1. List ten things that make you feel human.
2. Articulate your philosophy of engagement as it pertains to your work with the Impact Fellowship. Specifically discuss: Why should I engage? How must I engage? With whom must I engage? What kinds of challenges, opportunities, and approaches should I care about? How might I uphold the core principles of ethical engagement that were discussed in class? What might my epitaph read?

 

ALEX

1. Feeling empathy
2. Relationships 
3. Memories
4. Laughing
5. Getting scared
6. Feeling anxious
7. Being outside
8. My care for my family and friends
9. Feeling curious
10.  Feeling tired

I feel that it is important to engage in this sort of project because it is an opportunity to be a part of something larger than myself and to get to work on something that is important to me and affects everyone. Environmental challenges are not getting the resources and energy that are needed to help control them, which will permanently damage future generations.

I will engage by first identifying what the problem is, and the best approach to solving it. To do this it is important to engage with the local community to see what their needs are, and how we can best meet them. In our project specifically, we would also be engaging with bioplastic manufacturers and see how we can connect them with local markets. The challenge of cost is the biggest barrier to our work. We have to determine the least expensive bioplastic material as an approach to help lower the costs, and figure out how to produce them on a larger scale. As we engage we will also be open to new ideas and different perspectives, especially those coming from the local community.

To uphold the core principles of ethical engagement it is important to be transparent about what we are trying to do to the vendors and manufacturers. As well as respect the community and their culture, while not trying to change a part of it. We will talk to everyone with respect and clearly and truthfully communicate our project, and value any help anyone offers us in pursuing it. My epitaph would read “Leaving the Earth better than she found it”.

Jeremy

1. Going for a run
2. Hanging out with friends
3. Helping someone understand a concept
4. Cooking
5. Eating a tasty meal
6. Holiday gatherings with family
7. Playing soccer
8. Being deeply invested in sports games
9. Looking at art
10. Listening to music

I am engaging in this project because pollution is a very real issue, and steps need to be taken to limit its production. Agriwrap offers me a pathway to help fix this issue, and I intend to take it. Given this project takes place in another country, with separate cultural norms, expectations, and ways of life, I must be careful in how I engage with this project. I need to take time to understand the community in which I am working and how my work will impact the community members, directly or indirectly. To do this it would be smart to engage with both local consumers, as well as already established organizations working on similar projects. We can ask them about challenges they faced when first entering the market, and things to consider that we may not know without being there.

While working on this project, we should also be open to new opportunities that present themselves. Whether that be the chance to work alongside a local bioplastic manufacturer, or a project pivot, into an unforeseen area that would allow us to have more impact in limiting plastic pollution. We should be open to all challenges, opportunities, and approaches that could help us accomplish our goal, even if it means deviating from our original path.

I will uphold ethical principles by ensuring I have clear intentions with my work, and take the time to understand all possible effects my work could have on the community. I will treat people with respect and integrity, and be mindful of the environment which I am working in. Additionally, if I happen to be entering or facilitating a deal, I will make sure everyone understands all relevant information and the terms of the transaction.

My epitaph will read: “Caring Engineer, who made Earth a little bit better”

Lizzie

1. Trail running
2. Watching the sunrise/sunset
3. Hiking in the mountains
4. Laughing with friends and family
5. Setting goals/challenging myself
6. Baking
7. Reading
8. Being afraid
9. Watching and walking in the snow
10. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Chief Seattle. 

I choose to work as an Impact Fellow because I want to work on something that matters to me. Working on the Agriwrap project, I believe I can make active steps towards handing the next generation a better Earth. This work has the chance to positively impact communities and our planet, but we must be aware of how we engage along the way. Our relationship with both the Earth must be one of stewardship. Further, as with any project of this magnitude, it is crucial to consider how we engage in a global context.

My number primary philosophy for engagement is to learn as much as possible. Knowledge is the key to understanding the world and our place within it. Assumptions can lead to rash decisions, whereas knowledge bridges the gap between where we are now and where we want to go, offering possible paths to reach our goals. Knowledge is also the key to respectful and productive communication. Everything you do affects others, and thus I believe that you should always strive to understand the “why” behind what you are doing to clearly communicate the “what” of your actions. 

My secondary philosophy for engagement is to approach things with balance. There is a time when it is to stop researching and start acting. There is a time when you must compromise to produce the best possible outcome. While working on Agriwrap, this means working with stakeholders – farmers, manufacturers, and vendors – to create a product that is both environmentally sustainable and economically practical within the existing landscape.

To see change, we must engage in the world around us rather than being bystanders. Our engagement with others should be considerate of who we are working with, the current state and culture of the problem, and lead to the ultimate goal of making a positive impact. We should be willing to interact with all those that we have the opportunity to work with. For Agriwrap, we must engage with people along the supply chain for bioplastics to better understand the production process and where we can help the most. There will be many challenges to face, such as engineering constraints of a new material, cost barriers, and scalability. However, this is an opportunity for collaboration, as no problem of this scale can be accomplished alone. All approaches should be rooted in the goal of continuous learning and flexibility with an ear to hear the needs and feedback of those we are working with.

To uphold the core principles of ethical engagement, it is of the utmost importance to work with the current culture in the Philippines and understand what values Filipinos hold that can work congruently with our mission. Collaboration is at the heart of this project and is the only way to produce a long-term impact. Additionally, as we continue to learn, we must be willing to adapt and adjust the path we take to reach our ultimate goal.

My epitaph would read: “Learned deeply, acted wisely, and loved generously”.