The Summer 2024 UnTapped Cohort consists of 12 elected officials from throughout the state of California. The fellows are traveling to different areas in California to learn about regional water challenges and best practices and to develop the leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to make a lasting impact on California’s water policy.
Session 1: Los Angeles
From Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 12 Fellows embarked on their six-month journey to learn how to make an impact on California’s water policy while addressing their community’s water challenges.
Day one focused on community building and teaching Fellows how to use the WELL Method of Inquiry to extract the information needed to make complex choices about water policy and management. They then interviewed Sally Flowers, Former Councilmember, City of Artesia;, and UnTapped Graduate, Class of 2018; and Member, WELL Advisory Council to learn what they hope to learn from the WELL UnTapped Fellowship program. At the kickoff dinner, WELL honored Ron Gastelum, Former Chief Executive Officer from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Former Board Member, WELL, for his contributions to the UnTapped Fellowship Program.
On day two, the Fellows took a water tour of the Los Angeles area which featured tours, visits, and interviews at the Pure Water Southern California, to learn about recycled water, Watts Labor Community Action Committee to learn about the civil rights and climate equity movements, and the LA Riverfront Park with James Cortes-Rivera, Watershed Coordinator, from the Safe Clean Water Program to learn about revitalization efforts along the river. Fellows also interviewed Reyna Mendez, Community Advocate, City of Maywood to learn about local water challenges in the city. The day ended with a lesson on California water history and hydrology from Dr. Pablo Ortiz, Science and Curriculum Advisor, WELL.
On day three Fellows interviewed, Stephan Tucker, General Manager of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California to learn about California water finance. This was then followed by a presentation of climate change and hydrology.
As tradition, the session ended with a moment of unity where the Fellows sang the song De Colores.
Session 2: San Diego
From Friday, August 9 to Saturday, August 10, the WELL UnTapped Summer 2024 Cohort traveled to San Diego for an immersive experience on cross-border collaboration, environmental challenges, and leadership training on the skillset of Public Narrative.
On the first day, the Fellows toured the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, where they learned about international efforts to address contamination along the Tijuana River. Morgan Rogers, the Area Operations Manager, led the tour and answered questions. Following the tour, the group had the opportunity to interview Dr. Gabriela Munoz Melendez, who shared insights on Tijuana’s initiatives and community experiences in tackling environmental challenges.
The second day focused on training in Public Narrative and was led by Miya Cain and Jake Waxman. The Fellows were introduced to Public Narrative, a leadership method developed by Marshall Ganz, an organizer, and lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, which comes out of his theory of strategic capacity. Through practicing the Story of Self, Story of Us, and Story of Now, the Fellows refined their public speaking skills and learned to mobilize allies and build a team of committed leaders based on shared values. Trainers included President and Founder Victor Griego.
