|
Community Meeting Reflections: A Journey of Learning
and Growth
As we look back on our 6th annual community meeting held in September at Cove Community Center, we're filled with gratitude for the engaged participation of our 75 attendees, including many of you reading this now. Your presence and input continue to shape our foundation's path forward.
Our keynote speaker, April Walker, founder of Philanthropy for the People, challenged us to dig deeper into our understanding of philanthropy and community building. Her words, "We are not in community and we are definitely not in solidarity with one another simply because we proclaim to be," are a reminder that our work in Lakewood requires constant attention to genuine relationship-building and understanding.
April's reference to James Baldwin's quote, "I can't believe what you say because I see what you do," underscores the importance of aligning HLF's actions with our stated values, a principle we strive to embody in our work.
The discussions that followed April's speech were equally enlightening. Many of you shared insights about the challenges facing Lakewood-serving organizations, particularly in securing funding. We heard your concerns about regional funders overlooking our zip code, and we're committed to exploring how we can better support our local nonprofits in navigating these obstacles.
One question that has stayed with us since the meeting is, "How do we reach those who are not in this room to ensure they are playing a role in the decision-making?" This is a challenge we've grappled with before, and your renewed emphasis on this point reinforces its importance. We're actively seeking ways to broaden our reach and ensure more diverse voices are included in our processes.
As we reflect on the evening, we're humbled by the wealth of knowledge and experience in our community. Your insights into the changing landscape of philanthropy, the importance of storytelling in fundraising, and the need for sustainable funding models are invaluable as we shape our strategies moving forward.
We want you to know that we don't view ourselves as experts, but as learners alongside you in this journey towards a healthier, more equitable Lakewood. Your candid feedback and thoughtful suggestions are crucial in helping us grow and improve.
Looking ahead, we're excited to dive deeper into the ideas and concerns raised at the meeting. We'll be reaching out to many of you for further discussions and collaborations. And for those who couldn't attend, we encourage you to watch the recording of the meeting on our YouTube channel and share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and partnership. Together, we're building a stronger foundation for all of Lakewood.
Sincerely,
Kate Ingersoll, Executive Director
| 
