We are approaching my favorite holiday - Thanksgiving.  This holiday doesn't require us to spend a lot of money buying gifts.  It doesn't ask us to examine our shortcomings.  Thanksgiving doesn't need masks and playful costumes (though they are kinda fun!).  Thanksgiving is simple - it's a time to give thanks.

If there is one obligation related to Thanksgiving, it might be to distance ourselves from our day-to-day lives and appreciate all that we have.  As members of TTN, we are already receiving the gift of community, friendship, access to learning and the ability to build a meaningful life.  Even more, we have the opportunity, through our associations with other smart, experienced, and dedicated women, to have a broader impact.

We are currently preparing for our 2017 Annual Appeal.  Our research reveals that our members are very involved in volunteer activities - both inside and outside TTN.  We currently have 126 chapter leaders who serve on steering committees and manage the day-to-day tasks of welcoming new members, planning and delivering outstanding programs and activities , and overseeing transition peer groups and special interest groups. In addition, there are many, many more women who serve on committees.  That's IMPACT! 

I recently counted 32 community organizations that benefit from the time and talent of our members.  And that's only the ones I could find on our website.  I'm sure there are many others who benefit from the generosity of our members throughout the year.  That's IMPACT!

So when I think of Thanksgiving, I of course immediately think of how grateful I am for my incredible family and close friends.  They are the rocks that form the solid foundation on which I stand.  I am also very grateful for all the women of TTN who give of themselves to help others - other TTN members and even more important, those in our communities who need what we give.  That's the greatest gift of all.

TTN connects women so they can discover their impact.  Thank you for yours!