← We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
624. Hold Fast: How ImpactUp Hosts Are Fostering Community IRL - Crystal Clark, Lisa Gareau, Bart Lillie and Keicy Cabrera
00:43:29
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- [00:01]
John
Hey, I'm John.
- [00:02]
Becky
And I'm Becky.
- [00:03]
John
And this is the We Are for Good podcast.
- [00:06]
Becky
Nonprofits are faced with more challenges to accomplish their missions and the growing pressure to do more, raise more, and be more for the causes that improve our world.
- [00:15]
John
We're here to learn with you from some of the best in the industry, bringing the most innovative ideas, inspirational stories, all to create an impact uprising.
- [00:24]
Becky
So welcome to the good community. We're nonprofit professionals, philanthropists, world changers, and rabid fans who are striving to bring a little more goodness into the world.
- [00:34]
John
So let's get started. Hey, Becky, what's happening?
- [00:38]
Becky
I'm grinning from ear to ear because our community is in the house and I'm really happy about it.
- [00:44]
John
I know like from the beginning of starting this podcast, how have we never re recorded our intro? It was like us before we could even podcast. We recorded that song that plays when it starts. And from the beginning, we were always like to create an impact uprising. It's been there from episode zero until today. And we are just marking a year of impact up gatherings. So this idea of what starts here ripples and the idea that we're so much better and stronger in community. We just had this idea of what if we ask our community to get together quarterly and have a bigger conversation and not let it end, but let it ripple. And let's find new friends and push things around and support each other and be kind to each other and open our hands and grow the table. In a time when everything is changing, the greatest heartbeat is community. And to pull in together, community was the answer. And so to sit across from some of our incredible local hosts that not only held space, but also poured into this movement and grew and made the conversation so much richer, like it just means the world.
- [01:43]
Becky
And they didn't just like host one time. They continued to just keep raising their hands. And so I got to kick it off by introducing some someone who's about to become my neighbor somewhat. Bart Lilly. He's been one of the reoccurring hosts for the Denver meetup. He's a VP of Partner engagement at Synergy. And if you know Bart, he is always the kindest person in the room. He brings energy, heart, and this commitment to real human connection. And he's known for creating authentic donor experiences through storytelling, through innovation, through honest engagement. He's a incredible strategist and my gosh, so deeply honored and humbled to call him friend and one of our local hosts. So, Bart, welcome to the podcast.
- [02:27]
Bart Lilly
Thank you. Super excited to be Here.
- [02:30]
John
And we couldn't do a conversation like this without Casey Cabrera. She makes home in Caracas, Venezuela. She is an international consultant for social projects. She helps change makers translate chaos into clarity. Hello. All of that we need, but her global experience. She's worked with incredible organizations like Save the Children. Her work in MEAL specifically for fundraising strategy. She brings both systems thinking and human centered support to the social impact space. And I met Kasey several months ago and what started as like a LinkedIn DM turned into, oh my gosh, we have to meet. And then the second that I met you, I was like, how fast could you meet Becky and Julie? Because I want them to have your kinship in this world, Casey. And. And the way that you've gathered people and you have empowered all of Latin America to get behind impact up is nothing short of incredible. So welcome to the podcast. We're just a little excited to have you here today.
- [03:23]
Becky
Total fangirling over you guys.
- [03:24]
Casey Cabrera
Thank you. I'm your fan also.
- [03:28]
John
Oh my gosh, I could spend all day just introducing y' all because I'm so excited y' all are all here. I. It's my joy to introduce back to the podcast Crystal Clark. She has been just a fervent supporter in the D.C. metro area, but she is the senior director of national donor engagement over at one of our favorite organizations, Stop Soldier Suicide. She is a seasoned fundraiser leader. She builds meaningful donor relationships. But here's the thing that we love about her. She is so passionate, she's strategic. She is deeply connected through the mission, through her personal ties as well. And let me just say, because Becky and I had the gift of getting to be in D.C. at the latest local meetup and to be in the presence of Crystal Clark and to feel the warmth of just how she radiates, how she sees everybody in the space. What a gift to have you as a host and to have you on the podcast today, my friend. Good to see you.
- [04:16]
Becky
She fit so neatly right underneath my arm too. When I was hugging her, it was perfect.
- [04:20]
Crystal Clark
So, yes, it's always a surprise when someone gets to meet me in person, how short I am.
- [04:26]
Becky
I'm the opposite. I'm very tall. We are so glad that you're here, my friend. And last but certainly not least, we have Lisa Garo. She's from Calgary, Alberta, y' all. Lisa, I want to thank you from the depths of my heart because we're watching what you are building in Calgary and it is nothing short of amazing and heart centered. Lisa is the founder and president of Candy in event consulting, and she helps organizations plan purpose driven events that build again, that real human connection. She's got more than 40 years in event strategy, but I can tell you her skin looks as good as mine. So you're doing it well with great balance. And she leads with joy and creativity and belief in the power of intentional gathering. So, Lisa, we're so excited that you're here.
- [05:15]
Lisa Garo
Thank you so much. What a joy to be here. It's always so much fun to be talking to others that you just feel like the heart is there. Even though we haven't met in person, it's just such an incredible experience to be part of this community. So thanks so much for having me today.
- [05:31]
John
I mean, friends, I'm just beaming seeing you all here. And it's been a couple of weeks since the Hold Fast gathering, but it seemed like a theme that definitely resonated with the community. And I know in person it kept coming back to that of like, man, it is a time to really dig into the things that matter and be so grateful that we're in this together, in this moment. I'm curious for each of y' all, when you think about that phrase, what does it come to mean to you, whether personally or professionally, for this season? Lisa, I'll start with you.
- [05:59]
Lisa Garo
It's interesting that you say in this season because I. I have been doing the work that I'm doing for so many years. And I was visiting with somebody yesterday over breakfast, and she was having this conversation about being in her business, doing the work that she's really called to do the last two years. And she's like, oh, when does it get easier? When can I get over that sort of the hump of feeling like I'm new at everything. And it really got me thinking the last couple of days and I said, it never really gets easier. My line, or I'm sure it came from somewhere, but we just get stronger. And the idea of holding fast, to me is more so about knowing that I have what it takes to show up and keep showing up and allowing myself, time and space and breath to be like they say in yoga, on my mat, and just allowing myself to be there and find the strength for today. I don't need tomorrow's strength. I need today's strength. So holding fast has. Has been such a beautiful thing and seeing how the community has opened up to allow me to find new skills and new ways of doing that practically every day. But that's what wakes me up in the morning, knowing that I don't need to know about tomorrow, I can know about today and hold fast today. And that's always possible because there's people like you in the world that we can reach out to and be part of something bigger than ourselves.
- [07:35]
John
Oh, my gosh. So good. Casey, what do you think about that?
- [07:39]
Casey Cabrera
Hold Fast for me was a theme that was needed because for me, it means anchoring myself to my purpose and especially when things feel uncertain and overwhelming. And I think that the session, both in Nicaracas and the rest of the country, it meant that people, they understood that they were not alone. And hold fast meant first that you're not alone, that you're not in a lonely island when you're the only one feeling all of the emotions with everything that's happening in your country or in the world. And also that you can have the tools to continue to hold fast in the context, but that also their circumstances do not mean that you have to stop, but you can continue, and you can continue in community and aligned with your values. And how did that come up during the sessions? Well, people saying, hey, these spaces are needed. We need to be seen. We need to talk. We need to talk about the issues we're encountering because others can have the solution or one connection that you make there can give you the opportunity of a lifetime, or you can find the resources, or you can find funding for your organization. Because we had funders and also NGOs there, and not only NGO representatives, but people that worked with an ngo. So people at all levels were able to say, yeah, these are difficult circumstances. But together and listening to ourselves and reflecting on everything that's happened will help us hold fast. But also, yeah, together.
- [09:20]
John
Gosh, that's beautiful.
- [09:21]
Becky
I feel like Casey got it better than we did. Yeah, we set on our tone. Yes.
- [09:27]
John
Crystal, what's it bubbling up for you?
- [09:30]
Crystal Clark
Actually, John, I think something you said that day reminded me of my mission, which is about sailors, and they're going through rough seas and they're holding on to, you know, what's. What's happening, but they know that there is brightness on the other side. And I think when it comes down to is, you know, believing in your core values, either as your organization and for yourself and keep on moving forward because, you know, that's. That's part of the ebb and flow of life. And, you know, if we continue, I'm a half glass full kind of woman, I can't help it. It's just who I am.
- [10:08]
Becky
Sure.
- [10:09]
Crystal Clark
And, you know, like, there are going to be things that are going to Come in your way and in your storm. But it's honestly thinking about how can I continue to propel forward? Because at the end of the day, we all have missions that are meaningful to us. And if we can keep that at top of mind, that is going to be something that's going to help you to keep marching forward in the direction that you need to go.
- [10:33]
John
Bart, what you got?
- [10:35]
Bart Lilly
I think the thing that I'm holding fast to is community. I know this is a big part of the impact up space, but for me, community is greater than content. And I mentioned that at one point. And I think that we can always go back and listen to the recording or we can read the book at any time. But when a community gathers, that happens in real time. That's like live. And you can't go back and do that again. And so I think that we go to these sessions and especially like a conference or, you know, our organizations are sending us to learn. I get that that matters. That's important. Like, we can't replace content with community. You have to have both. But I think that the community side gets. It gets overlooked or maybe pushed down because, and this is my personal thinking, it's harder, it's riskier, it's messier.
- [11:33]
Becky
Yeah.
- [11:34]
Bart Lilly
And so we think, okay, I don't want to mess with the people. I don't want to deal with the difficulty. And so we take a safer road. But when we do that, we miss out on the destination, which also has blessing and beauty and success. Because you get that when you get community.
- [11:52]
Becky
Okay, all of you all are the community and impact up whispers. Like that was so profoundly grounding on multiple levels. And Bart, I want to stick with you with this notion that you, you have about just showing up, because it's very easy to sit at home in our yoga pants, which is what I'm wearing right now. It is very easy to order in or to say, I've had enough of people today. But I think when you choose to show up for community, you're showing up for yourself, too. I want you to know that you're showing up for your mission. You're showing up for something that is much deeper than any one of us could have alone. I know Casey was talking about, about that. And so I want to know, like, through the Denver lens, because Denver has had one of our, like, consistently big meetups that has happened over the course of the last year. And Bart, you just have this thread and through lining your personality where you are always going to show up and bring your authentic Self, you're going to bring innovation to the way that you connect with humans, whether it's through a donor engagement, through a strategy, a fundraising strategy, or just like getting to know someone. So how did you like, like take those innate qualities that are just your bartoness and how did they help you shape? And I, and I'm. And I want to give Chris Barlow a shout out. You know who's also been helping host Denver? Lauren Atherton's Come along, Zach Heineck. We've had such great Denver host in here. But like, how are those qualities shaping the way you approach hosting your local meetup? Tell us about Denver.
- [13:36]
Bart Lilly
It's great that you drop the friends who have made Denver happen, because we're all different in that space. And that's the thing that I think when it comes to the word authenticity, if I circle that a couple times, it's like we need to be who we are and we're all kind of made different, we're all built different. And so for simplicity and this is way oversimplifying it, if I do three kinds of people, maybe four kinds of people, there's some who are they plant the flag and they say, we are circling up. We are creating something right here in this space. And if that's who you are, if you're a plant a flag kind of person, great. We need you to create an invitational space. And a second group might be the like, ah, we're the early adopters and we'll show up when we see a flag planted, you know, and if that's you, great, because we need you to bring the momentum of like a gathering and saying, yeah, I'm a part of this too. And then that third group is kind of like the, eh, we're the spectators. We're kind of, we're wondering. And if that's you, great, because we need you who see things and are watching and we need your eyes and ears to kind of speak into that space to make it better. Because there's a whole nother group that nobody even, they aren't even aware of us. And those are the people we want to invite, whether it's to a mission, to a cause, to an impact up whatever it is. We want to say, hey, you're on the outside. Look at what so and so the flag they planted or look at the momentum that's being gathered. Look at how it's improving. So I think authenticity is just being who we are. I am a flag planter, granted, like I do it, I've got so many circles of men and communities that I've helped plant flags for. It's just kind of. That's just. That's who. That's my Bartoness. If I could drop Becky's phrase there.
- [15:34]
John
So, yeah, I mean, I just. We started talking about what starts here. Ripples. It's like, that's the ripples. Like you can see it and you can kind of see it in the room too. So much of what we are for good is. Comes out of probably our own trauma and harm in different experiences. I'm not gonna lie. But I just remember walking into professional development places as. Especially in my early career where it's like, I don't feel like I belong here or I would even turn my badge around because during certain phases. Cause I just didn't feel like I deserved to be in the space of the room. And it's like when we remove those barriers, how. How can we reach. Reach out to where everyone feels like they're vital and they're part of the conversation. Thinking of someone who does that. I'm looking at you, Crystal, like you're so gifted in what you do from a donor engagement standpoint. And you've. You've shared your case study on the podcast, which we're going to have to link up.
- [16:25]
Becky
Oh, my gosh.
- [16:25]
John
Like what it looks like in terms of how you can build a movement with these kind of principles, but storytelling too. I'm just curious how those kind of frameworks, those beliefs about those things, have maybe been reinforced or challenged through this experience of turning it into an IRL meetup in D.C. that's growing and rippling.
- [16:48]
Becky
Hey, friends. It takes a lot to power a movement as mighty as the Impact Uprising. And we couldn't do it without We Are For Good's value aligned partners.
- [16:57]
John
Yeah, you're right. Our partners make it possible for us to keep showing up with free education tools, series, summits and resources because they believe, like we do, that investing in people and community creates real, lasting change.
- [17:09]
Becky
So if you're looking for a trusted partner to help you find a new tech solution, a CRM, maybe a new direct mail strategist, or you're even looking for an entirely new brand partner, start here. We've curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you're with We Are for Good.
- [17:26]
John
Yeah. Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at donordoc, Feather, RKD Group and Whiteboard. They're not just partners, they're walking alongside us to build something better and more inclusive.
- [17:37]
Becky
Head to we are forgood.com Rex to explore our go to tools and humans doing this great work. Lock arms for impact and put more fuel back into this community. That's weareforgood.com RECS now back to the show.
- [18:01]
Crystal Clark
Yeah, I think. And again, you know, Bart and Becky and John already talked about, like, it takes a village in order for it to work. And every time that we have come together in dc, it's been incredible humans that have come together in different sectors. Like, it's not just the nonprofit fundraisers. What's really cool about DC too, is it's an eclectic group of humans that come together that are coming with different voices and different, you know, experiences, whether it is someone who's just starting their career all the way through, someone who's had lots of different experiences, that they come with a wealth of knowledge. And I think what has been really helpful is everybody coming together and having a safe space where they can share all of their experiences together. And we've just built this really nice community that I think is not only engaging, but it is. It's fun. And it is fun. It's a lot of fun. And it has energy. Like, D.C. has been an interesting space, but we still have this really nice synergy and energy that we've been able to build together. And I see, you know, folks who might be going through job loss and they're able to connect with others to help them to get to the places that they need to be. And it's just been a really nice energy. And with that donor engagement piece, I think. I think it goes back. Bart, you said the word correctly. It's being authentic. Like, you come and sometimes you're in that space at, you know, our meetups and you're not in a good place. But if you can be vulnerable and say, hey, this is what I need, we're able to connect. Like, I got lost in a parking garage with one of the friends when.
- [19:48]
Becky
We were leaving and sexually happened.
- [19:52]
Crystal Clark
Was also going through a situation where she was looking for a job. Like, it just all these natural things start vibing together. Like, you know, stacy Houston from 6 degrees and, you know, we've connected and we've been able to do some things together. I just feel like there's a lot of beauty that has come out of these that I don't know what your all's vision is. But, like, I think as someone who has had the opportunity to gather the people, beautiful things have come out of it that you can't even. It's not a KPI or, you know, A total hard fact. But there's been a lot of really beautiful things that have come manifested, and I think that's how donor engagement is too. You know, one cookie crumble leads to the next. And those meaningful engagements, you know, you're always kind of going to that next thing, one, one, one step at a time.
- [20:42]
Becky
You know, you're going to have my heart Crystal when you start talking about measuring things differently, because it's not about how many people show up. That's something that I've learned about each of the local meetups. It's about the quality of the conversations that happen. And I thank you for just sort of putting some color around the DC meetup because I was shocked how many people drove more than two hours to get to that meetup. I was shocked by the amount of people who didn't have a job but came there to network and got incredible connections from other people. We had people from CSR in there. We had people who do a very specific kind of AI and impact. We had journalists there. We had people from the media. Like it was just such an eclectic group. But when you're all centered around the same thing, it makes it so much easier to show up and be present as yourself. And I'm so glad that everyone feels that sense of belonging because that is what Impact up was about in terms of what we originally thought. I can tell you've already blown that out of the water, so we're just enjoying the ride at this point. But I want to ask you something, Lisa, because I just feel like you have understood the art of gathering for decades in your work. You have built these incredible impact wired events that have not only just the incredible story, but the heart and the connection to them. And so I want you to kind of like lead us as the expert through this act of gathering, how it can be scaffolding for movements and for connections. How do you really leverage gathering as a way to build a stronger foundation for people's ideas and dreams?
- [22:32]
Lisa Garo
That's. It's a big question and it super big question. It gives me pause because I do feel like in so many ways, I am a conduit of other things that are happening. And I happen to. In. In the showing up, I happen to be in the space where I can bring people together. I can see the bigger picture and I can encourage others to see a bigger picture in what they're creating. And I have been in this space a long time. I actually call events connection points, and we need multiple connection points over time. I'm an Entrepreneur. I grew up in community work and have cut my teeth. I was writing something the other day, but it's like I've cut my teeth on what does it mean to build community. But I'm still learning now because we're in a different space of community, particularly since the global pandemic changed us. And when we talk about gathering together, I hate to say that it was a positive thing, but. But there's always, I guess, the silver lining when we go through challenges and we go through dark times, we start to see what really matters. And that is the beauty that I'm seeing right now in gathering is people are so willing, like Bart was saying, and crystals and reinforcing. But we're coming to gatherings with. With a, I think, a stronger willingness to be ourselves and to be showing up as ourselves. And. And it changes how the gatherings not just are planned and executed, but how they're being received by the people in the room. There's much more of an openness to. There's a curiosity about what I'm going to find here. Typically now, I shouldn't say typical, but the smaller events are sometimes the ones that people are leaving and feeling like there's a bigger impact because they got to see people look someone in the eye, you know, rub shoulders, share challenges. But great joys too, like a lot of us have found ourselves. And what a beautiful space for people to see. Not just that we can see, stay in this bubble where we're feeling great. But what I've found through the impact up here in Canada, in Calgary, is that people are looking for more. And so it is that opportunity to be that jumping off point to now, I'm feeling like not just being inspired, but I feel like I'm seeing people live it out. And so in that living it out, it also gives us the courage to say, well, what for me, can I start living out in my own life that will make a difference for myself, how I show up and then how other people are responding to the things in their lives that they need to keep moving forward with or want to keep moving forward with. Gatherings really at the heart for me are all about connection. And that's why I have loved from the beginning what you've created, because it made so much for me, so much sense at the time to just say, I just want to be soaking in that. It's so important to me to do that. Yeah.
- [25:48]
John
Oh, my gosh. Well, we've loved following the journey as Calgary continues to grow. Shout out to Marcela Zafra 100% helped, helped out and poured in. But the power of you just holding space and I think the rhythm of it just saying, we're going to come back next quarter. There's been this, like, beautiful thing, unfolding of people finding that rhythm and being part of that rhythm. So just thank you all. Casey, you really captivated us, by the way, that you were working on growing community over the last few years because you're part of a WhatsApp messaging group. And I know. Tell us a little bit of context, because I think it's so fascinating how you were able to stay connected with hundreds of other change makers in a time when all of us are looking for what's the right next step.
- [26:30]
Casey Cabrera
Perfect. Thanks, John. That WhatsApp group you're talking about is cohumanity. But how did it come to be? My experience within an international ngo, which was Save the Children, and then as a consultant and with the work I've started out doing as an independent consultant with local NGOs, has shown to me that in Latin America there's this amazing work that's being done. People are working daily to address the needs in the region and in countries such as Venezuela, as Colombia. And sometimes I feel as if the world is not getting to know the amazing work that these people are doing that I get to interview them, to work with them, to talk about their daily experiences. And that's why cohumanity came to be. Cohumanity is a community that is built specifically in WhatsApp. It's a WhatsApp community where we have different subgroups. And actually, right now we're meeting the max number of participants. So we're thinking about how to transition to another platform. But cohumanity is very aligned with the mission of We Are for Good and Impact up in terms of we want to connect, grow together, and to be able to show to the world what's being done at a social level in Latin America. So right now there are more than 1500 people in this WhatsApp group. And through Impact up, we started out in Caracas, Venezuela in October. But we've hosted these gatherings in October in person in Caracas. In Jan, we did it online due to the context, but we have more than 50 people joining across Venezuela. And then in April, we had meetings in different parts of Venezuela that Caracas, Valencia, Barinas, Maracaibo, Barcelona, and also in Panama. So a shout out to Florandi, Natsuya, Julio, Jose, Shailene, Nauribet that they carried out that. And they are part of CO humanity. So I think that Impact up connects with the essence of the community that has to carry out trainings, carry out networking, and provide tools to people to be able to hold fast, as was the theme that we had for the first session. Right now, as I told you, it's a WhatsApp group and we are looking to have people facilitate their own sessions, grow, connect and be able to see cohumanity as this platform and activities such as Impact up, where they can be seen and can connect to be able to grow.
- [29:13]
John
So beautiful. It sticks out to me that there's a lot of intentionality in the way that you gathered and I think you baked that in with your fellow host. How did you structure your time together and what did you see come out of that as a result of this intentionality?
- [29:28]
Casey Cabrera
So when we organized it, we had like these different meetups online. And I told, for example, the other host is. It was just me explaining to them, like my experience on, okay, when I first organized this, these are the types of activities we carry out, like the logistics, but also knowing that this is, for example, an event that is free, that we organize it by ourselves to establish some mechanisms that for people to feel incentivized to go to the activity, you know, because sometimes people can register but not end up going. So there we talked about, okay, what types of activities can we carry out? Let's send reminders, let's send messages, or let's structure it in a way that people feel invited. But how, for example, how did it did it work in Caraca? So we had like the small table with a registration where they had like this, their name tag. But we gave them also a post it where they put a message. They can put a message and they put it on like a paper and they had to put like that message, a motivating message that anyone else, when they leave the room, when they leave the activity, they were going to take the message from the other person. So that was part of like how we structured that. And for example, I have the message around there, but the message that I took was, hey, you're doing okay. You're doing awesome. Continue with the work that you're doing. Please do not give up. So that's the first thing that we did. And then we had like a quick part where we presented we are for good the community cohumanity and some tips and tricks on what they could do as organizations and as individuals to hold fast. And after that we had like small focus groups. There were approximately 40 people. So we had small focus groups where they Discussed around those questions on, okay, how are you holding fast today? What's the most difficult thing that you've encountered and what you've done? And we thought that that activity was going to be like 20 minutes, but it ended up being 40 minutes because people needed to be seen, they needed to talk and get everything out of their system, you know. And lastly, we did this small quick networking activity where people had two minutes to talk and say who you are, who, who, who I am, who are you and what can we do together? So, and we thought it was going to be an hour and a half and ended up being two hours and a half. So this type of structure is what we brought to the other cities also. But establishing activities that are human centered but also those mechanisms beforehand where, hey, here's how you can get to the place. I did like a recording getting to the hotel and sent it to them, sent the Reminders to WhatsApp group and then through email for them to know, hey, we're here for you. We want to make this experience the easiest as possible for you to be able to join and show up as yourself.
- [32:34]
Becky
Also, I just think about in life how many times somebody has made you feel that welcome that they really want you there. And when somebody takes the presence of mind to communicate so well, to think of every single angle to ask you what you think. I just think that those are the little things that matter in life that create the connective tissue to where we want to be in those safe spaces of belonging.
- [33:02]
John
I love it. That's so good. Friends, I want to, you know, you've listened to our, the podcast before. We have to ask a one good thing. Is there something that's either lifted for you through this conversation or something that you'd want to share that's really a one good thing that you would take away today part. I'll let you go first.
- [33:18]
Bart Lilly
Okay, so this is, it's super funny that I, I think names are important and that's what I was thinking about beforehand. And I think that it's ironic, maybe not coincidental or whatever, but, you know, I got the message and my last name was Little Bart. Little's going to be on the, on the whatever. And I'm kind of like, I get that. I've had that dozens of times, you know, and Lisa, we had some fun with your name earlier and it matters like, like people's names are their identities and so, you know, none of us are expert or like the professional relationship people. It's still hard. And when you show up In Denver, most of the time, I'm kind of like, I know your face and I don't remember your name. And so the name tags are helpful, but I think it's important. And I try to do this as best I can. If I don't know your name, I don't want to fake it. And I don't want to say bro or Jesus or whatever.
- [34:24]
Becky
Bruh.
- [34:25]
Bart Lilly
Got it. Yeah.
- [34:26]
Becky
Very big.
- [34:29]
Bart Lilly
Like, who are you in that sense? And I think names are important because. And it may take one or two, but that's an authentic conversation. Like, Lisa, you were saying, like, you have these moments that you stack on top of each other. And it was. Builds a relationship. And so I'm going to shout a couple people from the Denver community. Rob Purper was, you know, he's come a couple times. And then I'm in Seattle at AFP Icon, and I see him across the room.
- [34:56]
Crystal Clark
Oh, yeah.
- [34:57]
Bart Lilly
And I'm like. And that relationship went there. And then I'm in Chicago at the classy, sorry, GoFundMe Pro collaborative, and I see Kimberly Spicher, and she's speaking there. And it's like, these people from your community, as you have these authentic, real, like, more than in a. In a meaningful relationship, is like getting your name right. That is a. And. And calling people by their name. That is a way to, I think I say lift the relationship. And you do that. You, over time, you build the relationships, that builds a community. So there you go, man.
- [35:38]
John
Welcome to the TED Talk of Bart Lilly right there. That's so good, Crystal. What's the one good thing for you?
- [35:46]
Crystal Clark
So I'm in searching for colleges with my daughter mode right now. And actually we were at University of Denver when we were out there recently, and one of the spots they had, like, you know, what are some words of kindness? And I think the thing that it says, it says, lead with love. And that is like, I've put it in my pocket and kept it there because I think when, you know, whether you're a leader of, you know, gathering people together that are coming for common ground, or you're the leader of a team, or you're a mom or a dad or an uncle or an aunt, you know, you're. When you lead with love, like, people feel that. And I think that that is, again, going back to that simple word of authenticity, I think that that is felt. So my one good thing is going to be, you know, lead with love. And I think when you have that in your heart and you set that intention, that A lot of people feel that. You know, I just mentioned before we started, my. My grandmother just recently passed away, and it was during the time that we were gathering people and I still came. And it felt right because you need to be in spaces even now. Like, it's hard, but, like, my team has given me love. Like, you know, it's just been this place. Because I think when you exude that, it also, there's that feeling comes back too, because again, you're authentic and you show up as your real self. And I think that that is something that I'll always kind of live by because I think it just. It matters to people and. And for yourself, I think it's important.
- [37:22]
Becky
Amen. Casey, what's bubbling up for you first?
- [37:26]
Casey Cabrera
One good thing for me is getting to know people like John, Becky, Julie. I know I'm going to say two, but that's the first one that I wanted to say. But one good thing apart from that for me right now is really seeing people believe in themselves again. Like every workshop or space, it's a moment where people realize they're not alone, that they can lead change, and that the ripple effect that you've always mentioned is. Everything that's lifting me lately, despite the situation in the world and around the region and everywhere, is seeing that confidence in people like, oh, I can do this with new tools. And that connection grow for me is the one good thing that I take with me every single day.
- [38:11]
John
Gosh, Love you people so much. Lisa, what you got?
- [38:15]
Lisa Garo
I'm going to lean into some research I'm doing this week.
- [38:19]
Becky
Excellent.
- [38:20]
Lisa Garo
So I've got a talk on Friday, and it's about risk taking. It's about the next best step. And I have been doing a lot of percolating about what needs to be true for us to risk. And I have gone back to my old. I used to. This is sort of a little. Sort of. You don't know this about me, but I used to be a preschool teacher years.
- [38:41]
Becky
Oh, I bet you.
- [38:42]
Lisa Garo
Years and years and years ago. It was so much fun. And I'm sure the parents were like, what are they learning anyways? We had fun. But the idea of risk taking, it kind of goes all the way back to what helps us feel safe. And with kids, if they are feeling that they are nurtured and they're safe and they're in a space where they can go back to safety or they can find safety in their world or in their environment, they're more likely to reach out and take a risk or Experience, explore something new or to learn something new, knowing that there's this. It, it's not sort of holding tight as far as safe, but it, it's saying, I'm here with you, I've got your back. If you have questions, come ask. And so this research has been really so uplifting for me this week because I feel like we're all out there taking risks and we're all trying to in some ways do it ourselves because we're so busy and, and we get really wrapped up in the production of it or the doing of something and, and we forget that, that there is a community of safety that we are surrounded by. But we may not allow ourselves to take that step back and, and find them or have a conversation with somebody. And so I think the, the one good thing for me is really allowing space for myself to know what, what does safety look like for me, but not to stay there, but how is it going to support me in moving forward. And then with the impact up that we're doing here in Calgary in particular, I just feel like people are coming and they're unsure. Right. Times are changing and things feel really upside down. And here in Canada, you know, obviously it's a little bit different than the US But I do feel like they're looking for a place of safety to have a conversation. But then what I'm seeing once they leave or they're engaging with other things in the city, people are changing the game, they're making big changes or they're trying something new for themselves and it's that exploration that is so for me that's such a motivator to keep going because I know that change is happening, but it has to be both. And that exploration and the risk taking comes from that place of feeling safe.
- [41:08]
Becky
I feel like all of these one good things somehow like sort of stack together because independently it's hard to show up with kindness and love if you're feeling alone. You know, it's hard to take a risk if you're feeling like you're alone. And I just have to say I think all of us can empathize with feeling scared to screw up in this work. How many times have we all hit the mail, merge the wrong time on the invitation list and send it to everyone wrong. And the level of fear that comes from I just mailed out 2500 wrong invitations or Mrs. Bottom Tooth. Our favorite donor, you know, got, didn't get the vegan platter. I mean we mess up all the time. But I think that there is such comfort in this moment because things are changing. And you can look at change as this thing that we're going to have to trudge through, or you can be Crystal Clark and you can look at it as a glass half full and say, we're going to build and we're going to shape the new future that we want to not only work, but live and play in. And I know that it's all the more comforting when we do it together. And so I just look at all of you. I have such a heart of gratitude. I mean, you literally are representing communities across continents and countries of people who want to just connect. And I thank you for raising your hand. People are going to want to connect with each of you in your organization. So we've gathered up all the links and they're listed in this episode's description and on the Show Notes page. So everybody please go check those out.
- [42:52]
John
Friends means the world to look at each of you and just to bask in what has been created be in the power of community. So thank you for being you. Thank you for for showing up so authentically. And y' all, if you're looking to gather community locally in your corner, we would love for you to reach out. We connect every quarter at Impact up, so we would love to have you there. Head over to we're for good.com impactup and you can sign up to host. You can attend the virtual event and just connect with other change makers. Follow the link in this episode's description. Y' all. Community is truly everything and we are so grateful that you're here with us.
- [43:25]
Crystal Clark
Thank you.
- [43:26]
Lisa Garo
Thank you so much.
- [43:27]
Bart Lilly
Thanks.
- [43:27]
Casey Cabrera
Thank you guys. You guys so rock.