn more and discuss specifics.
It's this dialog that we intend to continue next Wednesday, the 19th, matching individuals and teams to specific projects and initiatives. We're inviting everyone who attended the Tuesday session (as well as our existing supporters) to a meeting next Wednesday at the AIA office (315 SW Fourth Ave.) at 5:30pm to get involved in specific initiatives and projects of AWB.
I assume those making first-time visits to the chapter will also be welcome, so don't be afraid to drop by. Meanwhile, congratulations and thanks to all those who have devoted their time and efforts to making Oregon's AWB chapter one that can have a real impact.
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