I hope yesterday’s elections are a boost to everyone’s outlook on the importance of being engaged in a democracy. Engaging matters, now more than ever, whether it’s voting, supporting others, speaking out, or myriad other actions we can take. It is why we have and will continue to try to develop and share opportunities for engagement through this channel. 

Last week was busy with the rollout of news of Next Interior’s coming move to a co-op model, the release of Interior’s Contributions app and fact sheets, and the regular weekly digest. Each of those newsletters had engagement opportunities for the Next Interior Memos readership; we appreciate all those who have contributed! We’re being responsive to that input, whether it’s adding a Table of Contents to the newsletter based on the digest feedback request form (at the top in email, to the left in a browser), organizing beta testers for the Next Interior community hub, and more. Keeping with the evidence supporting the importance of repeat engagement in knowledge diffusion (see this great example), today’s newsletter re-ups a few items, then offers an opportunity to contribute in a new way, if you would like.

SEEC Institute RFI

The major item for Next Interior’s engagement this month is assembling a response to the SEEC Institute’s Request For Information for their Thriving Economies Project. There’s a broad suite of issues that we can cover, from agriculture at Interior to government that delivers results, so your expertise is welcome! We’ll be doing a kickoff soon, but it's not too late to join those who have already signed up by throwing your name into the mix here.

Next Interior community beta testing

As Next Interior matures and transitions into a co-op, we’ll facilitate community engagement that enables cooperation and collaboration. This will advance two key goals for Next Interior: building a movement for the Department and to support the people of Interior, past and present. The online community space is being tested now, and invites to beta testers for the online community—thanks to those who have already signed up!—have started going out. You can join in too, just sign up here.

Sharing knowledge about Interior

One of the most important things we can do for Interior in the coming weeks, months, and years is speak up for Interior from a place of knowledge and understanding. Requests are always coming in for: 

• interviews or background information about Interior or specific bureaus from the press; 
• detailed understanding of how things work (or can work) from Capitol Hill staff; or 
• for opportunities to engage from other groups whose work involves Interior and are looking for insights into Interior. 

I often have someone to connect with a requestor, but sometimes I don’t, so that’s a gap to be closed. Plus it feels like a good idea to “institutionalize” how we make connections between people who know Interior and those inquiring! A couple of agency alumni groups, like EPN, have established lists to have a roll of knowledgeable people who can engage on specific topics as needed. 

Consistent with Next Interior’s goal to educate about and elevate Interior’s work, we see an opportunity to organize a list of current and former Interior staff who can serve as subject matter expert contacts, which we’re calling Interior Voices. 

If you’re open to being part of Interior Voices, or at least being available for us to contact you if there are inquiries, please share your information at this link (or in the form below if you’re reading this on the website)

Have a great rest of your week! If you have questions, please feel free to give a shout.