Oh, yeah...
... and a shout out to my girlz of United Way International... blogging fools! They're here to soak up everything you have to offer, so if you see one of us say hey: Wamite, Lauren, Ying, Kyong Suk, Tomoko, Kendra, Agnieszka, Juanita, Joyce, Mila, Roma...
... and mos def the boss lady Teresa.
(yeah, foreign chick trying out american slang... try not to cringe too hard!)
... and mos def the boss lady Teresa.
(yeah, foreign chick trying out american slang... try not to cringe too hard!)
First Day, Initial Thoughts...
Over two thousand people are at this SLC. Amazing.
Walking into the main hall was an experience. Hundreds of circular tables covered with white table cloth, smiling people introducing themselves left and right, music in the background livening up the mood, and a state-of-the-art stage that boasted three large screens that captured the movements of our key speakers. I was impressed by the environment, but more impressed and inspired by the words of these speakers.
One speaker recited the poem "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole as part of his talk. Indeed, people who do good work are truly bridge builders-- and I think it is more critical than ever to pave good paths for our youth, the future leaders of society. Here is the poem again!
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide—
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."
Walking into the main hall was an experience. Hundreds of circular tables covered with white table cloth, smiling people introducing themselves left and right, music in the background livening up the mood, and a state-of-the-art stage that boasted three large screens that captured the movements of our key speakers. I was impressed by the environment, but more impressed and inspired by the words of these speakers.
One speaker recited the poem "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole as part of his talk. Indeed, people who do good work are truly bridge builders-- and I think it is more critical than ever to pave good paths for our youth, the future leaders of society. Here is the poem again!
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide—
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."
Just next door...
When I was a kid I lived surrounded by poverty. Tweens who had survived on the streets since they were five lived under corrugated iron angled against the stucco walls defending five bedroom villas. When I got home from school I’d swipe a bottle of clean water from the fridge and swig gulp after gulp cause… gosh… a 2 hour ride home on an un-air-conditioned school bus in 115 degrees Fahrenheit is pretty tough. Corrugated iron. Steel sweep of bright yellow roof. You think this is going to be a story about terrible suffering, a la Sally Struthers. Or maybe how audacious hope and compassion turned some kids’ lives around. Nope – those are true, but are not this story. Just trying to say that today, those kids might be alive, maybe not… but their successors are still finding a way to survive. And most of them are smart and audacious. They’ve learned enough English to be charming to tourists. Enough acting to be irresistible to donors. Enough canniness to know when to take a risk and when to duck. Enough teamwork to know when to share bread and lentils and when to scatter and regroup after the danger’s over. They sell trinkets, cigarettes, their services as guides… or as sex workers. They never stop. Their energy for survival drives them to work, and work, and work. They, as much as your children, cousins, nieces, nephews, are the future of our species.
And I’ll tell you finally what I’m trying to explain: they embody many of the qualities I want to see in my leaders. They are most decidedly not the least of us.
Dividendo por Colombia knows that the way to nourish healthy neighborhoods now and in the future is to make sure the children of destitute families get a good education; they’ve gotten the department of education, businesses and parents group to join them in this effort. 
I learned last week that, thanks to the United Way in Edmonton, Canada, 90% of their 3rd graders are now prepared for 4th grade and beyond; used to be 30%. 
I learned today that the United Way of Central Indiana also recognizes the leadership potential in children: their teenagers give, volunteer and help make funding decisions.
Some day, there will be a United Way in Egypt, founded by Egyptians who share our hope and determination… and that’s why I’m here. Because what we’ve learned in Edmonton, and Indianapolis, and Bogota can be transformed into tools for visionaries everywhere working with their neighbors to build better lives. And besides… Cairo’s just the next neighborhood over.
8:04 PM Permalink |
Fundamentals - United Way Overview part one
Let the learning begin!
First, as a relative newbie to the system, my first impressions of the SLC has been great! I personnally would like a soundtrack from the first two general sessions.
now, down to business.
The first Fundamental session began with a great new version of poker. All dealt one card, we were asked to make a "winning hand" by finding people in the crowd with the same cards. Basically, this meant finding your matching cards in a sea of chaos. Dealt a pretty good card, Queen of Hearts, I immedietely found my home with the royal flush of hearts. In the grand excitement of the moment, I grabbed all five cards and ran to the front to show the judges. (In my defense, someone did yell at me to go to the front). However, upon arrival at the judges, I realized i had left my entire team behind! So i had to go back to find the bunch- again aligning myself in the sea of chaos.
Sadly, we lost the competition to the royal flush of spades. Then, close behind us was the ever-powerful group of 8 2's. Maybe not the best hand, but deserves an E for Effort for doing your best with the cards you were dealt.
Lessons i took away from this activity -
a) Never leave your team behind, you can't make it alone.
b) Even if you are a two of hearts, still do your best to make the best team you can
Then, we moved on to the first module of the Overview of United Way. It was a great way to meet people from United Ways accross the county and other newbies. It is always motivating to hear how other people got involved in United Way and see that we are all a part of such a giant and powerful movement.
Topics of the Day
-Mission, Vision, Values, Theory of Change
-Structure, Leadership, Membership, Standards of Excellence
Special shout out to my very own United Way International with our own informational slide. If anyone in the session wants more information, please let me know!
Now time for some celebration at Heinz field. Thanks to everyone for making this such an enjoyable and productive experience.
First, as a relative newbie to the system, my first impressions of the SLC has been great! I personnally would like a soundtrack from the first two general sessions.
now, down to business.
The first Fundamental session began with a great new version of poker. All dealt one card, we were asked to make a "winning hand" by finding people in the crowd with the same cards. Basically, this meant finding your matching cards in a sea of chaos. Dealt a pretty good card, Queen of Hearts, I immedietely found my home with the royal flush of hearts. In the grand excitement of the moment, I grabbed all five cards and ran to the front to show the judges. (In my defense, someone did yell at me to go to the front). However, upon arrival at the judges, I realized i had left my entire team behind! So i had to go back to find the bunch- again aligning myself in the sea of chaos.
Sadly, we lost the competition to the royal flush of spades. Then, close behind us was the ever-powerful group of 8 2's. Maybe not the best hand, but deserves an E for Effort for doing your best with the cards you were dealt.
Lessons i took away from this activity -
a) Never leave your team behind, you can't make it alone.
b) Even if you are a two of hearts, still do your best to make the best team you can
Then, we moved on to the first module of the Overview of United Way. It was a great way to meet people from United Ways accross the county and other newbies. It is always motivating to hear how other people got involved in United Way and see that we are all a part of such a giant and powerful movement.
Topics of the Day
-Mission, Vision, Values, Theory of Change
-Structure, Leadership, Membership, Standards of Excellence
Special shout out to my very own United Way International with our own informational slide. If anyone in the session wants more information, please let me know!
Now time for some celebration at Heinz field. Thanks to everyone for making this such an enjoyable and productive experience.
Share your vision. Tell your story. Then lead.
Mike Eskew's comments were good fodder for a brainstorming session that I had with myself over some good apple pie.
There is no vision that is too bold for any organization that aspires to make an impact. For UPS, it's to enable global commerce. We in United Way say that our mission is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. That's a good start. But I would challenge us to take it a step further and say that we're about enabling personal aspirations. We are helping children enter school ready to learn. We're helping people attain financial stability. We're improving people's health. These are all good outcomes. But in the end, what will our work in these focus areas achieve?
Let's be bold. We're just like UPS in that we are providing people with the vehicles for achieving their dreams. But instead of linking people and businesses via brown trucks and package delivery systems, we're linking people to their dreams by making sure that they have skills, money, and health. It's that simple.
37 Years of Service
I was struck when our host city CEO -- Bill Meyer of Pittsburgh --- said that he began with United Way 37 year's ago. Then a bit later, Mark O'Connell of Atlanta, had just reached that milestone.
Both of these men are retiring from United Way in the coming weeks. I have had the chance to know them for many years. For me, while I am happy for them, I have a bit of melancholy about the departure of this combined 75 years of service.
Within them rests a deep perspective about what United Way stands for, where we have been and where we might go. They have a deep curiosity about why some communities make progress and others don't. They care about those around them and work to mentor others. Mission first, institution second, self last. They represent the best of who we are.
I have a great deal of respect for the work they have done. Much of our progress today in some ways is built upon the work they have accomplished over the years. Simply, they made others and the communities in which they served better.
My hope is that for a system like ours that isn't very good at taking time for reflection and development of critical thinking, we need to find ways to keep the talents of Bill, Mark and others engaged with us. We must create the pathway --- the space --- for that engagement. Why? Because it will make us all better at the work we do each day.
To you Bill and Mark, I say thank you and God's speed in the days ahead.
Both of these men are retiring from United Way in the coming weeks. I have had the chance to know them for many years. For me, while I am happy for them, I have a bit of melancholy about the departure of this combined 75 years of service.
Within them rests a deep perspective about what United Way stands for, where we have been and where we might go. They have a deep curiosity about why some communities make progress and others don't. They care about those around them and work to mentor others. Mission first, institution second, self last. They represent the best of who we are.
I have a great deal of respect for the work they have done. Much of our progress today in some ways is built upon the work they have accomplished over the years. Simply, they made others and the communities in which they served better.
My hope is that for a system like ours that isn't very good at taking time for reflection and development of critical thinking, we need to find ways to keep the talents of Bill, Mark and others engaged with us. We must create the pathway --- the space --- for that engagement. Why? Because it will make us all better at the work we do each day.
To you Bill and Mark, I say thank you and God's speed in the days ahead.
UPS by Horse
Mark O'Connell, CEO of Metro Atlanta United Way, introduced UPS as United Way's best friend. How true. At the end of his introduction, he brought out Mike Eskew, Chairman and CEO, of UPS. Mike shared with us the UPS story --- the transformation of UPS since 1907.
As I listened to how UPS has made a global imprint, I thought of how they do whatever it takes to fulfill their mission. In Northern Michigan, there is a small beautiful town located on Mackinac Island. Christopher Reeves once made a film at the Grand Hotel located on the island. A small location of paradise in the waters of Lake Michigan. The deal is though, no cars allowed. Hence, no trucks. Any trucks. Even Brown Trucks.
On a recent visit, as I walked up to the Grand Hotel, there went past me on horse a UPS driver with packages for delivery. Dressed in his 'browns', the driver headed off to get the package to the customer.
So when they say the do whatever it takes to satisfy a customer ---- they mean it. We can learn much from our partner UPS, but their fierce focus on mission and the satisfaction of a customer is a beacon we must follow. Even if it means climbing on the horse.
As I listened to how UPS has made a global imprint, I thought of how they do whatever it takes to fulfill their mission. In Northern Michigan, there is a small beautiful town located on Mackinac Island. Christopher Reeves once made a film at the Grand Hotel located on the island. A small location of paradise in the waters of Lake Michigan. The deal is though, no cars allowed. Hence, no trucks. Any trucks. Even Brown Trucks.
On a recent visit, as I walked up to the Grand Hotel, there went past me on horse a UPS driver with packages for delivery. Dressed in his 'browns', the driver headed off to get the package to the customer.
So when they say the do whatever it takes to satisfy a customer ---- they mean it. We can learn much from our partner UPS, but their fierce focus on mission and the satisfaction of a customer is a beacon we must follow. Even if it means climbing on the horse.
UPS and United Way: Transformation Imperative and "Disruptive Innovation"
When we in the UWA Center for Community Leadership were casting about for keynote speakers for the SLC we thought about a leader from one of our National Corporate Leadership companies--and were delighted to learn that Mike Eskew, CEO of UPS, was both available and interested in speaking. His interest was not just a signal of his company's continuing commitment to United Way, but also because he's in the midst of a 70 city "barnstorming tour" across UPS to talk about their own transformation--and transformation is what we are both worrying about, big time.
As we heard in his remarks this afternoon, there were many similarities between UPS challenges to change and United Ways: both are venerable organizations, both are major market players in their industries, and both face ongoing threats to position by nimble and entrepreneurial players in a fast changing world. Eskew several times used the phrase "disruptive innovation"--and the way a business game can suddenly change when some discontinuity (technology, business model, new entrants, etc) suddenly arises. The phrase "disruptive innovation" was first developed by a Harvard Business School professor, Clay Christensen whose now classic volume on the topic--the Innovator's Dilemma (http://http://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Dilemma-Revolutionary-Business-Essentials/dp/0060521996/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7453986-8611028?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179343412&sr=1-1 )-argues a case which a business consultant friend, talking with me recently, referenced saying "it fits United Way to a T."
The basic idea is that every successful business over time gets entrenched in a co-dependent relationship with its biggest and best customers--they like us to provide certain services at a certain price, and we aim to please in return; and over time we each get deeper and deeper into each other's arms. Meanwhile, lower cost or more efficient competitors start to nibble away at the edges--first with cheaper, perhaps less desirable solutons--but which can suddenly explode if the market, seeking innovation, suddenly embraces the new alternatives. And as business pours into the new offerings, they in turn gets better and better--which only makes the incumbant hold on tighter and try to incrementalize itself better and better to its former position of strength. You know how the story ends...incrementalizing doesn't win (at least long term).
So the challenge for incumbents--which all started at one point as innovators--is to figure out how to maintain position but at the same time create their own radical alternatives that will ultimately disrupt themselves. Our United Way strategic question becomes--is "community impact" a disruptive innovation, or merely an incremental improvement over a status quo model for donors whose days are ultimately numbered ? There was a time when United Way vaulted over many other charities with the then disruptive innovation called "payroll deduction." It its day it was a brilliant advance; will history regard community impact as the next one in the world we seek to make better? Or does the real disruptive innovation we need still lie ahead?
As we heard in his remarks this afternoon, there were many similarities between UPS challenges to change and United Ways: both are venerable organizations, both are major market players in their industries, and both face ongoing threats to position by nimble and entrepreneurial players in a fast changing world. Eskew several times used the phrase "disruptive innovation"--and the way a business game can suddenly change when some discontinuity (technology, business model, new entrants, etc) suddenly arises. The phrase "disruptive innovation" was first developed by a Harvard Business School professor, Clay Christensen whose now classic volume on the topic--the Innovator's Dilemma (http://http://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Dilemma-Revolutionary-Business-Essentials/dp/0060521996/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7453986-8611028?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179343412&sr=1-1 )-argues a case which a business consultant friend, talking with me recently, referenced saying "it fits United Way to a T."
The basic idea is that every successful business over time gets entrenched in a co-dependent relationship with its biggest and best customers--they like us to provide certain services at a certain price, and we aim to please in return; and over time we each get deeper and deeper into each other's arms. Meanwhile, lower cost or more efficient competitors start to nibble away at the edges--first with cheaper, perhaps less desirable solutons--but which can suddenly explode if the market, seeking innovation, suddenly embraces the new alternatives. And as business pours into the new offerings, they in turn gets better and better--which only makes the incumbant hold on tighter and try to incrementalize itself better and better to its former position of strength. You know how the story ends...incrementalizing doesn't win (at least long term).
So the challenge for incumbents--which all started at one point as innovators--is to figure out how to maintain position but at the same time create their own radical alternatives that will ultimately disrupt themselves. Our United Way strategic question becomes--is "community impact" a disruptive innovation, or merely an incremental improvement over a status quo model for donors whose days are ultimately numbered ? There was a time when United Way vaulted over many other charities with the then disruptive innovation called "payroll deduction." It its day it was a brilliant advance; will history regard community impact as the next one in the world we seek to make better? Or does the real disruptive innovation we need still lie ahead?
The Common Good --- Pathways
Brian Gallagher, in his keynote address to the Staff Leader's Conference today, spoke of the importance of United Way leaders putting voice to the 'common good.' That is, in a society that has created a core capacity for special interest, there must be organizations/leaders who stand for a broader ---- more inclusive----target. The Common Good is a clear recognition that none of us truly succeed when we have large portions of our communities falling further behind.
As I view it, United Way will need to be more often identified as creating 'pathways' to the common good. When we are at our best, United Way provides individuals and institutions ways to 'connect with', 'participate in' and 'link with other interested parties' who are working on the common good.
When we are viewed by others as the pathway for the expression of a personal mission or organization's mission, we have lifted up our role in community in a more powerful way.
So when we talk about increasing our investment in issues like financial stability from $1 billion to $1.5 billion ----- that is important. But as powerful is if United Way creates the pathway for citizens to help others leverage assets like EITC. Could United Way set a national target to mobilize 1, 000, 000 trained volunteers to work in communities to double the utilization of Earned Income Tax Credits? Can United Way be the pathway to engagement? The pathway to connect to a larger purpose? The mobilizer of action. The pathway to the common good?
I think the answer is yes.
As I view it, United Way will need to be more often identified as creating 'pathways' to the common good. When we are at our best, United Way provides individuals and institutions ways to 'connect with', 'participate in' and 'link with other interested parties' who are working on the common good.
When we are viewed by others as the pathway for the expression of a personal mission or organization's mission, we have lifted up our role in community in a more powerful way.
So when we talk about increasing our investment in issues like financial stability from $1 billion to $1.5 billion ----- that is important. But as powerful is if United Way creates the pathway for citizens to help others leverage assets like EITC. Could United Way set a national target to mobilize 1, 000, 000 trained volunteers to work in communities to double the utilization of Earned Income Tax Credits? Can United Way be the pathway to engagement? The pathway to connect to a larger purpose? The mobilizer of action. The pathway to the common good?
I think the answer is yes.
Michael the Video Guy
An incredible amount of work behind the scenes goes into making the conference a success. There are many people that work night and day to give us such a great experience and I'd like to introduce you to one such individual - Michael the video guy!
Michael manages all of the camera feeds and videos that you see in the general sessions and without him, we would be staring at a blank screen... I always find it interesting to ask people about what they do, and here's what he said:
More from "behind the scenes" later!
Michael manages all of the camera feeds and videos that you see in the general sessions and without him, we would be staring at a blank screen... I always find it interesting to ask people about what they do, and here's what he said:
More from "behind the scenes" later!
Great Start to the 2007 SLC Webcast Series!
Every year, I find it very exciting to see the months and months of preparations, planning and hard work come together in the opening General Session. The first session is so important because it sets the tone for the rest of the conference. It is also very exciting for those of us behind the scenes - as we hold our collective breath until the first speaker takes the first few steps on stage.
For the webcasting crew, today marked a very successful launch of the 2007 SLC webcast series. Our morning started at 6am - giving us just enough time to get ready for the first session:
After all was said and done, we had about 120 locations log on for the first webinar and nearly 90 log on to the second. All of the post-session feedback was extremely positive and we are looking forward to the remaining four webcasts on Thursday and Friday.
If you missed the live general session (either in person or online),
Click here to view Webcast #1
Click here to view Webcast #2
For the webcasting crew, today marked a very successful launch of the 2007 SLC webcast series. Our morning started at 6am - giving us just enough time to get ready for the first session:
After all was said and done, we had about 120 locations log on for the first webinar and nearly 90 log on to the second. All of the post-session feedback was extremely positive and we are looking forward to the remaining four webcasts on Thursday and Friday.
If you missed the live general session (either in person or online),
Click here to view Webcast #1
Click here to view Webcast #2
Lunch Session Live
What a great treat to celebrate UPS as a partner with United Way. Mark O'Connell introduced the CEO of UPS (Mike Eskew) by saying UPS was an organizational "best friend." Best friend indeed.
As I listen to Mike Eskew, I heard him say something we should be able to relate to.... he said UPS is NOT a trucking company. It is a technology company with trucks. I immediately thought that similarly, UW is NOT a fund-raising organization. We are a community impact organization that does fund-raising.
Mike focused on partnership, and said that the reason UPS is such a friend to UW is that we are local, and we increase access to opportunities. We are not a short-term charity. We are about lasting solutions. He also applauded our sense of accountability. He urged that our partnership must continue to develop and move forward...raising the bar.
Then Mike shared a term they use at UPS: Constructive Dissatisfaction....always looking to improve. I like that term.
Finally, Mike discussed leadership. He said the essence of leadership is vision. Leaders must continue sharing and communicating the vision, and creating inspiration around the vision.
He left us with 3 areas we should focus on:
1. Global future.
2. Voluntarism.
3. Tell your story. Share your vision.
Good stuff!
As I listen to Mike Eskew, I heard him say something we should be able to relate to.... he said UPS is NOT a trucking company. It is a technology company with trucks. I immediately thought that similarly, UW is NOT a fund-raising organization. We are a community impact organization that does fund-raising.
Mike focused on partnership, and said that the reason UPS is such a friend to UW is that we are local, and we increase access to opportunities. We are not a short-term charity. We are about lasting solutions. He also applauded our sense of accountability. He urged that our partnership must continue to develop and move forward...raising the bar.
Then Mike shared a term they use at UPS: Constructive Dissatisfaction....always looking to improve. I like that term.
Finally, Mike discussed leadership. He said the essence of leadership is vision. Leaders must continue sharing and communicating the vision, and creating inspiration around the vision.
He left us with 3 areas we should focus on:
1. Global future.
2. Voluntarism.
3. Tell your story. Share your vision.
Good stuff!
The Opening Gate
Here is my first official post for SLC and it is on the Opening Session. Since this is my first SLC I do not know what to expect. So walking into the room and hearing Shakira on the loud speaker, well it shattered any idea that this will be stuffy event. Then the dancers in the beginning great way to open!
Kudos to Bill on all the work he began with creating Day of Caring. It made me think of how far an idea can go. Especially since United Way Ghana had their first Day of Caring last year. I wonder if Bill thought his idea would spread the waters? That is the "Audacity to Hope" as he stated.
During Brian's speech he said a few quick things that really stuck out to me. First, "resources under you management," I love that phrase. It will be added to my United Way vocabulary. He mentioned United Way's great progress but how we need to move at a faster rate. I concur, I am sure everyone here is ready for this challenge. Another issue which I have coincidentally been in conversations about a lot lately is America's graduation rate. How it is not as positive as the statistics first made it seem. Of course once he spoke of United Way International (UWI) I became excited (yay for the UWI team). I hope his words encouraged all UW staff to broaden their scope of community impact, since America's communities/corporations have a global face.
Time for lunch so till next time.
Kudos to Bill on all the work he began with creating Day of Caring. It made me think of how far an idea can go. Especially since United Way Ghana had their first Day of Caring last year. I wonder if Bill thought his idea would spread the waters? That is the "Audacity to Hope" as he stated.
During Brian's speech he said a few quick things that really stuck out to me. First, "resources under you management," I love that phrase. It will be added to my United Way vocabulary. He mentioned United Way's great progress but how we need to move at a faster rate. I concur, I am sure everyone here is ready for this challenge. Another issue which I have coincidentally been in conversations about a lot lately is America's graduation rate. How it is not as positive as the statistics first made it seem. Of course once he spoke of United Way International (UWI) I became excited (yay for the UWI team). I hope his words encouraged all UW staff to broaden their scope of community impact, since America's communities/corporations have a global face.
Time for lunch so till next time.
Labels: international
I Forgot My Sunglasses...
The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades (Timbuk 3) - "I love my classes I got a crazy teacher, he wears dark glasses Things are going great, and they're only getting better I'm doing all right, getting good grades The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades "
Not only is this a great quote from a great song and if you can guess it - then not only were you a product of the 80's, but also on the top of the roof of the convention center for the SLC opening reception - I know I am gonna love my classes/seminars - I know I will have some crazy teachers - they may be wearing the sunglasses that were handed out last night - and after seeing all the late night "networking", I am sure the sunglasses will be used today - despite the rain...Today, will be bright.
I would love to hear from others - what song would sum up your first experience at the conference...
Side Note:
After the great reception - we headed out to a great local place for food called "Tapas" - its kinda like a very fancy sushi. While it was a great experience - i couldn't help but crave something a little more hearty like "Cincy Chile" that really sticks to your ribs.
Charles (B Log )
Not only is this a great quote from a great song and if you can guess it - then not only were you a product of the 80's, but also on the top of the roof of the convention center for the SLC opening reception - I know I am gonna love my classes/seminars - I know I will have some crazy teachers - they may be wearing the sunglasses that were handed out last night - and after seeing all the late night "networking", I am sure the sunglasses will be used today - despite the rain...Today, will be bright.
I would love to hear from others - what song would sum up your first experience at the conference...
Side Note:
After the great reception - we headed out to a great local place for food called "Tapas" - its kinda like a very fancy sushi. While it was a great experience - i couldn't help but crave something a little more hearty like "Cincy Chile" that really sticks to your ribs.
Charles (B Log )
Terrible Towels!
Ok, while it would have been cool for each of us to get a Steeler Terrible Towel, the welcome event is a huge hit. Great big band music, super food and drink, great environment, and Steeler QB Charlie Batch. Not to mention the super fellowship you only get among UW pros! Thanks to the Steelers and the NFL for their partnership and hospitality.
Opening Session Live (Final)
Brian doesn't give many speeches without talking about the global work and network. He reminded us that along with business and government, the voluntary sector MUST work at a global level.
Finally, he reiterated that the UW profession is an honorable place to be, and the best place to be in the non-profit sector. But we must remember that we don't succeed unless everyone succeeds.
All people want in life is a good job, a decent place to live, and financial stability. And we (UW) have the responsibility to lead our communities to a greater future.
Following Brian's speech, an overview on the Financial Stability Partnership.
Opening Session Live (part 3)
More of Brian's keynote....
The social contract has changed. The givens have changed. As I listen to Brian talk about EITC and other fiancial stability issues, I am reminded that we are an organization focused on the issues that make America what it is. Big issues. Issues the government grapples with. Schools wrestle with them. Families struggle with them. We're talking about the very fabric of our communitites. What a big job! And what a great position we are in to become/be the leaders. The Financial Stability Partnership is UW's response, but is still in early stages.
Brian shared a story of a woman in San Antonio who has struggled her way to financial stability. It always helps to put a real face on the issues.
It's not just about human services. It's about changing systems.
The social contract has changed. The givens have changed. As I listen to Brian talk about EITC and other fiancial stability issues, I am reminded that we are an organization focused on the issues that make America what it is. Big issues. Issues the government grapples with. Schools wrestle with them. Families struggle with them. We're talking about the very fabric of our communitites. What a big job! And what a great position we are in to become/be the leaders. The Financial Stability Partnership is UW's response, but is still in early stages.
Brian shared a story of a woman in San Antonio who has struggled her way to financial stability. It always helps to put a real face on the issues.
It's not just about human services. It's about changing systems.
Opening Session Live (part 2)
Brian opens with what it means to be a UW professional. In usual Brian Gallagher fashion, pride is a theme. "We need each other," he said. He spoke about mentors that help us become the best professionals we can be.
Next, it was on to "what were we talking about 5 years ago?" We were talking about restoring pride, and creating impact. We took courageous steps toward tall orders. And we have made progress. Brand value is up, resources/revenue is up, and impact is up.
Next, challenges:
1. We're too slow. We still have old value proposition. We need to be more bold. We are making institutional progress, but we are still not making community progress at a fast enough rate.
Next, it was on to "what were we talking about 5 years ago?" We were talking about restoring pride, and creating impact. We took courageous steps toward tall orders. And we have made progress. Brand value is up, resources/revenue is up, and impact is up.
Next, challenges:
1. We're too slow. We still have old value proposition. We need to be more bold. We are making institutional progress, but we are still not making community progress at a fast enough rate.
Opening Session1
Great start to the week at the opening session. The dance presentation was a very inspirational way for us to see "the people we help." It's a good reminder that the people for whom we work each day have many different faces, and as many individual stories and needs. The message is clear. We don't do what we do to raise money, crunch numbers, or facilitate meetings. We do it to give people hope.Brian's next. More to come......
The gloves really are nice...stop by the United eWay booth and see...grow your campaigns - naturally!
randy
United eWay
randy
United eWay
Off and Running
What a great start! Very nice reception last night, and then a real treat for me to get together with my fellow ExecuSTEP alumni for dinner at the 1902 Tavern. This morning, it's over to the center to register (got in late last night), and then to breakfast with a member of the Resident Fellowes program to learn more about her experience and progress in leading in her United Way Role.
I am looking forward to the opening session this morning as well. I always enjoy hearing Brian's perspective on how the system is doing. In our dinner conversation last night, we discussed how the United Way "movement" is alive and well. But we're always asking - what next? We know we're not "there" yet, but we're moving forward, and that's always exciting!
I am looking forward to the opening session this morning as well. I always enjoy hearing Brian's perspective on how the system is doing. In our dinner conversation last night, we discussed how the United Way "movement" is alive and well. But we're always asking - what next? We know we're not "there" yet, but we're moving forward, and that's always exciting!
