Kim Slater’s Weblog

Like a river- lazy and meandering at first, gradually becoming concentrated and picking up speed, tricky rapids and smooth sailing, then finally a gushing torrent of water explodes over a precipice, free falls as mist and spray, cascading in pools at the bottom, and continues along its way- this has been the experience of building the network.

In other words: there was a great deal of lead up, defining a goal and determining a direction, forming relationships, injecting ideas, challenges and triumphs, culminating in a meeting that is really just the beginning of a journey.   

The lead up to the meeting on Friday was a little strenuous with the typical nightmares that seem to precipitate any big event; technical, communication, memory, and patience breakdowns all frustrated the process. Fortunately, my pillars of strength-Joe and Yene- were right by my side to sort out all logistical and emotional crises’.  Other support appeared in the form of good friends to take notes and help facilitate the meeting.

While the numbers were smaller than anticipated and I can’t help but feel a little disappointed by the absence of some key players that promised to attend, by all accounts the meeting was a great success. Those that did attend represented a broad range of interest areas and sectors and offered excellent contributions to the discussion on sustainable tourism and the start-up of the network.

I am working on synthesizing the contents of the meeting and uploading it to the website, so check out www.sl-ecotravel.net for all the details. Other tasks include meeting with the secretariat tonight to discuss how the network will be hosted, registering the network with SLANGO as an NGO, buying fabric and getting yoga bags made to bring to Canada and sell as a fundraiser, thank you notes to all of the sponsors, write an article for the G4S magazine and write a feature story for the website. I spent the weekend reflecting on this project and my internship as a whole while camping in the Gola Forest Reserve, a spectacular ecotourism destination in Sierra Leone. The time away was invaluable in helping me understand and appreciate the journey and consider where the ‘river’ is headed.  

Nearofing the meeting at a break neck pace, it’s funny how time warbles- not so long ago days inched by sometimes filled with indecision and lack vision. Things are miraculously falling into place. I have procured all of the items for the meeting- save for some nametags, which I am buying on the cheap from the black market nametag dealer who camps out in front of the proper stationary store (what can I say, I am supporting the local economy!). Sponsors have all followed through with their promised donations and my costs are exactly covered (another feature of manifestation- you get what you need, no more and no less). RSVPs to the meeting are trickling in and I can’t decide whether to wish for more or less. My costs are about USD $20 / person and if too many people come I will run out of food. If not enough people come, then I will feel dejected and have a whole lot of peppered chicken on my hands. Everyday is a mini triumph. The computer is finally working (halleluiah) and today I logged on to discover that www.sl-ecotravel.net exists, just like the web designer promised! The sponsorship banner has been printed and doesn’t have any spelling mistakes on it. The television and radio shows I did last week are actually being aired and people are approaching me, saying they are interested in the network, although they don’t really undertsand it.  The dancers are prepared to come 3 hours early to get there on time. And my filmer has scoped out the venue and says it’s a piece of cake. So I am celebrating as I go, trying not to pin all my hopes on the meeting. Actually, I am approaching Friday with eagerness and weariness. It’s been nice to throw myself into this project and not to worry about the jobless abyss I face back in Canada. So much work to do, so little of it paid!

Feb.13- One Week To Go!!

I can finally breathe easier- another sponsor has decided to make a sizeable contribution and for the first time I can rest assured that all of the expenses will be taken care of! Another surprise donation came from the proprietor of a small hotel here- delightful as it was completely unexpected. This is great news as I have already told the web designer to go ahead with building the site (so I will have something to show folks at the meeting). Mugs with the network name and website address are in the process of being painted by a local artist (and they look great!) and a banner with the sponsors’ logos on it is being printed.  I am especially pleased with the mugs as they will serve the purpose of containing the workshop materials (name tag, pen, a rolled up agenda) and be great advertising, a renewable and useful souvenir, and help support a local artist. This is what sustainability is all about!

I need these wins as the past week and a half has been filled with disappointment and frustration. Three key sponsors who had been very enthusiastic about supporting the network dropped out, mostly for reasons relating to the economic crisis (while it is largely not evident here, companies with offices in the developed world are feeling the crunch. Their country directors are getting called to emergency meetings in Europe and returning with strict orders to stop all extraneous spending, which I guess if where the network fits in).  Disappointing as promises were made that consequently got broken. Also, my computer suffered a series of crashes that were never quite get resolved. I will have to go back for the 3^rd time today to have the software for my modem uploaded.     

On Wednesday, a pre-meeting with some of the key stakeholders took place at the Kimbima Hotel. I felt relieved that this group feels there is great value in this network and that it is in no way redundant to other efforts that are going on here (a concern that one of the other stakeholders raised). We discussed the critical points on the agenda, namely who will carry this on in my absence? Where will the funds come from? In other words, how will we make SUSTAIN SALONE Sustainable? Answers were not forth coming as everyone kept talking about the importance of finding a way to make the network sustainable without actually contributing ideas of how to do so (I have noticed this happens a lot here!). The election of a small (even one person) secretariat is a possibility and perhaps future One Sky interns could contribute.  A partnership with ABC News has dissolved as my main contact there has resigned. This leaves a big question mark with respect to a local host. The NGO’s seem to think that a volunteer can cover it, but I have my doubts. If you want a skilled someone to do a good job, then you have to pay them for their efforts.

So the weekend ahead will consist of drawing up specific materials for the meeting- a sustainability diagram, introductions to the topics and an ecotourism power point if I can find a computer with that program (I was aiming for a ‘no ppt zone’, but I feel a common definition around ecotourism and sustainable tourism is needed- I am a big hypocrite I know). Lots of work and thank goodness my computer is up and running!!

Thursday Jan. 29th 2009

Almost the end of the month and there is still so much to do! It’s especially frustrating because the evil email gods decided to smite my efforts today- no access to either Yahoo or my One Sky account, despite there being a perfectly strong signal (which is often not the case). So much of what I am doing relies on responses from key players. The internet is a tool, but also a crutch, funny how easy it is to forget that we once managed without it! I have tried to make good use of my time nonetheless- made a database of all my contacts, and will attempt to meet with some Ministers, to invite them to my meeting (and generally fretted over the lack of connectivity). I met with a local friend last night, as he has a background in IT and might be a good candidate to help out with hosting the website. He is also very well connected (has an uncle who is friends with the President!) and he made a good point: the Ministers should be involved to the extent that they are given the opportunity to provide tacit support, however, the likelihood of them actually getting involved in the network is quite slim (and not necessarily required). Having the President give some top down pressure for them to consider the national importance of tourism (and the role of ecotourism in that equation) and thus take notice of this network might be a good idea. On the other hand, politics can be a little tricky here, so I am hesitant to pull any partisan government officials into it. Also, I do not want to snub any one in power who may be an important actor in future ecotourism initiatives. So I am still feeling things out. Between my friend and another friend of Joe’s (naturally) who has all of the Minister’s numbers on speed dial in his phone, I think I may get the chance to at least meet with some of the Ministers and formally invite them to the meeting. If they don’t show, so be it. I’m also doing my best to round up volunteers for the meeting. Note takers (several so they don’t get hand cramps) and a chairman (Yene) have been arranged. I really want to limit the amount of waste and extra work, so I am hoping much of the meetings content can be directly typed into several laptops. As far as food is concerned, I am going for a bread bowl concept and healthier fare. I need to meet with the GM of Kimbima to sort it all out.

Well here it is Saturday and I think I have only blogged once in the last week. To the jury, I plead my case that the usual suspects; no internet and too few hours in a day; are to blame. On top of all that, my computer and memory stick seem to have succumbed to a plague of viruses, which have made me feel sick by proxy. In the grips of a minor melt-down, I sent my computer to a well-intentioned and self-proclaimed computer guru, which I have learned is a little like taking your car to the mechanic- seems there are always new problems when you get it back. Deep cleansing breathes and perhaps too many glasses have wine have been my salvation. Things are better now though. My computer is fixed, my memory stick is behaving and behold progress has been made! Several sponsors have contributed or are on the verge of contributing, notably G4S with $1000! This takes an enormous amount of pressure off, and gives me the energy to proceed. IPC, a major tour operator will be contributing $250 towards the meeting; Monoprix, Freetown Supermarket and St. Mary’s supermarkets are generously supplying wine and water; and the brewery is providing some beer, so if nothing else people, will enjoy themselves! I have given the go ahead to Ben, a good friend in Canada and pro web-designer to begin working on the network website, which he thinks he can have up and running, although under construction, by the meeting on the 20th (Ya Ben!). I think it is important to show the website to people at the meeting as a measure of my accountability and to inspire confidence that this idea is becoming a reality. We are tossing around lots of ideas for the website features and a unique look. It’s great to be working with someone on a creative project that I know is talented and committed and I communicate well with. I am very excited to see how it turns out. Up and coming is the pre-meeting, I will be having with key stakeholders to finalize the meeting agenda and induce shared ownership. I am thrilled at the enthusiasm of this small group and hope that they can be the foundation for the network when I leave. I am of course exploring ways of my continued involvement, but there needs to be a strong local contingent. Last night, I met with a potential stakeholder who expressed serious doubts regarding the function of the network. She feels it is a redundant effort to the work of the National Tourism Board and the Visit Sierra Leone website. I tried to illustrate how the Eco-Travel Network would in fact compliment the efforts of each, however, she remained unconvinced. I encouraged her to come to the meeting and raise her concerns. I understand that an idea needs to be robust enough to withstand the criticism of skeptics, but it’s tough. Yene in her usual wise manner, passed along the advice of a yoga guru she once knew; ‘When your energy shines brightly, sometimes it can burn others, so you have to learn how to use a dimmer.’ Wise words.

Thursday Jan. 29^th 2009

Almost the end of the month and there is still so much to do! It’s especially frustrating because the evil email gods decided to smite my efforts today- no access to either Yahoo or my One Sky account, despite there being a perfectly strong signal (which is often not the case). So much of what I am doing relies on responses from key players. The internet is a tool, but also a crutch, funny how easy it is to forget that we once managed without it!

I have tried to make good use of my time nonetheless- made a database of all my contacts, and will attempt to meet with some Ministers, to invite them to my meeting (and generally fretted over the lack of connectivity).  I met with a local friend last night, as he has a background in IT and might be a good candidate to help out with hosting the website. He is also very well connected (has an uncle who is friends with the President!) and he made a good point:  the Ministers should be involved to the extent that they are given the opportunity to provide tacit support, however, the likelihood of them actually getting involved in the network is quite slim (and not necessarily required). Having the President give some top down pressure for them to consider the national importance of tourism (and the role of ecotourism in that equation) and thus take notice of this network might be a good idea. On the other hand, politics can be a little tricky here, so I am hesitant to pull any partisan government officials into it. Also, I do not want to snub any one in power who may be an important actor in future ecotourism initiatives. So I am still feeling things out. Between my friend and another friend of Joe’s (naturally) who has all of the Minister’s numbers on speed dial in his phone, I think I may get the chance to at least meet with some of the Ministers and formally invite them to the meeting. If they don’t show, so be it.

I’m also doing my best to round up volunteers for the meeting. Note takers (several so they don’t get hand cramps) and a chairman (Yene) have been arranged. I really want to limit the amount of waste and extra work, so I am hoping much of the meetings content can be directly typed into several laptops. As far as food is concerned, I am going for a bread bowl concept and healthier fare. I need to meet with the GM of Kimibima to sort it all out. Apparently bread bowls may be considered a bit weird by the Arfican palette, so I need to figure out other ideas for “edible packaging” Any ideas? A woman who does recycled jewelry- that’s jewelry made from bits of paper-may have some good ideas…

The first step in birthing this network, which has been months in the making, is learning about the context here on the ground. Lots of questions must be asked: What does ecotourism mean in and for Sierra Leone; what direction is the tourism industry taking in this country; who are the principal actors, what are their main concerns and needs in realizing their goals? Building relationships with all of these agents has taken a long time and is really only just begun. Fleshing out their needs, not as I see them, but as they see them requires a great deal of perspective shifting and critical thinking. A good working definition also helps: ecotourism is the model that describes tourism activities that serve to protect natural and cultural resources, build sustainable livelihoods and are economically viable. So it’s not just hippy tree hugger stuff; profitability is also important. Tourism is the leading global employer, so its activities better be able to stand up on their own two feet. Ecotourism is really about sustainability and in fact sustainable travel (also responsible travel) is used interchangeably with ecotourism. SUSTAIN is also the name I am thinking for the network. Initially, I was dreaming up specific initiatives that would further ecotourism in this country (i.e. creating a promotional tool to improve Sierra Leone’s international image as a tourism destination; supporting a community-based beekeeping program on the outskirts of a national park; nature tours; certifying eco-guides; setting up volunteer work programs or philanthropic tourism), but while there is merit to all of these ideas, they require coordination between the various actors here on the ground, which is profoundly lacking. It became apparent that there was no communication occurring between key players and that this was repeatedly identified as their principal need. This is where the network comes in. A network, which will become a platform for an online community, will provide a forum and a mechanism for information sharing, ultimately creating cohesion between its members. At least this is the hope. A maiden meeting will reveal people’s true commitment and need for such a tool. The past weeks have been filled with letter writing, to potential members and sponsors, creating a benefit structure for sponsors, and laying the foundation for the meeting and website. In fact, “Laying the Foundations” is what I am calling the meeting (thanks Yene). So much time has been spent on collecting ideas and recommendations and trying to incorporate them into starting-up this project. Ideas I am not short on, funds, well that is another story. As mentioned I am shooting for $5000, which I am convinced is just laying around waiting for me to trip over it. This is me ‘manifesting’ it, which as a friend and fellow network starter-uper has told me is necessary to do. I jokingly pointed out that a donation from him would go along way in the ‘manifesting’ process, with little effect. This is typical, different people have asked what they can do to contribute and despite me assuring them that no donation (cash or in-kind) is too small, few have anted up. Slightly frustrating, especially as it feels like I am watching sand slip through the hour glass, a count down more pronounced by these regular logs! This past week has been filled with moments of elation; when a woman I met at a party, offered to help facilitate the meeting; and cringing self-doubt; when a good friend quite harshly told me she thought the network would fail. These have all been opportunities for self-reflection and tweaking the process. Fortunately, for every time I’ve been stood up by a potential member, or turned down by a potential sponsor, my two dear friends Yene and Joe have been supporting me with their ideas and pocket books. Our conversations tend to gravitate towards the network, strategizing and planning have taken up hours of what would have been socializing, and these two have patiently and generously contributed at every turn. Nate wisely said that this is usually how it goes. Few will help out unless there is something in it for them, but then there are always a couple of really solid souls that will go the distance. Of course I have to give credit to Nate and my family for their support from afar. So let’s look at the details for the meeting. The space- a beautiful circular conference room that overlooks the ocean- has been kindly donated by the Kimbima Hotel. I love that the room is circular, as it provides a sort of metaphorical symmetry to the network concept. Beverages (soft and hard) will be covered by donations from Coca-Cola and Star Beer (this last one has not been confirmed so I hope I am not jinxing it by mentioning it). Food and entertainment (the latter provided by the acclaimed National Dance Troop, who have received international accolades) and some meeting incidentals (i.e. nametags, pads of paper) are still the nuts to crack. G4S are kindly offering to match any funds I raise. So the meeting is almost covered. I would love to have a logo ready for the website domain: www.sierraleone-ecotravel.net and get it made into a sticker that can be handed out at the meeting (I’ve heard that people go wild for stickers here!). Also, a pamphlet with membership benefits would be excellent to distribute. An agenda is obviously critical and I am still hatching it, trying to get as much input from would-be members as possible. Aside from these details, I am aiming to make the meeting as ‘green’ as possible. That means as little food and paper waste as possible. Towards these ends, I am going to have registration details typed directly into the computer when people arrive and attempt to have the stew served out of bread bowls. I have heard that people’s palettes may not be ready for the bread bowl, but I think I am going to go for it anyway. So many details to think of!

If Yene is a spring of ideas, my friend Joe, is certainly the faucet that directs the flow. In clearer terms, Joe is one of those people that knows EVERYONE, especially the wealthy and influencial, and he is both my road and gateway to meet them. Typical conversation with Joe: 

Me: “I really need to source some wine and snacks for my meeting…”

Joe: “Well I just so happen to know the owners of ALL of the leading grocery stores in Freetown. How about I arrange meetings with them, then personally drive you to each one and make introductions?”

Me: “Deal!”   

Conclusion: I now have an abundance of wine and snacks for my meeting, kindly donated by each of the stores (thank you St. Mary’s, Monopri and Freetown Supermarket). 

It doesn’t always go so fortuitously, there are many would-be donors who are still considering how much (if any) they want to contribute and are still hung up on what exactly ecotourism is- fair enough, it can be a bit complicated to a layman.  The point I am trying to make is that Joe has not only opened all sorts of doors to me, he has done so in the expeditious fashion I so desperately need (less than a month till the meeting!). Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Blink” talks about the ”nodes or hubs” (actually I can’t remember the label he gives them) within social networks: the folks that know disproportionately more people than everyone else and have a mind and inclination for connecting them.  Joe is certainly one of those! 

Being flanked by Yene and Joe is an incredible thing.  I keep thinking that I am not so much a social change agent, but part of an agency petitioning for social change. Their commitment is inspiring and gives me courage that a broader eco-travel network can be just as mobilizing for its members.  

Also rendering huge amounts of support are Tommy (EFA), Woody (NTB) Tamba (Kimbima), Patricia (KTI), DD (CSSL) and Bimbola (VSL) all of whom are networking powerhouses in their own right.  These members constitute the core of the network and are offering to shape the agenda for the meeting.  It takes an enormous amount of pressure off with this testament to local ownership and all round enthusiasm for the concept. 

Several very promising meetings with large prospective sponsors, have left me feeling exhuberant,  but not overly expectant. Money has not changed hands yet and so I am ready to  fall or fly! Actually, I am really appreciating the process. It’s incredibly dynamic, with lots of hills and valleys, and provides me with a constant challenge as to how to proceed. My day starts in the office just after 7 am. It is spent on my SSGI duties, but also on letter writing campaigns, concept tweaking, information package production, press releases, emails, research, and then meetings and phone calls.  Whew!  It’s exciting starting something new that can really be taken in so many directions. Laying the foundation for the network sorting out the myriad of details towards its realization is balanced by the opportunity to dream up spin-off ideas and initiatives.  I am also thrilled when people express their amazement at and enthusiasm for this idea, and see opportunities in it for them.

So today, Jan 28th, has been a good day. Let’s see what tomorrow brings…

(Tues. Jan 27) Meeting with Yene is like bathing in a hot spring of ideas. Indeed somehow she has caught the network fever and we obsess about details on walks, after yoga and at the beach.  Sometimes she even texts me at odd hours, starting off with something like; “…so I was thinking for your meeting you should…” Today was no different. We bumped into each other while out on a run and stopped to walk just to discuss various marketing / fundraising opportunities as well as the meeting agenda.  So here is the latest and greatest…

The meeting will be televised (ABC news has offered to do the production) with possible options of: creating a podcast for the website -to- be and/or turning the footage into a half hour talk show segment on ecotourism in Sierra Leone, which is content ABC is working on. More discussions have to be had of course…

Still photos (hopefully taken by my friend Betty, a woman creating a book of Sierra Leone photos in her own right), portraits of those at the meeting will go up on the site, accompanied by stories of their owners (ie re: their role in ecotourism).

I am creating a press release to go out this week, just to get everyone ready for the big event. Marketing is always the name of the game and there is always more spent on it than the thing it is advertising!  

The website is going to have a two tiered structure. Everyone will have access to the general site content (ie. ecotousim initiatives/issues in Sierra Leone, ride share board & contact information of all the ecotourism actors) along with opportunities to be featured in stories, interviews etc.  This means everyone can be connected without payment of fees.  Members will pay a fee ($30 / year ?)  to have access to niche market databases (academic communities, diaspora, those with slave ancestors) , be able to consult an expert on renewable energy and design , and to receive discounts with other members (ie on flights, hotels etc). I am hoping this 2-tiered structure will ensure no one is shut out on the basis of ability to pay, but the network can be sustained with some incoming membership dues. A donate button (donate $5 or donate a membership) will also be offered online.

Quarterly newsletters (online and/or published and dsitributed in restaurant/ hotel establishments) and an annual ecotourism conference are deliverables.

A limited edition book, with these blogs as well the formation of the network, could be published to help raise funds for the network and associated initiatives. 

There are so many more ideas, but right now I have to run out to meet with 2 prospective sponsors.  More tomorrow…

So let’s look at the details for the meeting. The space- a beautiful circular conference room that overlooks the ocean- has been kindly donated by the Kimbima Hotel. I love that the room is circular, as it provides a sort of metaphorical symmetry to the network concept. Beverages (soft and hard) will be covered by donations from Coca-Cola and Star Beer (this last one has not been confirmed so I hope I am not jinxing it by mentioning it). Food and entertainment (the latter provided by the acclaimed National Dance Troop, who have received international accolades) and some meeting incidentals (i.e. nametags, pads of paper) are still the nuts to crack. G4S are kindly offering to match any funds I raise. So the meeting is almost covered. I would love to have a logo ready for the website domain: www.sierraleone-ecotravel.net and get it made into a sticker that can be handed out at the meeting (I’ve heard that people go wild for stickers here!). Also, a pamphlet with membership benefits would be excellent to distribute. An agenda is obviously critical and I am still hatching it, trying to get as much input from would-be members as possible. Aside from these details, I am aiming to make the meeting as ‘green’ as possible. That means as little food and paper waste as possible. Towards these ends, I am going to have registration details typed directly into the computer when people arrive and attempt to have the stew served out of bread bowls. I have heard that people’s palettes may not be ready for the bread bowl, but I think I am going to go for it anyway. So many details to think of!