Wow. Wow.

Well what else do you say except Wow. My Wow was a lot of work and Wow I'm glad it is over and Wow would I do that again? Yup. 150%. If you don't know for my wow I worked with several other area non profits who serve people with disabilities to host a community forum where citizens of Washington County could come to together a collaborate on creative ways to deal with budget cuts (like pooling resources, networking etc). Our goal was to create a grass roots efforts in four areas: housing, employment, recreation and family support. My specific task was to provide an overview of the statewide delivery system of services and Medicaid funding in just 15 minutes. Participants needed to have enough information about how we are funded in order to fully participate in the small group discussions. The publicity in the Oregonian and Portland Tribune helped us pick up some of our 80 participants last night. The place was packed and we had several elected officials. My presentation was first - I was so nervous - wanted to get it right - and it went fine. Many people came up afterwards and asked me if I would do it again so they could video tape it. Good Sign! The families and self advocates who presented were very moving. The personal stories are so powerful and illustrate not only the need but they motivate you to want to do something about it. Small group discussions were a hit. No one left early. No one snuck at out the back. In fact at 9:01 our MC cut us off and I swear the room could have kept going for another hour. That is always the way you want to leave people. Wanting more. So - I pushed myself last night in a good way. I'm told I am a confident public speaker. I guess I am but inside I am usually all butterflies and shaking. I hate doing it but it is such a huge part of my job I just literally make myself. And I am very glad to be on the other side of this one! Now on to the blood drive!