By C. Anne Vitullo, 2013-2014 Communications VP
Like many women here in Silicon Valley, my summer reading has included
Sheryl Sandberg’s "Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead." Although
her book is largely about our roles in the workplace, one passage struck
a particular chord with me—and the work we do as League members in the
community.
Here it is:
"At Facebook, we work hard to create a
culture where people are encouraged to take risks. We have posters all
around the office that reinforce that attitude. In bright red letters,
one declares, “Fortune favors the bold.” Another insists, “Proceed and
be bold.” My favorite reads, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
When it comes to League members, I think it’s safe to say we’ve
never been afraid! Risk-taking is part of our organizational DNA.
Consider some of the ways in which League members have contributed to
our community over the years: mentoring teens to help them build
personal growth and self-awareness ... working with children whose lives
have been touched by addiction … teaching life skills to formerly
homeless families … educating parents on the importance of reading to
their children.
We’ve never been afraid to tackle the hard,
seemingly intractable problems in our community: illiteracy,
homelessness, drug addiction, at-risk youth. With nearly 50 years of
service here on the Peninsula, we can point with pride to programs begun
by our League, such as Rebuilding Together Peninsula and the Daybreak
Program for Homeless Youth, that are still going strong more than 20
years later. We roll up our sleeves ... contribute our skills and
abilities … make time to volunteer even when our days are squeezed and
our commitments many. In short, we lean in! Indeed, we were leaning in
long before Sheryl’s best-selling book!
The summer issue of Piper features a special
“Year in Review”, highlighting our involvement and celebrating our
impact over the past year. You'll find a copy on our web site at www.thejuniorleague.org.
I hope this report renews your commitment to the League—and makes you
proud to be a member of this wonderful organization.
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