As I transition out of work and into maternity leave, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be a mother and an organizer. One thing stands out clearly for me- So much of our work is focused on building “the team” and growing our collective. This work is not work to do alone. We need each other. We need each other to grow and to see ourselves better.

We need each other to be recognized for who we are and who we can become. We need each other because the challenges and opportunities ahead of us need to be looked at, analyzed and worked on by a diverse team of people to bring the awareness and broad perspectives that each issue and each community deserves.

As we’ve heard for so long, it takes a village to raise children AND it takes a broad base of organizations to raise and develop the cities and leaders we hope for and deserve.

Young children force us to have an imagination. This is a gift we need to apply to our work together. Imagination is the act of creating what could be. I believe this skill will set organizations a part. Spend time developing this and hold it in tension with what is… see if it helps agitate you to act more often.

I look forward to joining back in the work with you in April. I hope to hear new stories of how you’ve challenged each other to grow and how you’ve helped shape the cities we live in to be more just and representatives of our collective values.

Wishing you success and courage for the work ahead, and don’t forget to have fun doing it!

Sincerely,
Carol Prichard, IAFNW