A Conversation with (new board member) Elizabeth G.

By Elizabeth Corbett

Elizabeth Corbett, recent (and now volunteer!) Programs and Membership coordinator, talked with Elizabeth G., one of the new members of the Board of Trustees, not too long ago.

Elizabeth Corbett: How has your summer been?

Elizabeth G.: Pretty low-key and trying to stay cool lately! I enjoy exploring new places, and my husband, J, and I have taken a few trips nearby. We've been in Knoxville three and a half years now. But he was injured in the move and required surgery, so we stayed at home the first year and we still have to take it slow. I adore my neighborhood; it's a quiet dead-end street and our neighbors are, well - neighborly. People are out walking their dogs, stopping for a chat, hosting an impromptu yard party. We share produce from our gardens or a big haul from the farmers' markets. Everyone is very nice.

Corbett: What brought you to the Knoxville area?

G.: We are, essentially, climate refugees from Austin, and that city is growing! There's so much more traffic now than 20 years ago, and the Texas heat just keeps getting worse each spring-summer-fall. The traffic-heat combo became a deal breaker! We chose Knoxville because the temperatures are easier to live with and to be closer to family. J wanted an urban environment but not a huge city like Nashville, where my (newly-wed!) son lives or Baltimore where most of J's family is. We also wanted to explore someplace new, so here we are!

I work remotely for a trade association based in Austin. It was a remote-work situation to begin with, so it's nothing new except there's a one-hour time difference now. I provide admin support, accounting, membership management, and all of that is computer based.

Corbett: What do you do for fun?

G.: I chase my cat around, especially when she brings in a mouse. But truly, I enjoy live music and I'm always down for exploring a local brew pub. I have an interest in the early history of what is now the US, the interplay of the different cultures as this country formed and became a new nation, and I'd like to learn more about how that played out in the Overmountain region. We have visited several museums in the Knoxville area, and I'd like to visit the Cherokee Museum and the James White Fort soon. I'd also like to explore more of the trails around here.

Corbett: How did you and J meet?

G.: We were both working for Clean Water Action (a national environmental organization) as canvassers in Austin. As we got to know each other through that we discovered we shared progressive values. That's important to me.

Corbett: Thanks for volunteering to serve on the Board of Trustees and to be incoming president. What drew you to this position?

G.: I was asked! I thought at some point I'd join the BOT, but I did not expect it to be so soon or in the presidential cycle to start with. I was surprised! I have many years of experience on a nonprofit Board so I knew what I was getting into, and I'm thrilled to jump right in. It is truly a pleasure to serve, especially for and with a community such as Westside. But I have much to learn about how a religious nonprofit operates. I'll probably still be learning things at the end of my 3-year tenure!

Corbett: What visions do you have for Westside?

G.: My vision for Westside is to see it thrive as a community. How to ensure that happens will take listening to the congregation and then figuring out how the Board can address any concerns. In the little time I've been here, I realize there are so many opinions! Listening to our members and hearing their concerns is so important. Keeping my eyes, ears and heart open will also be important. I've already heard of several projects that have been talked about for years and I'd like to make them a reality before I'm off the Board. My goal right now, though, is to support Michele (Niefing, current BOT president) and help her have a successful year. And to learn the ropes here so that next year will be successful, too.

I'd like to continue my work with the Green Sanctuary Committee and Earth Church. Truth to tell, the very first time I attended Westside was a winter solstice and walking the spiral. After services Reverend Carol welcomed me and hearing of my passion for environmental causes mentioned the Green Sanctuary Committee was meeting that same day. So, I went to their meeting, and I felt that I had found my people. Yay!

Green Sanctuary Committee has been doing some really good work. Hats off to Yetta! She's a dynamo. She's done so much for the committee and by extension WUUC. Right now, we're pursuing certification as a green sanctuary church, and we've coalesced around a number of issues. We've done outside projects on the grounds and provided part of Sunday services. I want to continue to do great things that impact the church, our congregation, the grounds, and the broader community.

Corbett: Well, thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing with us and for your service on the Board!

G.: And thank you, Elizabeth, for interviewing me and for all that you do for Westside. It is a pleasure!