The Madness of March: Nature, Community, and Career

Hello Family and Friends!

March was an amazing month filled with learnings and continued building of deeper connections with friends, family, and colleagues alike. There were several things I learned about myself and others during this time. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Bioneers Conference: Seeds of Change

This month, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Bioneers Conference — as a member of the press!!! This conference was an assembly of people leading at the intersection of environment and social justice. The ideas and talks presented here are about transformative solutions and our connection to the planet. It had a heavy Native American theme running through the entire conference with several different Native speakers. I was able to see many of the speeches and actually get to meet some of the speakers in person under my supposed identity of being a “Journalist”. Some of the more notable talks were:

• “The Climate Fight is Digital” - Interesting talk presented by Lawyer and non-profit leader Cindy Cohn. Her organization E.F.F. is leading the crusade against digital privacy and responsible consumption.

• “Democracy Vs. Big Tech” - A compelling talk on monopolies and Anti-Trust Laws by author and speaker Stacy Mitchell.

• Our Connection to Mother Earth - Oren Lyons, a well known Onandaga Tribe leader spoke for roughly 30 minutes

»I write about my experience at the conference here«

Feathered Friends: Spreading Wings into Education

I had another incredible opportunity to spread my love for birds by presenting to an audience of second graders whose subject was “Ask an Expert” - in this case Birds. Before the class, they had a homework assignment to learn about the different types of bird nests and how 3D printing could potentially solve any habitat loss to them. Being able to share general knowledge about birds and how they can get more involved with these young minds was not only a joy but also a reminder of the importance of environmental education. Their curiosity and engagement was truly a delight!

Networking Navigations: The Rate of Return on Job Applies, Making Connections, and (hopefully!) Getting Callbacks

Navigating the job market has been an adventure in itself. Many of us demand instant feedback based on the applications we send out but many of us are painfully aware that these things take time. With several networking events under my belt this month, I’ve met many inspiring individuals and explored potential opportunities including attending the aforementioned Bioneers Conference. These interactions are vital stepping stones as I carve out my path in the professional realm. Each conversation is a seed planted, which I hope will soon bear fruit. It may start very slow but gradually it will gain momentum 🤞🤞

Conservation Corner: The Audubon Birdathon Awaits

Already looking ahead to May, the Golden Gate Birding Alliance (formerly Audubon) annual Birdathon is on the horizon. This auction is not just a collection of items to bid on but a confluence of passion and purpose for people who care for birds and conservation in general. Each bid supports vital conservation efforts, and I encourage everyone to partake—whether by donating items or bidding, your support makes a real difference for our feathered friends.

I’m guessing you probably already know why I put “Feather” in my title 😁😁

Productivity Hack: The Art of the Single Point

In the spirit of imparting some of my technology wisdom and productivity tools upon you, let’s talk about breaking down tasks into the smallest increments possible. Much like how a development team via SCRUM assigns story points to a user story, we can approach our tasks and ultimately our goals with the same granularity. By dissecting tasks into the simplest units, we make progress measurable and achievable. This method enhances focus and completion rates, turning daunting projects into a series of manageable steps. Try it out, and you might just find your productivity soaring!

For me I tend to break my priorities down this way:

• 1 Point - <1 Hour of work

• 2 Points - 1-2 Hours of work

• 3 Points - 3-5 Hours of work

• 5 Points - 5+ Hours of work

As April showers begin to “Spring” up, let's look forward to the May flowers and the opportunities they’ll bring. Your continuous support and engagement are what make this journey so rewarding.

Thank you for being part of this adventure, and here's to a flourishing April!

Stay inspired and grounded,

Patrick

About Feather Frameworks

Feather Frameworks, led by Patrick Meeker is a Digital Transformation Strategy Consultation Firm who is deeply committed to harnessing the power of technology to meet at the intersection of mindfulness, sustainability, and technology. Taking a user-centric approach with an emphasis on understanding user needs, we harness the power of relationship building with data-driven insights to deliver powerful digital tools that resonate with audiences.