The GeT Sustainability Summit occurred on June 28, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, and offered a unique opportunity for members to connect, share updates, and discuss the future of the GeT: A Pencil community. This event was an engaging session focused on sustainability and community growth. The event was attended by leaders of the GeT Community Julia StGoar, Steven Boyce, Stephen Szydlik, Sharon Vestal, Nathaniel Miller, Mara Markinson, Dorin Dumitrascu, Pat Herbst, Amanda Brown, and Anthony Davis.

A key highlight of the summit was the presentation by Pat Herbst outlining  a vision for sustaining the GeT: A Pencil’s  core activities, emphasizing their importance in maintaining the community’s momentum and engagement.

This segment continued with brief descriptions from GRIP lab members outlining the original intent and purposes of three core activities that the lab plans to continue through shared leadership: Newsletter, Seminar, and Working Groups.  

Regarding the GeT: A Pencil Newsletter, Anthony Davis shared details including that the newsletter is released tri-annually, serves as a vital tool for fostering community, sustaining engagement, and showcasing valuable content. It also highlights member stories, celebrated achievements, and encourages active interaction. Amanda Brown shared about the weekly seminars, which features both internal and external speakers, and provides a platform for professional development, community building, and collaborative scholarship. The seminar also enables instructors to stay connected and share their work. The working groups, as described by Pat Herbst, focus on specific objectives and principles, aims to drive sustained engagement and communication among members, and ensures the growth and effectiveness of the GeT community.

Participants then engaged an interactive discussion to clarify questions, share feedback, and propose next steps. These discussions provided a platform for members to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and collaboratively shape the vision for sustaining the work of the GeT: A Pencil project.

The summit concluded with breakout sessions to address specific questions and gather feedback, followed by a summary of next steps. This collaborative effort aimed to strengthen the GeT community and ensure the sustainability of its key activities.

The afternoon of meaningful discussions and community building was a time to work together to shape the future of the GeT: A Pencil initiative. It is our hope that the  summit serves as a crucial step in the ongoing journey toward creating a sustainable and engaged community.