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.:Resource Guides:Interviews-Patricia Dowd.
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Interviews
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Patricia Dowd
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (B.A.), 1994
Multidisciplinary Studies: Photography and Journalism
University of Wyoming (M.A.), 2000
Communication and Journalism
Equality State Policy Center
Grassroots Director
Laramie, Wyoming
patriciaespc@wyoming.com |
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A Day in the Life
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What are three things you love and three things you find challenging or frustrating about your work? |
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| Love: |
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Meeting new people throughout Wyoming |
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Encouraging folks to use their voice |
| 3. |
Working in coalition with other progressives throughout the state |
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| Challenging or frustrating: |
| 1. |
Often feel isolated |
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Sometimes feel as though I am working in a vacuum |
| 3. |
Lack of "action" and follow-through by individuals
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What is the most important task on your desk right now? |
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Drafting agendas for two upcoming meetings this weekend. Organizing two voter education / registration campaigns for the 2002 general election.
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What drives you to do this work? What makes you want to get out of bed every morning? |
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Hope for justice in society�I work with underrepresented constituents in Wyoming (women, students, Latino/as, etc.) and have seen many injustices in my work. I hope for a peaceful society where individuals are not
discriminated against because of who they are. The goal of my work is a lifelong process.
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How often do you "dress up" for work? Describe the culture of your organization. |
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I "dress up" for work (skirts, suits, nice dresses) during the legislative session and when I attend meetings. In my day-to-day work I usually wear shorts, or jeans, t-shirts, causal attire.
My organization is small. I work in an office with our Board Chair and we share office space with another company. I sometimes work from home, which is nice. For example, today I am working from home�a very casual day. My home is a great
space that allows me to get a lot accomplished. The director of my organization works 4 hours away from my office. We communicate via email and phone and we usually work together (face-to-face) monthly.
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In a typical month, about what percentage of your time is spent on the following activities? |
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| Talking on the phone |
30% |
| Dealing with email |
50% |
| Meetings with individuals |
35% |
| Meetings with groups/committees |
35% |
| Writing |
20% |
| Reading |
20% |
| Researching |
18% |
(Note: respondents could allow their answers to add up to be more than 100%)
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What do you do when you are feeling burned out at work? |
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Take some time for myself and go for a hike or ski. If I am feeling burned out during the workday, I usually head downtown for tea or a snack, get some fresh air and go for a walk. I have a great support network and I sometimes pick
up the phone and call a colleague.
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