Nonprofit Leadership, We Salute to You | Part 2 – COVID-19 Impact Reflection
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Challenge Workshop with, Valarie Willis Consulting. This three day program included team members from various nonprofits in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. The Leadership Challenge Workshop is based off the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership and the thirty behaviors correlated with the practices. The program was hosted by the Leadership Council for Nonprofits.
A couple weeks after the workshop Valarie Willis wrote an article highlighting the local nonprofits who participated and how they have “Challenged the Process” during this pandemic. When reflecting on our work at the World Affairs Council and how we challenged the process I wanted to highlight our Tech2Students Program that supplied new Chromebooks and wifi for students in Covington, Kentucky.
To view the original article please visit our previous blog posts here.
“At the end of the day, who you were will matter to someone you least expected.” – Valarie Willis
My job has shifted dramatically.
Before the pandemic I was in schools every week working with students. I was partnering directly with local nonprofit organizations. My work was about gathering together.
My work has shifted dramatically.
Before the pandemic, my team and I were constantly on the go. We barely had time to reflect and address our work or even our passions.
During the pandemic, my team found time.
We decided to step back and address what our students and teachers really needed. We started with 6th District Elementary in Covington, Kentucky.
Through our conversations the need for new computers and wifi in homes became a common theme as teachers and students prepared and adapted to remote learning. Through our Tech2Students Program we raised money for 30 elementary students to get their very own Chromebook (and wifi in their homes) at Sixth District Elementary School.
Each student who was nominated for a computer became Global Ambassadors as they completed our Art Meets World Projects where they learned and created art for Japan, Mexico, India, and China.
I didn’t think we would raise enough for even one laptop.
My world has shifted dramatically.
This initiative isn’t small. It has brought me joy, connection, gratitude, and a sense of gathering that I missed so dearly.
