Babette's Feast
A film that captures the spirit of our work in the social impact sector
💰 If you won a huge lottery ticket, would you give it all away?
🎞️ I recently rewatched the beautiful Oscar-winning film, Babette's Feast. It is about remarkable generosity that has the power to heal a broken community. The movie reflects the same spirit I see everyday in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. The word philanthropy means love of humanity. This is why we serve.
A few days ago I met with a social change leader in Nigeria who told me that he grew up in extreme poverty and that as a young man, he had felt hopeless and abandoned. The healing work of nonprofits in his community changed his life. Now he is working alongside changemakers to continue the work and to restore hope for others. I wish you could have seen the spirit of love and fire in his eyes.
To my friends in the nonprofit sector, you have countless stories like this. In response to shameful mischaracterizing of humanitarian and nonprofit work of late, keep speaking up. Share your powerful stories of generosity and service. You are changing the world!
Whether you donate, volunteer, or are carrying out the important work of nonprofits, stay strong, keep the faith. Your generosity makes all the difference. 💪
What are you reading?
What are you reading for women's history month? Do you have favorite stories of women leaders and social change innovators? Far too many to list here but these are some of my favorites, the list continues to grow. I am halfway through The Blue Sweater, and it brings back memories from my experience overseas in international development. An honest portrayal of the complexities, challenges and lessons of poverty alleviation work that rings very true. 💪 💖 Bravo to these courageous and bold trailblazers!
What I’ve been up to:
Looking for ideas, encouragement, or perhaps just some fun?
🛠️ If you are looking for a small group setting to build community, Lori Stanley and I host "Casual Conversations with Lori and Leah." It's free, it's virtual. You set the agenda. Here is what our thoughtful February participants put on the agenda:
🔷Board members and executive directors, clarity of roles
🔷Monetizing and fee for service for nonprofits
🔷Funding freeze impacts on nonprofit services
🔷Volunteer management
☕ We keep it small and intimate and limit it to six participants. There are a few slots left for April, and we just added May and June dates. Join us! Register at this link.
Book talk at Flagler College
Last month I had the privilege to escape the DC snow and travel to beautiful St. Augustine, Florida to speak with Flagler College students about themes from my book and bringing your innovation A game. 💡 Grateful to Dr. Derek Yonai and the Brown Innovation Center for hosting, a wonderful event. 🌴 What a stunningly beautiful campus.
Interview on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
🎙️ 💖 Enjoyed talking with Dr. Rob Harter on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast about how to bring more innovation to your nonprofit. We spoke about why innovation is often overlooked in the nonprofit sector. 🎧 Check out our conversation and other great nonprofit podcast episodes here!
🍃🍃🍃 The last few months have been a whirlwind, I had the privilege to give a virtual book talk at Georgetown University. I’m enjoying a nonprofit leadership masterminds course taught by the great Patton McDowell. Was unexpectedly pulled into 6 fascinating days of jury duty. I’m enjoying working with my nonprofit clients on strategy, pilots and experiments, and streamlining and improving a grant-making process. And as a gardener, excited about the oncoming spring, and the cherry trees about to burst here in the DC area.
I would love to hear what you are up to - let’s connect! 😊
Best, Leah