FEEDBACK We've received a bunch of comments on Roughdrafts by now, and would like to share some, in return. Several requests for reprints in bulk quantity, or permission to reprint portions in another publication. The Environmental Education Center will make additional copies of any of the drafts. Now that we've experimented a little, some things seem more clear: what Roughdrafrs are artempting to do is provide individuals and organizations with cross-institutional, networking and idea-producing strategies. . . trying to look toward the long-run, the twentieth century and new kinds of institutions, like community centers, rather than the past. Feedback on Centers An editorial comment by someone who's asked to remain anonymous says "Centers should say to the visitor, 'here's what you can do' rather than 'look what we've done"'. . . Laura Williamson, whose new job with the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group is student projects director, has often pointed out the central, most important tensions which face adhocracy centers. Questions to ask, if you're srarting one: Are centers administrative and organized entities or are they places and, sites whose value is in the people and events which can use the facility. Is a center an activist organization in any way, or is it a passive entity which needs to be used? . . . Another way to gain community support, Laura added, is through 1) forming an advisory council-as a source of ideas, information and feedback, while the staff makes decisions and sets policy and (2) by forming a Board of Directors who can bolster prestige, make important connections and assist in fundraising. . . . The Environmental Education Center is currently working with an "adhocracy form" of management . . . we'll let you know how it works out. Funding We got quite a few requests on rhis one . . . the YWCA is now making use of it in writing proposals . . . Recenr experience with Arts Commissions suggests to me that funding procedures may differ quire a bit, depending on the foundation and the discipline. Following explicit directions and getting help from someone who reviews proposals is the best bet. Brainstorming The State Environmental Education Advisory Board and LCDC got together on a brilliant use of the technique: Question posed: "What is the role of environmental educators in land use planning?" The result was a land use curriculum kit and some Earth Celebrations . . . Various alternative names for brainstorming have turned up . . , try Brainsquashing? Brainmashing? . . . Also see the best source on the subject (one I left out) Unioersal Traoeler (bibliography in "Crearive Instability" list). Networking Intriguing response from Gilbert A. Shibley, at Lawrence University, suggests some editing of the paragraph on that topic in the Roughdraft: "ln a sense the original model is the nervous system, triggering or modulating muscle acrivity by virtue of its special skills of communication and integration, and depending on sensory and nutritional input from other systems." ROUGHDRAFTS are written and published by the Environmental Education Center, a U.S. Office of Education funded project located at 317 Lincoln Hall, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.Anita Helle, editor; Victoria Johnson, graphic artist; Mary Wells, layout.
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