I want to sincerely apologize to the NESEA community. Nine months ago, I wrote a harsh post about last years NESEA conference that has justifiably received some negative feedback.
Here’s the truth; I love NESEA. I find the community an absolute inspiration and as a young 24 year old, a full third of my life I’ve been coming to the NESEA show. There is no question in my mind that the green building, renewable energy, and cleantech industries in the Northeast –and thus, in some sense the entire U.S. — would not be what it is today was it not for the dedicatation, hard work and diligence of the NESEA community over the past couple decades. Many of my favorite, life changing jobs, mentors, and knowledge about the most up-to-date building techniques have come from the NESEA show. I’ve always be in awe of, and amazed at the depth of knowledge of NESEA professionals.
I didn’t start writing because I thought I was a good writer, had some amazing new ideas to share, or because I have a huge ego. I simply starting blogging to connect with people who share the same passion as I do, so we can do something about it. I never meant to offend or anger anyone and for this I’m sorry.
The experience has taught me that words are powerful and someone is always watching. You can be critical with your writing, but you really need to mean it and can’t be sloppy. In the end, I will be more careful.
As a look forward, I have one goal. One of my initial frustrations with NESEA was the lack of awareness young people had about the community. Instead of uselessly complaining about it, my plan is start working on it. Getting the young, rising stars involved in the community. I know that some of them are, but I think more should be, and can be. I plan to use this blog as a place to do that, to share ideas, and get feedback. Who knows how it will go, but we’ll see.
I look forward to sharing ideas, collaborating with each other, and helping grow the next generation of the NESEA community.
-Chris
Hi Chris!
“If you’re worried about what other people think about you, don’t worry. They’re not thinking about you!” lol!
Apparently, your previous post, to which, you refer, has weighed upon you somewhat. And maybe, its appropriate in this social context to do a mea culpa, like Bill Maher, being forced to apologize for disagreeing with the prevailing mindset that required us all to toe the party line that the 911 terrorists were “cowards.” To some extent, individuals have to submit to the current organizational group-think, but what’s worse is that some groups require its members to sign a loyalty oath, in effect, which is like a mental prior restraint. NESEA wouldn’t do anything like that, of course.
I defended you at the time, because I actually read your post, and thought you raised a number of valid thoughts and observations, which NESEA had been addressing for years. More importantly, I welcomed the emerging passion, urgency, and creativity.
If anybody should be apologizing, its those who came down on you like a ton of bricks. Lessons can be learned all around. Fortunately, for NESEA and the worlds we live in, you are demonstrating an admirable resiliency and graciousness – so, “F^&k ‘em if they can’t take a joke” (-anon.) and “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! (-Admiral Farragut)
Hi Chris,
Thanks for posting. I’m delighted that you have rekindled this dialogue within the NESEA community.
Wanted to let you know that we have a team of folks dedicated to creating opportunities for young professionals at BE this year. Kate Goldstein is heading up the group, and is working on different networking and mentoring opportunities, including an opportunity for young professionals to submit their resumes and have them forwarded to a select list of interested BE exhibitors.
We are also starting to involve more young people by recruiting them to be session chairs – to tend to the logistics in our 90-minute sessions and to introduce the speakers. We view this as one point of entry for those new to the NESEA community, and as an opportunity to begin to groom people for bigger roles in future conferences.
If you are interested in either of these opportunities, or if you know others who are, contact me at jmarrapese@nesea.org. We’d also love your help and energy in identifying additional opportunities for engagement.
I’m also intrigued by the thoughts you shared with me, offline, about a mentorship program for the next generation. Would love to talk further about this, and about whether and how NESEA members might be involved.
Thanks again Chris. Look forward to continuing the conversation.
Ross,
Thank you for your comment and support. Completely agree about your first point, at first that was my first strategy and continues to be, I don’t assume anyone really cares about what I’m saying!
Thank you for the support and defending me. My reason for apologizing was simple, it’s all about how you say what you say, not how you say. Although the points still remain valid to some extent, instead of just complain about it, my goal now is to do something about it.
I look forward to keeping in touch with you, sharing ideas, and seeing what we can push the movement forward.
Chris