By Stefanie Bruggeman, President
Happy Holidays!
Our members have had a busy League year. In only a few months we have successfully . . . launched a new project (Shelter Network), welcomed 58 provisionals, executed eight "Done in a Days" (one-day, high-impact community projects and drives), celebrated our Shop’s 40th anniversary, held a tea with our Board of Advisors, gifted $1,000 in response to the San Bruno fire, started partnerships with Sprinkles Cupcakes and Tiny Prints, and ran a successful Holiday Home Tour.. . . just to name a few.
From being an active part of our community (through our projects) to raising funds to support our work (though our fundraiser), we have much to be proud of.
A giant “Thank You!” to all our members and community partners! In this time of giving, you are tops!
I wish you a safe and joyful Holiday.
Warmly,
Stefanie Bruggeman
President
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc.
December 21, 2010
December 16, 2010
December Provisional Recap: Past Community Projects
By Kristina Alvarez
The December Provisional meeting was definitely one to be remembered. First, we started off with a recap of the Provisional socials from the past month. Many attended the Mani/Pedi party this past Sunday and the pictures looked like so much fun! Judging by the few hands I saw, a deep, festive red was definitely the color of choice.
After the fun of reliving the socials, we jumped into the theme for the night: past Community Projects and appreciation. Our first speaker was Sister Trinitas Hernandez, or more affectionately known as Sister T. Sister T spoke about how great her experience with the Junior League was with helping the East Palo Alto community learn English as their second language. The Junior League Committee helped with teaching an English speaking class during the day and at night, while also watching the attendees’ small children in a playroom next door. I thought the program was a great opportunity to really enable the community to be able to learn English. Sister T was so engaging and you could tell she appreciated the help so much!
We then took a quick break to hear about Membership Outreach and do our Done in a Meeting project for the Shelter Network. Valarie Dennis from the Membership Outreach Committee was so excited to share her competition with us…to have the Provisionals bring 50 new member prospects and be entered to win champagne! Spread the word and see if there are a few people you can bring to the March 17 meeting! The Done in a Meeting task this week was to write inspirational thoughts or quotes for the Shelter Network. The Shelter Network project for this year is teaching the homeless community in San Mateo County about life skills they need. It was a fun challenge to see what we can come up with and was a great opportunity for our tables to share with each other these encouraging sentiments!
The last speaker of the evening was definitely my favorite part from the meeting. Mike Berman works at the East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy helping children in the East Palo Alto community stay in school and achieve admittance to a four-year college or university. He had just come from a dinner with the seniors at his school and you could feel the emotions he brought with him. He was so proud of his students and the message definitely made the entire audience so inspired. He was also so thankful for the Junior League’s help during our tenure there for giving the students someone to confide in and trust. He really thought it had a great, positive impact on the students and he couldn’t be more proud of how his students accepted our help and lived up to their potential. I don’t know how you could walk out of the room without wanting to conquer the world! He was a great speaker and I think we all benefited from hearing his great story.
Lastly, mark your calendars for our Community Project for the upcoming year…Kids in the Kitchen, Wednesday, April 20! Happy Holidays to everyone!
The December Provisional meeting was definitely one to be remembered. First, we started off with a recap of the Provisional socials from the past month. Many attended the Mani/Pedi party this past Sunday and the pictures looked like so much fun! Judging by the few hands I saw, a deep, festive red was definitely the color of choice.
After the fun of reliving the socials, we jumped into the theme for the night: past Community Projects and appreciation. Our first speaker was Sister Trinitas Hernandez, or more affectionately known as Sister T. Sister T spoke about how great her experience with the Junior League was with helping the East Palo Alto community learn English as their second language. The Junior League Committee helped with teaching an English speaking class during the day and at night, while also watching the attendees’ small children in a playroom next door. I thought the program was a great opportunity to really enable the community to be able to learn English. Sister T was so engaging and you could tell she appreciated the help so much!
We then took a quick break to hear about Membership Outreach and do our Done in a Meeting project for the Shelter Network. Valarie Dennis from the Membership Outreach Committee was so excited to share her competition with us…to have the Provisionals bring 50 new member prospects and be entered to win champagne! Spread the word and see if there are a few people you can bring to the March 17 meeting! The Done in a Meeting task this week was to write inspirational thoughts or quotes for the Shelter Network. The Shelter Network project for this year is teaching the homeless community in San Mateo County about life skills they need. It was a fun challenge to see what we can come up with and was a great opportunity for our tables to share with each other these encouraging sentiments!
The last speaker of the evening was definitely my favorite part from the meeting. Mike Berman works at the East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy helping children in the East Palo Alto community stay in school and achieve admittance to a four-year college or university. He had just come from a dinner with the seniors at his school and you could feel the emotions he brought with him. He was so proud of his students and the message definitely made the entire audience so inspired. He was also so thankful for the Junior League’s help during our tenure there for giving the students someone to confide in and trust. He really thought it had a great, positive impact on the students and he couldn’t be more proud of how his students accepted our help and lived up to their potential. I don’t know how you could walk out of the room without wanting to conquer the world! He was a great speaker and I think we all benefited from hearing his great story.
Lastly, mark your calendars for our Community Project for the upcoming year…Kids in the Kitchen, Wednesday, April 20! Happy Holidays to everyone!
December 09, 2010
Happy Feet!
by Cynthia Munoz (MarCom Committee)
Last night, our awesome MarCom Committee/Communications Council decided to forego our usual monthly meeting and instead, for the holidays, treated ourselves to manicures and pedicures at a nail salon in Los Altos . Gabriella imported dim sum all the way from San Francisco , Kristin brought the champagne, Kris brought an INSANE red velvet cake, and everyone else chipped in with some wonderful sweet treats.
All the makings of a lovely evening? Yes.
A super big deal? Double yes. Well, for me personally, anyway.
I have managed to hide, for all these years, a secret amongst many of my social circles – that I was a pedicure virgin. I don't know how I managed to escape this girlie ritual for so long, as I do have many friends and family members who do this regularly, but somehow I resisted. I’ve gotten a couple of manicures in my lifetime, and they were ok. I could have done without the whole arm massaging bit as I normally don't like people I don’t know touching me. And really, as much as I disliked having my forearm massaged, I envisioned really disliking a stranger touching and massaging my feet.
I debated the whole way to the salon. Stick with the hands? Go for the feet. No, do the hands. I know what will happen with the hands. Feet? Try it? What if everyone else does pedicures? I wanted to do what everyone else was going to do. It was high school in my mind, all over again. Suddenly, the salon hostess put me on the spot and said, “Cynthia, are you ready? Have a seat in that chair.” Yikes! What do I do? Just go sit? Get my flip flops? At least I had the foresight to bring those along. Do I get them now? Am I supposed to wait? Arghhh! I haven't even picked a color yet!!!
I finally just take a deep breath, sit down, stick my feet in the water, find myself having a nice time catching up with Gabriella in the next chair and staring at cute little Donatella. Occasionally, I notice the tailoring going on down at the toe area and you know what? It wasn't so bad! In fact, I down right enjoyed it! I admitted to everyone that it was my first pedicure, and they were all aghast, but very supportive. What a great group! And it was so much fun snacking on all the treats and chatting with everyone, which we don’t normally get to do as much during our regular meetings.
I'm really looking forward to working on more projects in the New Year with these awesome ladies and now thanks to them, when it comes to the world of pedicures, I can hold my head up high. Except that I can’t stop looking down at my super cute dark purple toes.
Top Photo: (L-R) Cynthia Munoz, Gabriella Cirelli, Baby Donatella, Leslie Liu, Kris Spencer-Jones, Tara Moeller, Summer Brill, Kristin Fabos-Livingston
Bottom Photo: (L-R) Cynthia Munoz, Gabriella Cirelli, Baby Donatella, Kristin Fabos-Livingston, Kris Spencer-Jones, Tara Moeller, Lauran Bloom, Summer Brill, Leslie Liu
Share your Committee social story! Email Blog submissions to stories@thejuniorleague.org, and don't forget your photos!
December 08, 2010
Community Building Dinner - Sequoia High School District
By Tara Moeller, MarCom Committee
Here is some of the amazing work our League has been up to. Carrie Du Bois (League Member) had an inspiring idea to bring families and students together from the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) to help ease the East Palo Alto students’ transition. The resulting inaugural event also helped to better include the parents of these students so they feel confident in supporting their children, and to help them become aware of the education process, especially for transferring to high school. How better to meet these goals than over an amazing Community Building Dinner?
8th grade students and their families from Cesar Chavez Academy were the main event. With 95% of the families living in poverty, the high school transition can often be difficult. To add to the stress, the kids have to travel among 3 schools--Woodside, Menlo-Atherton (MA) and Carlmont. Since most students and parents don’t attend the school’s 8th grade information nights, back to school nights or shadowing events, this dinner was an attempt to bring the district to them and make them feel part of the family.
Dr. Lianides, the superintendent of the SUHSD, said "This night is a historic first. All of our schools are represented tonight and we want you all to know that we welcome you to our district."
Over 230 people (mostly non-English speaking guests) including East Palo Alto families, Sequoia Union district families, all four principals from the highs schools (Carlmont, Woodside, MA, and Sequoia), and the district superintendent had a very memorable evening. This was the first time in the school's history something like this had been held, and the event was generously funded by PVF (Philanthropic Ventures Foundation). PVF’s Executive Director, Bill Somerville, didn't stop at funding-word is he rolled up his sleeves to help Carrie set up tables for the event.
PTA leaders were so inspired from the turn out they have suggested making this an annual event. “The evening was inspirational for me,” said an enthusiastic Carlmont PTA leader. "I had no idea how hard it has been for these families to just get to our school. Needless to say, I learned a lot".
Thank you to the partner sponsors, Sprinkles for donating deliciously beautiful cupcakes and Ravenswood Educational Foundation.
Last but not least, this event would not have been possible without the support of our many volunteers. Thank you to DIAD members Ana Newton and Jamie Meyer for working with Carrie Du Bois to coordinate the event, and to all of the volunteers it takes to host an amazingly magical evening.
Here is some of the amazing work our League has been up to. Carrie Du Bois (League Member) had an inspiring idea to bring families and students together from the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) to help ease the East Palo Alto students’ transition. The resulting inaugural event also helped to better include the parents of these students so they feel confident in supporting their children, and to help them become aware of the education process, especially for transferring to high school. How better to meet these goals than over an amazing Community Building Dinner?
8th grade students and their families from Cesar Chavez Academy were the main event. With 95% of the families living in poverty, the high school transition can often be difficult. To add to the stress, the kids have to travel among 3 schools--Woodside, Menlo-Atherton (MA) and Carlmont. Since most students and parents don’t attend the school’s 8th grade information nights, back to school nights or shadowing events, this dinner was an attempt to bring the district to them and make them feel part of the family.
Dr. Lianides, the superintendent of the SUHSD, said "This night is a historic first. All of our schools are represented tonight and we want you all to know that we welcome you to our district."
Over 230 people (mostly non-English speaking guests) including East Palo Alto families, Sequoia Union district families, all four principals from the highs schools (Carlmont, Woodside, MA, and Sequoia), and the district superintendent had a very memorable evening. This was the first time in the school's history something like this had been held, and the event was generously funded by PVF (Philanthropic Ventures Foundation). PVF’s Executive Director, Bill Somerville, didn't stop at funding-word is he rolled up his sleeves to help Carrie set up tables for the event.
PTA leaders were so inspired from the turn out they have suggested making this an annual event. “The evening was inspirational for me,” said an enthusiastic Carlmont PTA leader. "I had no idea how hard it has been for these families to just get to our school. Needless to say, I learned a lot".
Thank you to the partner sponsors, Sprinkles for donating deliciously beautiful cupcakes and Ravenswood Educational Foundation.
Last but not least, this event would not have been possible without the support of our many volunteers. Thank you to DIAD members Ana Newton and Jamie Meyer for working with Carrie Du Bois to coordinate the event, and to all of the volunteers it takes to host an amazingly magical evening.
December 07, 2010
The Spirit of...Getting??
by Summer Brill
As the Holidays are approaching, my 4 year old is really getting in the spirit…of presents! Getting presents that is. He is all of four years old and fully embraces the material aspect of the Holidays, so we felt that now is a good time to start to instill in him the spirit of giving and helping others.
I was inspired by some of the stories we heard from our guest speaker in November, Poppy Pembroke, from the Second Harvest Food Bank. She spoke of a little girl who after learning that some children in the Bay Area do not have enough food to eat on a daily basis decided to take action. She plays her violin in front of Safeway and collects donations that she gives to Second Harvest Food Bank. We don’t expect our four year old to learn an instrument and collect donations, but we do feel that now is a good time to expose him to the spirit of helping others.
We started a conversation with him (after he rattled off his latest wish list) that some children are in situations where they don’t have many toys for different reasons. Apparently we weren’t the first in the family to broach this subject with him, because he responded with, “mommy, I know, I can give some of my toys to some kids who need them!” I suspect my father had this conversation with him earlier, I’ll have to ask him!
We went to my son’s bedroom and he was enthusiastic about choosing some toys to donate, although he did have a few second thoughts and realized he now really LOVES this toy or that one. He is still four after all. But in the end, he chose all the toys to donate and we ended up with three shopping bags between he and his brother.
I called Haven House and they take gently loved toys for their childcare center and residents. We went over to Haven House after school today and were greeted by Nicole. She works at the reception desk at Haven House and is very friendly and helpful. Jack gave her his shopping bags and told her some important facts about a few of the toys: “this one takes batteries, this one has a small car in it that you can zoom around, and this one sings the ABC’s”.
It was a great experience for us and my son seemed happy with the process and the outcome.
As the Holidays are approaching, my 4 year old is really getting in the spirit…of presents! Getting presents that is. He is all of four years old and fully embraces the material aspect of the Holidays, so we felt that now is a good time to start to instill in him the spirit of giving and helping others.
I was inspired by some of the stories we heard from our guest speaker in November, Poppy Pembroke, from the Second Harvest Food Bank. She spoke of a little girl who after learning that some children in the Bay Area do not have enough food to eat on a daily basis decided to take action. She plays her violin in front of Safeway and collects donations that she gives to Second Harvest Food Bank. We don’t expect our four year old to learn an instrument and collect donations, but we do feel that now is a good time to expose him to the spirit of helping others.
We started a conversation with him (after he rattled off his latest wish list) that some children are in situations where they don’t have many toys for different reasons. Apparently we weren’t the first in the family to broach this subject with him, because he responded with, “mommy, I know, I can give some of my toys to some kids who need them!” I suspect my father had this conversation with him earlier, I’ll have to ask him!
We went to my son’s bedroom and he was enthusiastic about choosing some toys to donate, although he did have a few second thoughts and realized he now really LOVES this toy or that one. He is still four after all. But in the end, he chose all the toys to donate and we ended up with three shopping bags between he and his brother.
I called Haven House and they take gently loved toys for their childcare center and residents. We went over to Haven House after school today and were greeted by Nicole. She works at the reception desk at Haven House and is very friendly and helpful. Jack gave her his shopping bags and told her some important facts about a few of the toys: “this one takes batteries, this one has a small car in it that you can zoom around, and this one sings the ABC’s”.
It was a great experience for us and my son seemed happy with the process and the outcome.
December 05, 2010
What a wonderful kick-off to the Holidays!
By Summer Brill
The Finishing Touches Home Tour & Boutique was spectacular. Congratulations to Home Tour Co-Chairs Kim Boyanowski and Jennie Lang and their committee for a job well done!
This is the first year I attended the Opening Night Celebration (ONC). I’ve heard so much about it but for some reason or another haven’t had the chance to go. This year I took my husband and had a great time! It was so fun to get dressed up and to visit with League friends, meet husbands and friends of friends. I discovered that a few of my friends are very lucky people! Sara Hollister and Angie Klein were big winners of the raffle that evening and I’ve decided that next year I will have them each kiss my raffle tickets before I put them in the jar!
I also discovered a great decorating idea. In the powder room, the Frye family decorated the walls with their framed Holiday cards from years past. I’m going to remember this for when I have the wall space and enough Holiday cards to fill those walls!
The ONC was held at the beautiful home of Lulu and Larry Frye. Thank you to the Frye family for their generosity!
The next day I attended the Finishing Touches Luncheon with two friends. We got a sneak peak of the Holiday Boutique and had the opportunity to win more raffle prizes (since I didn’t have Sara or Angie kiss my tickets I didn’t win!). The Menlo Circus Club was beautifully decorated and we enjoyed a delicious lunch while catching up with old and new friends! We even got to take home a mini red velvet Bundt cake!
And the big event, the Home Tour and Boutique! I took my sister and mother-in-law and we enjoyed viewing the beautiful homes on Tour. One of the homes is a LEED Platinum certified home and sends PG&E a whopping $5/month! One of the homes was a wonderful indoor/outdoor living space with rich colors and textures and the third was a beautifully remodeled 90 year old home. Afterwards, we grabbed sandwiches and cupcakes before doing some Holiday shopping at the Boutique! This is the biggest boutique I’ve seen compared to Home Tours past and we found some great gifts!
Our Home Tour is one of our main fundraisers we hold each year to fund our Community Projects and Grants. To read more about our Community Projects and Grants, click here. We are thankful to our sponsors who make this all possible, to see a list of our sponsors, please click here.
If you have a story from the Home Tour weekend or photos to share on the Blog, please email them to stories@thejuniorleague.org!
The Finishing Touches Home Tour & Boutique was spectacular. Congratulations to Home Tour Co-Chairs Kim Boyanowski and Jennie Lang and their committee for a job well done!
This is the first year I attended the Opening Night Celebration (ONC). I’ve heard so much about it but for some reason or another haven’t had the chance to go. This year I took my husband and had a great time! It was so fun to get dressed up and to visit with League friends, meet husbands and friends of friends. I discovered that a few of my friends are very lucky people! Sara Hollister and Angie Klein were big winners of the raffle that evening and I’ve decided that next year I will have them each kiss my raffle tickets before I put them in the jar!
I also discovered a great decorating idea. In the powder room, the Frye family decorated the walls with their framed Holiday cards from years past. I’m going to remember this for when I have the wall space and enough Holiday cards to fill those walls!
The ONC was held at the beautiful home of Lulu and Larry Frye. Thank you to the Frye family for their generosity!
The next day I attended the Finishing Touches Luncheon with two friends. We got a sneak peak of the Holiday Boutique and had the opportunity to win more raffle prizes (since I didn’t have Sara or Angie kiss my tickets I didn’t win!). The Menlo Circus Club was beautifully decorated and we enjoyed a delicious lunch while catching up with old and new friends! We even got to take home a mini red velvet Bundt cake!
And the big event, the Home Tour and Boutique! I took my sister and mother-in-law and we enjoyed viewing the beautiful homes on Tour. One of the homes is a LEED Platinum certified home and sends PG&E a whopping $5/month! One of the homes was a wonderful indoor/outdoor living space with rich colors and textures and the third was a beautifully remodeled 90 year old home. Afterwards, we grabbed sandwiches and cupcakes before doing some Holiday shopping at the Boutique! This is the biggest boutique I’ve seen compared to Home Tours past and we found some great gifts!
Our Home Tour is one of our main fundraisers we hold each year to fund our Community Projects and Grants. To read more about our Community Projects and Grants, click here. We are thankful to our sponsors who make this all possible, to see a list of our sponsors, please click here.
If you have a story from the Home Tour weekend or photos to share on the Blog, please email them to stories@thejuniorleague.org!
November 29, 2010
November 27, 2010
Helping Families Thrive: Fostering Families Committee Begins Workshops
Re-printed from the Winter 2010 Piper
By: Joy Peacock, Community Vice President, 2010-11
Fostering Families is one of our Community Projects and was featured in our Fall 2010 Piper magazine. This reprint features the upcoming classes planned for this League Year.
FOSTERING FAMILIES 2010-2011 CLASSES
At the beginning of each session, children will be grouped with a leader for dinner that includes a fun “ice breaker” to establish a social connection. They will be given an opportunity to practice and improve their basic everyday etiquette. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project related to the evening's curriculum. After completing the craft, the children will re-group to practice in social transitions. The new group will engage in a team-building exercise that explores emotional expression and how that affects their ability to communicate with others. At the conclusion of the evening, the children will return to their original group and be given an opportunity to share their experiences. A take-home packet reinforces each evening’s program.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Self Esteem
Sept 13th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Self-Talk
Oct 4th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
This first curriculum will focus on personal development and a child’s sense of self through games and exercises relative to the topics below. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project that explores and affirms the inherent good in every child, fostering self-esteem and exploring their inner voice (self-talk).
Exercises:
• Self-Talk
• How to Communicate with Friends and Family
• The Concept of Self-Esteem
• Listening Skills
• Interpersonal Communication
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Assertiveness
Nov 8th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Conflict Resolution
Jan 10th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM (to volunteer for this click here)
The second curriculum will focus on interpersonal communication and improving a child’s communication skills through games and exercises relative to the topics below. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project that focuses on how they feel in their relationships with family, healthy assertiveness, and managing conflict.
Exercises:
• Assertiveness at Home and at School
• Managing Conflict
• Maintaining Good Emotional Health
• Emotional Expressiveness
RELATIONSHIPS
Respectful Behavior
Feb 7th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM (to volunteer for this click here)
Anger Management
Mar 7th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM (to volunteer for this click here)
The third curriculum will focus on relationships and helping a child understand their value in relationships through games and exercises relative to the topics below. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project that focuses on how they feel in their relationships with family and friends, the power of respectful behavior, and the damage caused by un-harnessed anger.
Exercises:
• The Impact of Respectful and Responsible Behavior
• The Impact of Abuse and Dishonesty
• Anger Management Techniques
• Community Development
Get Involved!
This year, to further support Fostering Families you can volunteer to be either an assistant at one of the sessions described above, or help prepare and serve dinner. Actives can fulfill their DIAD obligation and get a sneak peek of the project for possible placement on next year's committee! Open to Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers, you can even
bring your family (children over 12 welcome) to prepare dinner. For more information, please see our website, www.thejuniorleague.org.
Our next DIAD shift is Monday, January 10th. Available shifts are for Kitchen Assistants 4:30-6:30pm and Table Assistants (assisting the children with projects) 5-8:15pm. Sign up online: Member Area/Volunteer Shifts (in Quick Links), choose January, 10 2011.
By: Joy Peacock, Community Vice President, 2010-11
Fostering Families is one of our Community Projects and was featured in our Fall 2010 Piper magazine. This reprint features the upcoming classes planned for this League Year.
FOSTERING FAMILIES 2010-2011 CLASSES
At the beginning of each session, children will be grouped with a leader for dinner that includes a fun “ice breaker” to establish a social connection. They will be given an opportunity to practice and improve their basic everyday etiquette. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project related to the evening's curriculum. After completing the craft, the children will re-group to practice in social transitions. The new group will engage in a team-building exercise that explores emotional expression and how that affects their ability to communicate with others. At the conclusion of the evening, the children will return to their original group and be given an opportunity to share their experiences. A take-home packet reinforces each evening’s program.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Self Esteem
Sept 13th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Self-Talk
Oct 4th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
This first curriculum will focus on personal development and a child’s sense of self through games and exercises relative to the topics below. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project that explores and affirms the inherent good in every child, fostering self-esteem and exploring their inner voice (self-talk).
Exercises:
• Self-Talk
• How to Communicate with Friends and Family
• The Concept of Self-Esteem
• Listening Skills
• Interpersonal Communication
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Assertiveness
Nov 8th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Conflict Resolution
Jan 10th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM (to volunteer for this click here)
The second curriculum will focus on interpersonal communication and improving a child’s communication skills through games and exercises relative to the topics below. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project that focuses on how they feel in their relationships with family, healthy assertiveness, and managing conflict.
Exercises:
• Assertiveness at Home and at School
• Managing Conflict
• Maintaining Good Emotional Health
• Emotional Expressiveness
RELATIONSHIPS
Respectful Behavior
Feb 7th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM (to volunteer for this click here)
Anger Management
Mar 7th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM (to volunteer for this click here)
The third curriculum will focus on relationships and helping a child understand their value in relationships through games and exercises relative to the topics below. Following dinner, the children will participate in a craft project that focuses on how they feel in their relationships with family and friends, the power of respectful behavior, and the damage caused by un-harnessed anger.
Exercises:
• The Impact of Respectful and Responsible Behavior
• The Impact of Abuse and Dishonesty
• Anger Management Techniques
• Community Development
Get Involved!
This year, to further support Fostering Families you can volunteer to be either an assistant at one of the sessions described above, or help prepare and serve dinner. Actives can fulfill their DIAD obligation and get a sneak peek of the project for possible placement on next year's committee! Open to Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers, you can even
bring your family (children over 12 welcome) to prepare dinner. For more information, please see our website, www.thejuniorleague.org.
Our next DIAD shift is Monday, January 10th. Available shifts are for Kitchen Assistants 4:30-6:30pm and Table Assistants (assisting the children with projects) 5-8:15pm. Sign up online: Member Area/Volunteer Shifts (in Quick Links), choose January, 10 2011.
November 26, 2010
Sprinkles Home Tour Cupcake!!
The Finishing Touches Holiday Home Tour is the Event of the Year,
And what better than Sprinkles Cupcakes to bring you good cheer.
From Nov 29-Dec 3 special Home Tour cupcakes make their debut,
All proceeds benefit the Home Tour so please have a few.
The peppermint frosting must have come straight from heaven,
And we promise not to tell if you have one, two or seven.
Hurry on over to Sprinkles at the Center Stanford Shopping,
Or pick some up while Home Tour Boutique hopping.
There will be many new exciting vendors sure to intrigue,
Come show your support for Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula Junior League!
The Sprinkles Home Tour cupcake promotion is 11/29-12/3. Purchase the Home Tour cupcake at the Sprinkles at Stanford Shopping center and the proceeds go back to the League.
Top Ten Things I Learned at ODI
By Amy Truel
I meant to write this article a month ago-really. I had such a great experience at ODI (Organizational Development Institute) in Houston and there was so much I wanted to share. But, I came back to my life-my busy, busy life. You know the deal.
So there I was, one month later, on a 7 hour car ride to Newport Beach for Thanksgiving and something really cool happened. I thought, “I’m going to come up with the top 10 things I learned at ODI and it will be genuine since I have to do it all from memory.” I didn’t have my notes, but I did have my iPad, some noise canceling headphones, and a strong desire not to listen to Prince of Persia which the kids were watching in the backseat :) I’m sure it is a great movie, but I want to watch it, not listen to it.
So here you go, the product of my procrastination:
Top 10 things Iearned at ODI no particular order)
1. It is easy to finish a book when you have a weekend without your kids. Loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!
2. The Houston Junior League HQ is a palace and they even have their own parking garage.
3. We are a 110 year old women's movement. It is true because Vicki Clark says it is so.
4. Humanity: look for the good in people and focus on that. Sara Speer Selber evoked a lot of emotion around the room when she dared to mix things up and challenge some common beliefs. Read for yourself here.
5. We need to do a better job communicating what we want from our external partners. We worry so much about what we have to offer that we sometimes forget to think about what we want out of the relationships.
6. Toiletry drives are great when you are staying in a hotel! I collected two large bags full of toiletries to benefit domestic violence victims at Next Door Solutions, our DIAD November toiletry drive.
7. Some leagues offer Affinity Groups like Book Clubs or Running Clubs. Not sure if we’ve tried this before but sounded like a good idea to me.
8. Motivate by being passionate and tapping into what members are passionate about.
9. We are a part of something so much bigger and should capitalize on collective resources. How cool would it be to have buddies in similar roles at other leagues to chat with? Be sure to check out the AJLI Website for helpful info!
10. You can design your league focus around one issue and still appeal to a variety of member interests. DIAD can help by providing a broader focus for balance. I have to admit I was skeptical when I first heard about leagues that focused on one issue, but thoughtful planning can make it work. Check out how they do it in Phoenix here.
Thanks for this amazing opportunity-I really enjoyed it, learned a lot, and met some great league members from all over the country. I have lots of handouts for anyone with a burning desire to learn more about Achieving Community Impact!
Amy Truel is currently serving as a co-chair for our Done in a Day (DIAD) committee.
I meant to write this article a month ago-really. I had such a great experience at ODI (Organizational Development Institute) in Houston and there was so much I wanted to share. But, I came back to my life-my busy, busy life. You know the deal.
So there I was, one month later, on a 7 hour car ride to Newport Beach for Thanksgiving and something really cool happened. I thought, “I’m going to come up with the top 10 things I learned at ODI and it will be genuine since I have to do it all from memory.” I didn’t have my notes, but I did have my iPad, some noise canceling headphones, and a strong desire not to listen to Prince of Persia which the kids were watching in the backseat :) I’m sure it is a great movie, but I want to watch it, not listen to it.
So here you go, the product of my procrastination:
Top 10 things Iearned at ODI no particular order)
1. It is easy to finish a book when you have a weekend without your kids. Loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!
2. The Houston Junior League HQ is a palace and they even have their own parking garage.
3. We are a 110 year old women's movement. It is true because Vicki Clark says it is so.
4. Humanity: look for the good in people and focus on that. Sara Speer Selber evoked a lot of emotion around the room when she dared to mix things up and challenge some common beliefs. Read for yourself here.
5. We need to do a better job communicating what we want from our external partners. We worry so much about what we have to offer that we sometimes forget to think about what we want out of the relationships.
6. Toiletry drives are great when you are staying in a hotel! I collected two large bags full of toiletries to benefit domestic violence victims at Next Door Solutions, our DIAD November toiletry drive.
7. Some leagues offer Affinity Groups like Book Clubs or Running Clubs. Not sure if we’ve tried this before but sounded like a good idea to me.
8. Motivate by being passionate and tapping into what members are passionate about.
9. We are a part of something so much bigger and should capitalize on collective resources. How cool would it be to have buddies in similar roles at other leagues to chat with? Be sure to check out the AJLI Website for helpful info!
10. You can design your league focus around one issue and still appeal to a variety of member interests. DIAD can help by providing a broader focus for balance. I have to admit I was skeptical when I first heard about leagues that focused on one issue, but thoughtful planning can make it work. Check out how they do it in Phoenix here.
Thanks for this amazing opportunity-I really enjoyed it, learned a lot, and met some great league members from all over the country. I have lots of handouts for anyone with a burning desire to learn more about Achieving Community Impact!
Amy Truel is currently serving as a co-chair for our Done in a Day (DIAD) committee.
November 22, 2010
Next Door Solutions Toiletry Drive
By Melissa Hollatz
I just got back from dropping off the first batch of toiletries at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, the beneficiary of our November toiletry drive (www.nextdoor.org). We’ve collected two full bins already, and we still have through the end of November to continue our collections.
What a great group of Junior Leaguers we have to give so generously – our donations really make a difference to the women and children who flee their abusers and are unable to bring anything with them. There were three women in the lobby when I went by, and they looked just like anyone I pass on the street every day. It’s horrible to think of how much violence goes on that we just don’t know about. Sadly, Next Door’s shelter ran at around 97% of its capacity last year, and it doesn’t look like things are slowing down.
Did you know last year Next Door answered over 10,000 calls to their hotline, served hundreds of women and children in its shelter, and thousands more through its advocacy work, drop in safety planning, and other programs? Thank you to everyone who contributed to the drive (and, by the way, if you’re looking for a holiday gift for someone who already has everything, I think a donation to Next Door in their name might be just the ticket!).
Next Door just did a teen survey where 2/3 of the teenagers surveyed said they knew of people in abusive relationships, and where 17% admitted to committing abuse themselves and another 20% were experiencing it. Terrible statistics, and it makes me think of what important work Next Door is doing and it makes me proud that we can help. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed.
Melissa is a Board Member at Next Door Solutions and a member of the Done in a Day (DIAD) Committee. Along with fellow League members Liz Webb and Kate Yagen, Melissa is coordinating the drives for DIAD this year.
I just got back from dropping off the first batch of toiletries at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, the beneficiary of our November toiletry drive (www.nextdoor.org). We’ve collected two full bins already, and we still have through the end of November to continue our collections.
What a great group of Junior Leaguers we have to give so generously – our donations really make a difference to the women and children who flee their abusers and are unable to bring anything with them. There were three women in the lobby when I went by, and they looked just like anyone I pass on the street every day. It’s horrible to think of how much violence goes on that we just don’t know about. Sadly, Next Door’s shelter ran at around 97% of its capacity last year, and it doesn’t look like things are slowing down.
Did you know last year Next Door answered over 10,000 calls to their hotline, served hundreds of women and children in its shelter, and thousands more through its advocacy work, drop in safety planning, and other programs? Thank you to everyone who contributed to the drive (and, by the way, if you’re looking for a holiday gift for someone who already has everything, I think a donation to Next Door in their name might be just the ticket!).
Next Door just did a teen survey where 2/3 of the teenagers surveyed said they knew of people in abusive relationships, and where 17% admitted to committing abuse themselves and another 20% were experiencing it. Terrible statistics, and it makes me think of what important work Next Door is doing and it makes me proud that we can help. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed.
Melissa is a Board Member at Next Door Solutions and a member of the Done in a Day (DIAD) Committee. Along with fellow League members Liz Webb and Kate Yagen, Melissa is coordinating the drives for DIAD this year.
Spotted: That Inspiring Little Girl at Safeway
By Cynthia Muñoz
Those of you who attended the November General Meeting might appreciate this.
At 8:30 on Saturday morning, my husband, son and I stopped at a Starbucks in Almaden Valley for some morning caffeine. As we're leaving the parking lot, we drive by the front of the Safeway and I spot a little girl standing in front, with what appears to be a violin in her hands. I take a second look and also see who I think is her father sitting in a lawn chair by her, a collection bucket of some sort, and a poster with some graphics that I vaguely recognize. I realized it was the little girl that Poppy Pembroke (from the Second Harvest Food Bank) talked about during her presentation to us!
I couldn't believe it and I started excitedly telling my husband about her inspiring story of being appalled that there were children who went without food and decided she wanted to help raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank by playing violin for donations. My husband thought I was a little nutty for being so excited about it, like I just saw Brad Pitt standing there playing violin or something, but what a coincidence! (And in the end, he did agree that she was one amazing little girl.) How proud her parents must be of her! I thought about my own little guy in the backseat and I hoped we'd be able to teach him to be as selfless.
Tonight at dinner, he announced he wanted to go through his toys and pick out things to give to kids who don't have toys. Don't know if it's motivated by thinking of others and being thankful for how much he has, or if it's because his birthday AND Christmas are coming up and he's trying to make room for new stuff. I didn't ask too many questions. I just enjoyed the moment and chalked it up to a great start for an almost-six-year-old.
Those of you who attended the November General Meeting might appreciate this.
At 8:30 on Saturday morning, my husband, son and I stopped at a Starbucks in Almaden Valley for some morning caffeine. As we're leaving the parking lot, we drive by the front of the Safeway and I spot a little girl standing in front, with what appears to be a violin in her hands. I take a second look and also see who I think is her father sitting in a lawn chair by her, a collection bucket of some sort, and a poster with some graphics that I vaguely recognize. I realized it was the little girl that Poppy Pembroke (from the Second Harvest Food Bank) talked about during her presentation to us!
I couldn't believe it and I started excitedly telling my husband about her inspiring story of being appalled that there were children who went without food and decided she wanted to help raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank by playing violin for donations. My husband thought I was a little nutty for being so excited about it, like I just saw Brad Pitt standing there playing violin or something, but what a coincidence! (And in the end, he did agree that she was one amazing little girl.) How proud her parents must be of her! I thought about my own little guy in the backseat and I hoped we'd be able to teach him to be as selfless.
Tonight at dinner, he announced he wanted to go through his toys and pick out things to give to kids who don't have toys. Don't know if it's motivated by thinking of others and being thankful for how much he has, or if it's because his birthday AND Christmas are coming up and he's trying to make room for new stuff. I didn't ask too many questions. I just enjoyed the moment and chalked it up to a great start for an almost-six-year-old.
November 19, 2010
November Provisional Meeting Recap: Focus on Fundraising
By Adi Raz
The second Provisional meeting of the year really helped us get in the holiday spirit! It is always so exciting to see all of the Provisionals in one room-so much positive energy is contagious. I think a lot of us were still on the sugar rush from the Sprinkles Cupcakes at the General Meeting.
(Be sure to visit Sprinkles Cupcakes at Stanford Shopping Center 11/29-12/3 to purchase the special Home Tour cupcake. All proceeds from the sales of this cupcake will benefit the JLPA•MP and our Community Projects)
After being treated to a delicious meal of pasta, salad, and those amazing olive rolls, we were all set to get started. I love how the Provisionals who plan the meeting get to introduce the speakers. It was especially sweet to see a daughter Provisional introduce her mother Sustainer. It served as a reminder that the Junior League transcends the generational gap and is a family within a family.
The theme of the November meeting was Fundraising and we got to hear all about the different ways the Junior League raises funds for its various Community Projects. It was really interesting to learn about the Endowment Fund and how one can contribute to it. We heard an update from The Shop and got excited to do a little holiday shopping there. And of course, who can forget the Home Tour, which is looking to be the most glittering event on everyone’s event calendar. Beautifully decorated homes, a cocktail party, and a holiday boutique-who can resist? (Tickets are still available!!!)
My favorite part of the evening was the Done-In-a-Meeting Project. I don’t think I have ever had more fun wrapping empty boxes, and I know they will look so beautiful under our tree at Home Tour. We also collected more utensils to make ornaments for the Kids in the Kitchen themed tree. Although we may have arrived in our heels and work clothes, nothing stopped us from sitting cross-legged on the floor, gabbing and wrapping boxes. The Done-In-a-Meeting Project really represents the heart and soul of what Junior League is all about: helping to build communities (one roll of wrapping paper at a time).
To learn more about our Community Projects, click here
To learn more about the JLPA•MP Endowment Fund, click here
To follow The Shop on Facebook, click here
To learn more about and purchase tickets for Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes & Boutique, click here
The second Provisional meeting of the year really helped us get in the holiday spirit! It is always so exciting to see all of the Provisionals in one room-so much positive energy is contagious. I think a lot of us were still on the sugar rush from the Sprinkles Cupcakes at the General Meeting.
(Be sure to visit Sprinkles Cupcakes at Stanford Shopping Center 11/29-12/3 to purchase the special Home Tour cupcake. All proceeds from the sales of this cupcake will benefit the JLPA•MP and our Community Projects)
After being treated to a delicious meal of pasta, salad, and those amazing olive rolls, we were all set to get started. I love how the Provisionals who plan the meeting get to introduce the speakers. It was especially sweet to see a daughter Provisional introduce her mother Sustainer. It served as a reminder that the Junior League transcends the generational gap and is a family within a family.
The theme of the November meeting was Fundraising and we got to hear all about the different ways the Junior League raises funds for its various Community Projects. It was really interesting to learn about the Endowment Fund and how one can contribute to it. We heard an update from The Shop and got excited to do a little holiday shopping there. And of course, who can forget the Home Tour, which is looking to be the most glittering event on everyone’s event calendar. Beautifully decorated homes, a cocktail party, and a holiday boutique-who can resist? (Tickets are still available!!!)
My favorite part of the evening was the Done-In-a-Meeting Project. I don’t think I have ever had more fun wrapping empty boxes, and I know they will look so beautiful under our tree at Home Tour. We also collected more utensils to make ornaments for the Kids in the Kitchen themed tree. Although we may have arrived in our heels and work clothes, nothing stopped us from sitting cross-legged on the floor, gabbing and wrapping boxes. The Done-In-a-Meeting Project really represents the heart and soul of what Junior League is all about: helping to build communities (one roll of wrapping paper at a time).
To learn more about our Community Projects, click here
To learn more about the JLPA•MP Endowment Fund, click here
To follow The Shop on Facebook, click here
To learn more about and purchase tickets for Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes & Boutique, click here
November 16, 2010
November is Inspirational Role Models Month
posted by Summer Brill
November is Inspirational Role Models Month, did you know that? I didn’t either, until Amy Truel (DIAD co-chair) told me today. She told me she found out by reading the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International) Blog Connected. The AJLI (www.ajli.org) has a wonderful website full of interesting articles, links to a blog (yes, they have one too!) links to their Facebook and Twitter and access to AJLI membership.
Read this post on the AJLI blog about Inspirational Role Models Month and chime in on the AJLI comment section. We also want to hear from you here! If you have an Inspirational Role Model, tell us (send to stories@thejuniorleague.org) and we’ll post on our Blog or self post on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
Who inspires you and why? I’ll start…
My Inspirational Role model is my friend Jill. We’ve known each other since our days at Arizona State University. She now lives in Chicago and I’m in California, but we keep in touch via Facebook, text and email. Although she is a plane ride away, she continues to inspire me with her thoughtfulness and unending support for her friends in need.
When my brother was in Iraq with the Marines, she started sending him letters and included funny articles, notes from her friends and general words of thanks and encouragement. She was not close with my brother before he left to serve, and I’m not sure they met more than a handful of times either. I did not ask her to write, she did it on her own. It didn’t take a lot of time, but her impact was great. He told us how getting letters from non-family members really lifted his morale and that of his fellow Marines.
A few years ago, a friend of hers had a daughter who became very ill and continues to rehabilitate to this day. From the very beginning, Jill rallied support among her friends, family and coworkers to lend encouragement and support to this friend of hers. I began to follow the progress of this young girl and even donated to one of the many many fundraisers put on by Jill and her friends to support this family. I’ve never met her friend nor the little girl, but I think about them often and keep tabs on them and lend support from afar, because Jill brought them to my attention.
And she continues to keep this family in the minds of those around her by continuing fundraising efforts through runs and activities. Just last week she climbed the Sears Tower in honor of her friends in need! These are just a few of the ways Jill supports those around her. She is the first one to participate in any donation or drive. She doesn’t hesitate ever to support those in need. She inspires me to lend support great and small.
See, that wasn’t so bad! Share! Tell us who your Inspirational Role Model is. Need some “inspiration”? Read the AJLI Blog post here, then send us your Role Model and why, we’ll share on our Blog. Or, share yourself on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
You can access the AJLI member area with your AJLI number. It is located in your profile in our Member Directory. In the Member Area, choose ME on the Quick Links section. In your profile, the second box down has your AJLI Member ID. You can use this on the AJLI website (www.ajli.org) to create a unique login and password. Still can’t find it? Contact webmanager@thejuniorleague.org.
November is Inspirational Role Models Month, did you know that? I didn’t either, until Amy Truel (DIAD co-chair) told me today. She told me she found out by reading the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International) Blog Connected. The AJLI (www.ajli.org) has a wonderful website full of interesting articles, links to a blog (yes, they have one too!) links to their Facebook and Twitter and access to AJLI membership.
Read this post on the AJLI blog about Inspirational Role Models Month and chime in on the AJLI comment section. We also want to hear from you here! If you have an Inspirational Role Model, tell us (send to stories@thejuniorleague.org) and we’ll post on our Blog or self post on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
Who inspires you and why? I’ll start…
My Inspirational Role model is my friend Jill. We’ve known each other since our days at Arizona State University. She now lives in Chicago and I’m in California, but we keep in touch via Facebook, text and email. Although she is a plane ride away, she continues to inspire me with her thoughtfulness and unending support for her friends in need.
When my brother was in Iraq with the Marines, she started sending him letters and included funny articles, notes from her friends and general words of thanks and encouragement. She was not close with my brother before he left to serve, and I’m not sure they met more than a handful of times either. I did not ask her to write, she did it on her own. It didn’t take a lot of time, but her impact was great. He told us how getting letters from non-family members really lifted his morale and that of his fellow Marines.
A few years ago, a friend of hers had a daughter who became very ill and continues to rehabilitate to this day. From the very beginning, Jill rallied support among her friends, family and coworkers to lend encouragement and support to this friend of hers. I began to follow the progress of this young girl and even donated to one of the many many fundraisers put on by Jill and her friends to support this family. I’ve never met her friend nor the little girl, but I think about them often and keep tabs on them and lend support from afar, because Jill brought them to my attention.
And she continues to keep this family in the minds of those around her by continuing fundraising efforts through runs and activities. Just last week she climbed the Sears Tower in honor of her friends in need! These are just a few of the ways Jill supports those around her. She is the first one to participate in any donation or drive. She doesn’t hesitate ever to support those in need. She inspires me to lend support great and small.
See, that wasn’t so bad! Share! Tell us who your Inspirational Role Model is. Need some “inspiration”? Read the AJLI Blog post here, then send us your Role Model and why, we’ll share on our Blog. Or, share yourself on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
You can access the AJLI member area with your AJLI number. It is located in your profile in our Member Directory. In the Member Area, choose ME on the Quick Links section. In your profile, the second box down has your AJLI Member ID. You can use this on the AJLI website (www.ajli.org) to create a unique login and password. Still can’t find it? Contact webmanager@thejuniorleague.org.
November 10, 2010
November 02, 2010
The First Provisional Meeting of 2010-11
By Madeleine Douglass
The year’s first Provisional Meeting went off without a hitch. First of all, the food was delicious. An evening of listening to inspiring JL stories becomes even better when butternut squash ravioli is brought into the mix! It was great to see all the familiar faces from the Retreat again too, as we had had a Mentor Group dinner between the general meeting and this Provisional meeting but hadn’t had a chance to get the whole class in the same room again.
Naomi Chavez-Peters was such a charismatic and engaging speaker that it was hard not to be in awe of all things AJLI. It doesn’t hurt that our group’s table won some candy to snack on during the talks! It was a great behind-the-scenes look at the larger community we have all just joined, and it really gave me a sense of pride to be involved in such global service efforts. The video of the Katrina relief trips, of course, made everyone tear up – not just because of the hardship these families have endured, but because of the way JL groups from across the nation came together at a time of need. It truly demonstrated that we are all connected in our mission.
Polly Neumann’s introduction to SPAC was just as inspiring in a different way. SPAC incorporates real women’s ideas into statewide legislature to not only help where help is needed, but to try to curb that need and creative positive preventative measures for all Californians. It was great to hear exactly how our ideas can be turned into something concrete that has real effects on our state.
My favorite part of the meeting, however, was the DIAD project – I miss the days when paper-cup phones were all we needed! Drawing old-school phones on the cups, our table joked about how these kids wouldn’t even recognize them; and then, seriously commented that we wished they had these lessons for everyone these days. It’s a great cause that JL has taken up, and it was fun to get an inside look at those “little steps,” like paper doll decorating or cup-phone construction, that make it all possible.
In the end, though we’re all busy and life is hectic these days, going to each JL meeting only makes me more excited for the next!
The year’s first Provisional Meeting went off without a hitch. First of all, the food was delicious. An evening of listening to inspiring JL stories becomes even better when butternut squash ravioli is brought into the mix! It was great to see all the familiar faces from the Retreat again too, as we had had a Mentor Group dinner between the general meeting and this Provisional meeting but hadn’t had a chance to get the whole class in the same room again.
Naomi Chavez-Peters was such a charismatic and engaging speaker that it was hard not to be in awe of all things AJLI. It doesn’t hurt that our group’s table won some candy to snack on during the talks! It was a great behind-the-scenes look at the larger community we have all just joined, and it really gave me a sense of pride to be involved in such global service efforts. The video of the Katrina relief trips, of course, made everyone tear up – not just because of the hardship these families have endured, but because of the way JL groups from across the nation came together at a time of need. It truly demonstrated that we are all connected in our mission.
Polly Neumann’s introduction to SPAC was just as inspiring in a different way. SPAC incorporates real women’s ideas into statewide legislature to not only help where help is needed, but to try to curb that need and creative positive preventative measures for all Californians. It was great to hear exactly how our ideas can be turned into something concrete that has real effects on our state.
My favorite part of the meeting, however, was the DIAD project – I miss the days when paper-cup phones were all we needed! Drawing old-school phones on the cups, our table joked about how these kids wouldn’t even recognize them; and then, seriously commented that we wished they had these lessons for everyone these days. It’s a great cause that JL has taken up, and it was fun to get an inside look at those “little steps,” like paper doll decorating or cup-phone construction, that make it all possible.
In the end, though we’re all busy and life is hectic these days, going to each JL meeting only makes me more excited for the next!
November 01, 2010
The Shop: Not a Rummage Sale Anymore!
By Tara Roussel
Far surpassing its humble beginnings, The Shop, our long profitable resale shop on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park, is celebrating 40 years!
About 50 Shop customers and volunteers visited our 40th anniversary celebration last week to honor this institution and all the good work it has funded in our community. Shop co-chair Jan Woolsey said a great time was had by all, but especially by four lucky attendees who won one of our League’s original cookbooks, Private Collection: Recipes from the Junior League of Palo Alto. Quite a lucky thing, since those books are selling, used, for $67.50 on Amazon!
Said Jan of the Union Bank-financed celebration: “It was a really fun way to honor people involved in The Shop over its entire 40-year history.” Several past Shop Committee Chairs were there, as was the wonderful Shop staff. Congratulations to The Shop staff and volunteers, and thanks to our generous sponsor Union Bank for all the fun!
If you have a donation to bring to The Shop, please drop it at the back door Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Then, stay to shop! See a complete wish list here, along with more info on hours. Thanks for supporting The Shop!
Proceeds from The Shop help support our Community Projects, to learn more about our Community Projects, please visit our website.
The Shop is located at 785 Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park. Follow The Shop on Facebook
Far surpassing its humble beginnings, The Shop, our long profitable resale shop on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park, is celebrating 40 years!
About 50 Shop customers and volunteers visited our 40th anniversary celebration last week to honor this institution and all the good work it has funded in our community. Shop co-chair Jan Woolsey said a great time was had by all, but especially by four lucky attendees who won one of our League’s original cookbooks, Private Collection: Recipes from the Junior League of Palo Alto. Quite a lucky thing, since those books are selling, used, for $67.50 on Amazon!
Said Jan of the Union Bank-financed celebration: “It was a really fun way to honor people involved in The Shop over its entire 40-year history.” Several past Shop Committee Chairs were there, as was the wonderful Shop staff. Congratulations to The Shop staff and volunteers, and thanks to our generous sponsor Union Bank for all the fun!
If you have a donation to bring to The Shop, please drop it at the back door Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Then, stay to shop! See a complete wish list here, along with more info on hours. Thanks for supporting The Shop!
Proceeds from The Shop help support our Community Projects, to learn more about our Community Projects, please visit our website.
The Shop is located at 785 Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park. Follow The Shop on Facebook
Ode to ODI
By Lisa Malloy
Sorry, you won't find any lyrical rhyming here...maybe I should have consulted Ashley Roussel, who I am personally recommending as League Chanteuse for 2011-2012...but hopefully you'll find a little kernel of leadership inspiration you can use somewhere in your life. If not, I'll settle for a chuckle. Hey, give me a break, I needed a title!
If you want to learn how to sell cookbooks, talk to the ladies from Texas. I never will be able to resist a homemade peanut butter cup! Speaking of target marketing, communicating to all "generations" of the League from veterans to boomers to Gen X'ers and Gen Y'ers isn't one size fits all. If we want sustainer participation, the blog or facebook probably won't get them in the door. An evite works for me, while my nieces prefer facebook "events" and my mom is still a Hallmark-junkie! Communication = sent + received + understood.
Want your kids to impress Grandma or that cute fireman at the annual pancake breakfast? A little trick to help kids learn which glass is theirs at a formal table: Hold both hands in front of you, palms facing each other. Using the tips of your thumb and forefinger, make circles on each hand. The remaining three fingers in each hand point upwards. Your left hand will form a "b" and your right hand will form a "d". Bread plate (b) is on the left, and drink (d) is on the right. (Now, about that soup, I don't think you can blame me for "going left" when it was served AFTER the main course...)
Recruiting isn't about the mission statement, it's about the impact you can make on potential members. Rather than memorizing the mission & vision and reciting them verbatim, put your own spin on it! JLPA-MP - a group of fabulous women learning together and making a difference in the community. Your passion will come through. Diversity isn't just about the numbers, it's about inclusion. It doesn't matter if we can check off all the "boxes", if everyone doesn't feel part of the League. I bet you're wondering where should we hold the next meeting?
Yes, you can wear a white sweater (or cowboy boots or peep-toe shoes or - insert favorite fashion item here - ) in October in Houston.
We've all probably seen the commercial about hiding the veggies in the Spaghettios and my mother-in-law "hides" the spinach in the meatloaf...how about hiding the training in the meeting? Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs to October 15? You do now!! September 15 is significant as the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
Knowledge only helps the organization if it is passed down...it's not too early to start thinking about your leadership transitions. Fill up those Committee forums, Council Assistants! Be sure to use your "big girl voice" to suggest improvements, too.
Paper airplanes aren't just for kids. Next time you see me, ask me about it! First, I'll thank you for reading this far in my blog post and then I'll tell you the story. Great for all the event planners among us.
Oh, and Dad can handle a 10 month old for 72 hours while you have a little "me" time...ok, there was that peach-rice-pudding for dinner incident. No harm, no foul!
Thanks for the opportunity to represent the League at ODI!
ODI: Organizational Development Institutes are a series of trainings sponsored by the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International). For more information, visit the AJLI website at www.ajli.org . To access the member area, retrieve your AJLI number from your profile in our Member Directory.
Sorry, you won't find any lyrical rhyming here...maybe I should have consulted Ashley Roussel, who I am personally recommending as League Chanteuse for 2011-2012...but hopefully you'll find a little kernel of leadership inspiration you can use somewhere in your life. If not, I'll settle for a chuckle. Hey, give me a break, I needed a title!
If you want to learn how to sell cookbooks, talk to the ladies from Texas. I never will be able to resist a homemade peanut butter cup! Speaking of target marketing, communicating to all "generations" of the League from veterans to boomers to Gen X'ers and Gen Y'ers isn't one size fits all. If we want sustainer participation, the blog or facebook probably won't get them in the door. An evite works for me, while my nieces prefer facebook "events" and my mom is still a Hallmark-junkie! Communication = sent + received + understood.
Want your kids to impress Grandma or that cute fireman at the annual pancake breakfast? A little trick to help kids learn which glass is theirs at a formal table: Hold both hands in front of you, palms facing each other. Using the tips of your thumb and forefinger, make circles on each hand. The remaining three fingers in each hand point upwards. Your left hand will form a "b" and your right hand will form a "d". Bread plate (b) is on the left, and drink (d) is on the right. (Now, about that soup, I don't think you can blame me for "going left" when it was served AFTER the main course...)
Recruiting isn't about the mission statement, it's about the impact you can make on potential members. Rather than memorizing the mission & vision and reciting them verbatim, put your own spin on it! JLPA-MP - a group of fabulous women learning together and making a difference in the community. Your passion will come through. Diversity isn't just about the numbers, it's about inclusion. It doesn't matter if we can check off all the "boxes", if everyone doesn't feel part of the League. I bet you're wondering where should we hold the next meeting?
Yes, you can wear a white sweater (or cowboy boots or peep-toe shoes or - insert favorite fashion item here - ) in October in Houston.
We've all probably seen the commercial about hiding the veggies in the Spaghettios and my mother-in-law "hides" the spinach in the meatloaf...how about hiding the training in the meeting? Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs to October 15? You do now!! September 15 is significant as the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
Knowledge only helps the organization if it is passed down...it's not too early to start thinking about your leadership transitions. Fill up those Committee forums, Council Assistants! Be sure to use your "big girl voice" to suggest improvements, too.
Paper airplanes aren't just for kids. Next time you see me, ask me about it! First, I'll thank you for reading this far in my blog post and then I'll tell you the story. Great for all the event planners among us.
Oh, and Dad can handle a 10 month old for 72 hours while you have a little "me" time...ok, there was that peach-rice-pudding for dinner incident. No harm, no foul!
Thanks for the opportunity to represent the League at ODI!
ODI: Organizational Development Institutes are a series of trainings sponsored by the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International). For more information, visit the AJLI website at www.ajli.org . To access the member area, retrieve your AJLI number from your profile in our Member Directory.
September 27, 2010
Spotlight on Community Projects: First Teachers
Edited by Summer Brill
First Teachers is a project of the Bring Me a BookTM Foundation, which was founded in 1997 by Judy Koch. The organization envisions a read-aloud culture where all families place a high priority on literacy and are actively involved in their children's education. League members on the First Teachers committee, together with the Bring me a Book Foundation, will host 20 training sessions in the community this year.
Only 50% of children in low income areas are read aloud to on a daily basis, compared to 70% of higher income children. With study after study linking brain development and literacy skills later in life to this activity in young children, the importance of reading aloud is even greater today than ever.
On August 28th, the First Teachers committee spent the day at Bring Me A Book learning how to teach parents the importance of reading aloud, how to setup a regular reading routine, how to overcome obstacles to sticking with the routine and, most importantly, how to make the activity more interesting for the children (AKA, keep their attention). The vision of the training sessions the committee will be facilitating are to empower parents and caregivers to be their child’s “First Teacher”.
Stay tuned for the fall issue of the Piper (mailed November 1st) for a suggested reading list. For more information on the Bring me a Book Foundation, including Reading Aloud Tips, visit http://www.bringmeabook.org/programs/first-teachers.html.
First Teachers is a project of the Bring Me a BookTM Foundation, which was founded in 1997 by Judy Koch. The organization envisions a read-aloud culture where all families place a high priority on literacy and are actively involved in their children's education. League members on the First Teachers committee, together with the Bring me a Book Foundation, will host 20 training sessions in the community this year.
Only 50% of children in low income areas are read aloud to on a daily basis, compared to 70% of higher income children. With study after study linking brain development and literacy skills later in life to this activity in young children, the importance of reading aloud is even greater today than ever.
On August 28th, the First Teachers committee spent the day at Bring Me A Book learning how to teach parents the importance of reading aloud, how to setup a regular reading routine, how to overcome obstacles to sticking with the routine and, most importantly, how to make the activity more interesting for the children (AKA, keep their attention). The vision of the training sessions the committee will be facilitating are to empower parents and caregivers to be their child’s “First Teacher”.
Stay tuned for the fall issue of the Piper (mailed November 1st) for a suggested reading list. For more information on the Bring me a Book Foundation, including Reading Aloud Tips, visit http://www.bringmeabook.org/programs/first-teachers.html.
September 11, 2010
Spotlight on Community Projects: Done in a Year Shelter Network
Edited by Summer Brill
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. (JLPA•MP) will be partnering with the Shelter Network of San Mateo County to fulfill its "Done in a Year" Project. The mission of the Shelter Network is to provide housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own. The JLPA•MP Project Committee will sponsor Lifeskills workshops throughout the year at the Shelter Network's Menlo Park and San Mateo emergency shelters. These workshops will assist homeless clients in the shelters to gain employment, if jobless, and/or help them to find a new or better-paying job if they are in transitional housing.
Working with Shelter Network staff, League volunteers will deliver life skills workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions to Shelter Network clients at the Haven House in Menlo Park and First Step for Families in San Mateo.
Carla Cravalho and Amy Hamilton are the Co-Chairs for the Done in a Year Shelter Network community project this year. They are planning workshops on the following topics: Interviewing Skills, Financial Management, How to Keep a Job and Time Management.
The next Shelter Network workshop is September 22nd, check back for an update on their wonderful workshops!
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. (JLPA•MP) will be partnering with the Shelter Network of San Mateo County to fulfill its "Done in a Year" Project. The mission of the Shelter Network is to provide housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own. The JLPA•MP Project Committee will sponsor Lifeskills workshops throughout the year at the Shelter Network's Menlo Park and San Mateo emergency shelters. These workshops will assist homeless clients in the shelters to gain employment, if jobless, and/or help them to find a new or better-paying job if they are in transitional housing.
Working with Shelter Network staff, League volunteers will deliver life skills workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions to Shelter Network clients at the Haven House in Menlo Park and First Step for Families in San Mateo.
Carla Cravalho and Amy Hamilton are the Co-Chairs for the Done in a Year Shelter Network community project this year. They are planning workshops on the following topics: Interviewing Skills, Financial Management, How to Keep a Job and Time Management.
The next Shelter Network workshop is September 22nd, check back for an update on their wonderful workshops!
My New Red Shoes Gives Children New Hope
By Mandy Conner
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula (JLPA•MP) kicked off the 2010-2011 League year with its first Done in a Day (DIAD) offering and proudly partnered with My New Red Shoes for their Pack for Pride Event on July 18 at the Nvidia warehouse. Volunteers packed nearly 3,000 gift bags filled with new shoes, school supplies, gift cards and personalized notes for underprivileged children.
Megan Olesek shared the following comment about her family’s experience volunteering with the My New Red Shoes Done in a Day project:
“It was such a great opportunity to educate my son about those less fortunate. Even though he attended a birthday party later in the day, when my husband asked at the end of the day ‘what did you do today?’ the only thing he talked about was giving new shoes to kids who didn't have them. It definitely made a big impression!”
The bags created at this Done in a Day event will be delivered to children at Bay Area homeless shelters. This event was a great opportunity for League members to include their families and to provide resources to children in need.
Amy Truel led the team of volunteers, including Michelle Altick, Kate Bowerman, Ella Duncanson, Noelle Gonsalves, Jackie Lyandres, Megan Olesek, Joy Peacock, Lisa Tayeri and Mia Wyant. Many thanks to all for their hard work!
Edited version, read the full article in the next Piper magazine November 2010.
August 01, 2010
Meet our Provisional Committee Co-Chairs: Jovita Honor and Carrie Peacock
By Michelle Hostrup and Summer Brill
(Pictured: Jovita Honor)
Jovita Honor and Carrie Peacock are the fearless Co-Chairs of this year’s Provisional committee. You can meet them at the Gatehouse at one of our open houses August 7th and 25th. Here’s a brief introduction to them below. Have a great year ladies!
Register to attend an open house online at: http://www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto/npo.jsp?pg=event&eventid=1776.
To read more about joining The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, check out our website: http://www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto/npo.jsp?pg=join5.
Jovita Honor
Why did you join the League and how long have you been an Active?
I joined the league to get involved in the community in a way that worked with my busy schedule and to meet other women. I've been an active member since 2004.
What is your fondest memory from your time in the League?
Attending the Starting Line Breakfast where the JLPAMP was recognized for starting a shelter for homeless youth over two decades prior. I was not involved at all with this project but I felt very proud to be part of a group that would create a solution to a problem they noticed at the time and that now was a big part of the community services.
What most surprised you once you joined the League?
I'm surprised by the diversity of experience among the women in this league. From medical to law to technical, etc.
What are you looking forward to this league year?
I'm looking forward to working with our committee (Provisional committee) in creating a welcoming and energizing atmosphere for our Provisional’s.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Right now I'm fascinated with Italy having visited for the first time last year and going again this fall.
What keeps you busy when you're not doing Junior League related activities?
Building and managing my Wealth Advisory business keeps me very busy. This year I'm also a volunteer on another non-profit fundraiser that has been a wonderful experience because I'm working with other friends I've met at the Jr. League as well as sustainers I had not had the pleasure of meeting before.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
A Philadelphia Story with Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart.
Carrie Peacock
Why did you join the League and how long have you been an active?
I was new to the area and wanted to make friends and learn about the community. 3 years active.
What is your fondest memory from your time in the League?
In my previous league in Texas, we did a prom dress project and supplied prom dresses to less fortunate high school girls. Seeing the girls get so excited about finding the perfect dress was very heartwarming.
What most surprised you once you joined the League?
I was surprised by how many opportunities there were for me to get involved. I was also very impressed with the structure of the organization.
What are you looking forward to this league year?
Welcoming all the new provisional’s into Junior League!
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Grand Cayman
What keeps you busy when you're not doing Junior League related activities?
Spending time with my husband and 4 year old daughter.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Seeing that I've only been exposed to kids movies in 4 years, I would say Mary Poppins.
July 31, 2010
Get to Know Our 2010-11 League President Stefanie Bruggeman
By Michelle Hostrup and Summer Brill
Welcome to the 2010-11 League Year!
We are very excited to welcome Stefanie Bruggeman as our League President this year. She introduced herself to the League at large at our General Meeting in May, but we thought it would be fun to ask her a few questions to get to know her on a more personal level. Our first General Meeting is September 15th at 6:15pm, hope to see you there!
Why did you join the League and how long have you been an Active?
I joined the League 13 years ago seeking to make friends and work in the community, pretty much the same reasons many of us join. I can honestly say that during my years as a League member, both those things have been met.
What is your fondest memory from your time in the League?
I worked on the East Palo Alto Charter School Committee as a committee member. I taught a Character Development Class to 12, 7th-grade girls, once a week, for the year. One day, I came ready to teach and noticed that no one was participating. When I asked around, the students told me they had just come out of a state-testing session and everyone's brains were fried. We ended up talking for 45 minutes about anything they wanted to talk about. It was very loose and everyone participated. It was a great learning session. We talked more about developing character in that one class than we had all year long. I learned a lot about the serious issues those girls were dealing with. One girl's dad was in jail, another's brother had just been killed by a gang-shooting and still another was sharing her house with multiple families. It’s a day I always look back on with fondness.
What most surprised you once you joined the League?
I am continually surprised by how much I've learned over the years. I came into the League a working woman. Soon after, kids took over my life and I eventually left the job I had. The League has given me the opportunity to stay current with working trends, and skills. I feel empowered and confident by all that I'm doing and learning. When I'm ready to rejoin the working world, I will be using the skills I've learned through the League.
I'm also surprise by the number of Jr. Leaguers I run into in my daily life and in the strangest places! Where ever I'm at, I'm bound to see someone I've met through the League. I bumped into a college sorority sister, whom I hadn't seen in years, at an Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) conference this past year. We are everywhere and I love it!
What are you looking forward to this league year?
I'm very excited about the strategic direction AJLI is taking. They have launched a big strategic initiative to ensure that we stay relevant with women's lives today. Angela Espinosa is leading a Strategic Planning task force that will merge AJLI's plan with the needs of our league into one comprehensive Strategic Plan. Look for that report to be published later this year.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Lake Tahoe! Hand down. I love the ease of being in the mountains. My favorite things to do while I'm there is hike, play on the Lake, and shop at the local boutiques and eating at local restaurants.
What keeps you busy when you're not doing Junior League related activities?
My family. I have three kids, ages 13, 11 and 9. Between their many activities and my husband's travel schedule I end up being the scheduler and chauffeur.
I also like to stay fit and love to run, take a fitness class or do yoga. I've run several half-marathons, and was on a team of 12 women who participated in a relay race that went from Napa to Santa Cruz. I'm always up for a hike at the Dish if anyone is interested!
What is your favorite restaurant on the Peninsula?
With the kids: Fiesta Del Mar II (on Castro in Mt. View), without kids: Bistro Elan (on California Ave in Palo Alto).
What 3 items would you take with you on a deserted island?
My Kindle, my family (maybe . . .) and chocolate.
Read Stefanie's President's message here: http://www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto/npo.jsp?pg=about3
Welcome to the 2010-11 League Year!
We are very excited to welcome Stefanie Bruggeman as our League President this year. She introduced herself to the League at large at our General Meeting in May, but we thought it would be fun to ask her a few questions to get to know her on a more personal level. Our first General Meeting is September 15th at 6:15pm, hope to see you there!
Why did you join the League and how long have you been an Active?
I joined the League 13 years ago seeking to make friends and work in the community, pretty much the same reasons many of us join. I can honestly say that during my years as a League member, both those things have been met.
What is your fondest memory from your time in the League?
I worked on the East Palo Alto Charter School Committee as a committee member. I taught a Character Development Class to 12, 7th-grade girls, once a week, for the year. One day, I came ready to teach and noticed that no one was participating. When I asked around, the students told me they had just come out of a state-testing session and everyone's brains were fried. We ended up talking for 45 minutes about anything they wanted to talk about. It was very loose and everyone participated. It was a great learning session. We talked more about developing character in that one class than we had all year long. I learned a lot about the serious issues those girls were dealing with. One girl's dad was in jail, another's brother had just been killed by a gang-shooting and still another was sharing her house with multiple families. It’s a day I always look back on with fondness.
What most surprised you once you joined the League?
I am continually surprised by how much I've learned over the years. I came into the League a working woman. Soon after, kids took over my life and I eventually left the job I had. The League has given me the opportunity to stay current with working trends, and skills. I feel empowered and confident by all that I'm doing and learning. When I'm ready to rejoin the working world, I will be using the skills I've learned through the League.
I'm also surprise by the number of Jr. Leaguers I run into in my daily life and in the strangest places! Where ever I'm at, I'm bound to see someone I've met through the League. I bumped into a college sorority sister, whom I hadn't seen in years, at an Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) conference this past year. We are everywhere and I love it!
What are you looking forward to this league year?
I'm very excited about the strategic direction AJLI is taking. They have launched a big strategic initiative to ensure that we stay relevant with women's lives today. Angela Espinosa is leading a Strategic Planning task force that will merge AJLI's plan with the needs of our league into one comprehensive Strategic Plan. Look for that report to be published later this year.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Lake Tahoe! Hand down. I love the ease of being in the mountains. My favorite things to do while I'm there is hike, play on the Lake, and shop at the local boutiques and eating at local restaurants.
What keeps you busy when you're not doing Junior League related activities?
My family. I have three kids, ages 13, 11 and 9. Between their many activities and my husband's travel schedule I end up being the scheduler and chauffeur.
I also like to stay fit and love to run, take a fitness class or do yoga. I've run several half-marathons, and was on a team of 12 women who participated in a relay race that went from Napa to Santa Cruz. I'm always up for a hike at the Dish if anyone is interested!
What is your favorite restaurant on the Peninsula?
With the kids: Fiesta Del Mar II (on Castro in Mt. View), without kids: Bistro Elan (on California Ave in Palo Alto).
What 3 items would you take with you on a deserted island?
My Kindle, my family (maybe . . .) and chocolate.
Read Stefanie's President's message here: http://www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto/npo.jsp?pg=about3
May 01, 2010
May 2010 – Inspiration for Leaders
"It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help."-- Judith Martin
This is the month we sit back and revel in our achievements from this past League year. We take time to tie up loose ends, prepare to sit down with the incoming leader who will fill our shoes, and pass along all the tidbits that will set them up for success. I know you guys are great leaders (I’ve seen you work!) and I trust that you will take the time to share what really worked and what really didn’t work. It’s critical that the League learn from the past so we can enhance the League experience for everyone. No one wants to experience challenges that could be avoided… and we all want each other to experience success.
I set aside a little time for my own reflection recently – and yes, it may have coincided with the task of submitting my end-of-year notes – but I just want to thank you for looking at this leadership inspiration from time to time. It has been a fun “extra” for me to put together throughout the year, and I hope it’s made you smile and think and maybe become a more confident leader too.
Here is something I have been waiting to share in this forum. You may have seen or heard if before, but it’s an effective way to think about leadership and the role each of us play in the “big picture.”
Lessons From Geese
Fact 1: As each goose flap its wings it creates an“uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common sense of direction and community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership, as with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skill, capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents or resources.
Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the productivity is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay until it dies or can fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
“Lessons from Geese” was transcribed from a speech given by Angeles Arrien at the 1991 Organizational Development Network and is based on the work of Milton Olson.
All the best to you as you wrap your year up and move forward. Let’s take these lessons from geese and “honk” (in a “v” formation) for each other as the year comes to an end on May 31st. (Totally kidding about the honking…)
Thank you, thank you for all that you’ve done – and will do – for our League!
This is the month we sit back and revel in our achievements from this past League year. We take time to tie up loose ends, prepare to sit down with the incoming leader who will fill our shoes, and pass along all the tidbits that will set them up for success. I know you guys are great leaders (I’ve seen you work!) and I trust that you will take the time to share what really worked and what really didn’t work. It’s critical that the League learn from the past so we can enhance the League experience for everyone. No one wants to experience challenges that could be avoided… and we all want each other to experience success.
I set aside a little time for my own reflection recently – and yes, it may have coincided with the task of submitting my end-of-year notes – but I just want to thank you for looking at this leadership inspiration from time to time. It has been a fun “extra” for me to put together throughout the year, and I hope it’s made you smile and think and maybe become a more confident leader too.
Here is something I have been waiting to share in this forum. You may have seen or heard if before, but it’s an effective way to think about leadership and the role each of us play in the “big picture.”
Lessons From Geese
Fact 1: As each goose flap its wings it creates an“uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common sense of direction and community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership, as with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skill, capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents or resources.
Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the productivity is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay until it dies or can fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
“Lessons from Geese” was transcribed from a speech given by Angeles Arrien at the 1991 Organizational Development Network and is based on the work of Milton Olson.
All the best to you as you wrap your year up and move forward. Let’s take these lessons from geese and “honk” (in a “v” formation) for each other as the year comes to an end on May 31st. (Totally kidding about the honking…)
Thank you, thank you for all that you’ve done – and will do – for our League!
April 14, 2010
Just for Fun: Burgers and Beer Social
POST BY TARA ROUSSEL
Remember chili cheese fries? I had completely forgotten about this delicacy but was happily reminded at our casual social Friday night: Burgers and Beer at the Dutch Goose. My $10 ticket bought a giant beer I couldn’t finish, endless baskets of fried cheese, deviled eggs, French fries and buckets of the aforementioned greasy, heavenly wonderment. I just started eating again at lunch today.
Thanks so much to the Enrichment Committee for organizing such a relaxed, fun kickoff to the weekend. It was fun to just change into jeans and pop on over as soon as the hubby got home from work.
Remember chili cheese fries? I had completely forgotten about this delicacy but was happily reminded at our casual social Friday night: Burgers and Beer at the Dutch Goose. My $10 ticket bought a giant beer I couldn’t finish, endless baskets of fried cheese, deviled eggs, French fries and buckets of the aforementioned greasy, heavenly wonderment. I just started eating again at lunch today.
Thanks so much to the Enrichment Committee for organizing such a relaxed, fun kickoff to the weekend. It was fun to just change into jeans and pop on over as soon as the hubby got home from work.
April 01, 2010
April 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due, with Humility
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -- Maria Robinson
It’s already April! You may have fast-forwarded a little to think ahead to next year, but, as a leader, there is still some work to do. As you prepare to wrap up and complete your League year, it’s critical to reflect on how successful your committee has been. Whether you’ve knocked a new project out of the park, helped a new idea become reality, or maintained an aspect of the League that already works well – you have no doubt had successes that deserve celebrating.
A tenet to remember is that a good leader should practice humility as successes are celebrated. Humility is one of those words that can sometimes be misunderstood. I looked it up and found the following message about humility:
Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievements, about our worth - but without arrogance. It's about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without having to boast about them.
Another mark of a leader who practices humility is his or her treatment of others. Such leaders treat everyone with respect regardless of position. Someone once said: the sign of a gentleman is how he treats those who can be of absolutely no use to him.
Something interesting happens, too, when we approach situations from a perspective of humility: it opens us up to possibilities, as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity over protecting our point of view. We spend more time willing to learn from what others have to offer. We forget about being perfect and we enjoy being in the moment.
Here are a few suggestions on practicing humility:
There are many benefits to practicing humility: it improves relationships across all levels, it reduces anxiety, it encourages more openness and actually, it enhances one's self-confidence.
While I do not claim to be any sort of authority on this, I believe that showing your genuine interest in others and giving them credit where credit is due, can really propel us toward a whole host of future successes.
Enjoy tying that bow on the work you’ve done… and sincere thanks for everything. It will be fun to celebrate with you in May!
Some of this month’s sources include: content from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_69.htm
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -- Maria Robinson
It’s already April! You may have fast-forwarded a little to think ahead to next year, but, as a leader, there is still some work to do. As you prepare to wrap up and complete your League year, it’s critical to reflect on how successful your committee has been. Whether you’ve knocked a new project out of the park, helped a new idea become reality, or maintained an aspect of the League that already works well – you have no doubt had successes that deserve celebrating.
A tenet to remember is that a good leader should practice humility as successes are celebrated. Humility is one of those words that can sometimes be misunderstood. I looked it up and found the following message about humility:
Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievements, about our worth - but without arrogance. It's about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without having to boast about them.
Another mark of a leader who practices humility is his or her treatment of others. Such leaders treat everyone with respect regardless of position. Someone once said: the sign of a gentleman is how he treats those who can be of absolutely no use to him.
Something interesting happens, too, when we approach situations from a perspective of humility: it opens us up to possibilities, as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity over protecting our point of view. We spend more time willing to learn from what others have to offer. We forget about being perfect and we enjoy being in the moment.
Here are a few suggestions on practicing humility:
- There are times when swallowing one's pride is particularly difficult and any intentions of humility fly out the window, as we get engaged in a contest of perfection, each side seeking to look good. If you find yourself in such no-win situations, consider developing some strategies to ensure that the circumstances don't lead you to lose your grace. Try this sometimes: just stop talking and allow the other person to be in the limelight. There is something very liberating in this strategy.
- Here are three magical words that will produce more peace of mind than a week at an expensive retreat: "You are right."
- Catch yourself if you slip into over-stepping or coaching without permission - is your desire to impose your point of view overtaking good judgment?
- Seek others' input on how you are showing up in your leadership path. Ask: "How am I doing?" It takes humility to ask such a question. And even more humility to consider the answer.
- Encourage the practice of humility in your committee through your own example: every time you share credit for successes with others, you reinforce the culture for your members. Consider mentoring or coaching emerging leaders on this key attribute of leadership.
There are many benefits to practicing humility: it improves relationships across all levels, it reduces anxiety, it encourages more openness and actually, it enhances one's self-confidence.
While I do not claim to be any sort of authority on this, I believe that showing your genuine interest in others and giving them credit where credit is due, can really propel us toward a whole host of future successes.
Enjoy tying that bow on the work you’ve done… and sincere thanks for everything. It will be fun to celebrate with you in May!
Some of this month’s sources include: content from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_69.htm
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
March 29, 2010
Training: Chef's Training at Sur La Table
Post By Helen Ungerman
What great fun it was to have experienced An evening of Hors D’oeuvres with the Junior League’s very own culinary extraordinaire, Chef Laura Neufeld! Held in the perfect location, Sur La Table at Town and Country Village, 17 eager to learn Leaguers set off to soak up the tricks of the trade. This wasn’t just actives and provisionals, but Sustainers and newcomers also.
After being buttered up with wine and cheese & scoping out the stores merchandise (it is not advised to have a glass or two of wine and then walk through your favorite kitchen utility store!), we all broke out into small groups and each chose to work on the appetizer that caught our eye, or should I say tummy?! I fancied the Gruyere Gougeres...just saying this aloud makes me feel like I’m reading a Fancy Nancy book. The best part about this hors d’oeuvres was how easy it was to prepare and you can make it ahead and freeze until your special occasion...delicious and oh so elegant to boot! Some of my other favorites were the White button mushrooms stuffed with pancetta, shallots & sage and the avocado salsa with poached shrimp served inside toasted corn cups (ALL SUPER YUM!)...
After the controlled chaos in the kitchen, we all sat at a large table together and enjoyed our delicious treats together. Chef Laura came out to talk about all of the dishes...what worked, what didn’t and I must say, as cliché as this sounds, it was an incredible training event. One which reminded me again why I was in THIS League, and why I can’t wait for more to come! Kudos to the Enrichment Committee who made this event a seamless success...and thank you ladies for washing all those dirty dishes and Cuisinart bowls! Finally some appropriate words from world reknown master chef Julia Child...“Never apologize for your food before you serve it to guests! You are always your own harshest critic.” A motto to live by for sure!
March 03, 2010
Leading: A Balancing Act
"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense."
-- Harold S. Kushner
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m really ready for spring to get here. It seems we have had a long winter, and while I’ve been pretty productive in the past months, it is exciting to know that longer, sunnier days are ahead.
As thoughts of spring cleaning and changing routines come to mind, I have a few tidbits of inspiration to share as March rolls in. The tidbits come from a great League training last year at the Gatehouse with a speaker named Susan Stone Belton. She shared these ideas and I haven’t put them away yet.
Ways to Achieve Work, Personal, and Family Balance
· Set your priorities ~ delegating tasks helps to accomplish more. Learn to distinguish between “have to” vs. “want to.”
· Have clear expectations ~ clear expectations lead to more support and less confusion. Stop trying to be perfect (we can only try to do our best every day).
· Use your limit setting skills ~ keeping firm limits helps you be prepared for unexpected results. Be willing to say no, and do not feel guilty.
· Give yourself the gift of transition ~ take the time to mentally shift from one role to another. Suggestion to use a landmark on commute as a cue to switch roles.
· Take care of yourself ~ you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. Make time for yourself.
· Always work at finding balance ~ never give up. Keep a sense of humor.
So as you continue to lead your committees toward your year-long goals, remember to balance your home life, your League life, your career, and all the other aspects of life as best you can. You are a volunteer, a role model, and a leader. You inspire so many whether you know it or not, and the League is fortunate to have you as members of our leadership team.
I wish you balanced and healthy days ahead! Have a great month – and thank you for your care and leadership!
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from Susan Stone Belton (www.susanstonebelton.com).
March 01, 2010
March 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders
The Balancing Act of a League Leader
"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." -- Harold S. Kushner
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m really ready for spring to get here. It seems we have had a long winter, and while I’ve been pretty productive in the past months, it is exciting to know that longer, sunnier days are ahead.
As thoughts of spring cleaning and changing routines come to mind, I have a few tidbits of inspiration to share as March rolls in. The tidbits come from a great League training last year at the Gatehouse with a speaker named Susan Stone Belton. She shared these ideas and I haven’t put them away yet.
Ways to Achieve Work, Personal, and Family Balance
So as you continue to lead your committees toward your year-long goals, remember to balance your home life, your League life, your career, and all the other aspects of life as best you can. You are a volunteer, a role model, and a leader. You inspire so many whether you know it or not, and the League is fortunate to have you as members of our leadership team.
I wish you balanced and healthy days ahead! Have a great month – and thank you for your care and leadership!
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from Susan Stone Belton (http://www.susanstonebelton.com/).
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." -- Harold S. Kushner
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m really ready for spring to get here. It seems we have had a long winter, and while I’ve been pretty productive in the past months, it is exciting to know that longer, sunnier days are ahead.
As thoughts of spring cleaning and changing routines come to mind, I have a few tidbits of inspiration to share as March rolls in. The tidbits come from a great League training last year at the Gatehouse with a speaker named Susan Stone Belton. She shared these ideas and I haven’t put them away yet.
Ways to Achieve Work, Personal, and Family Balance
- Set your priorities ~ delegating tasks helps to accomplish more. Learn to distinguish between “have to” vs. “want to.”
- Have clear expectations ~ clear expectations lead to more support and less confusion. Stop trying to be perfect (we can only try to do our best every day).
- Use your limit setting skills ~ keeping firm limits helps you be prepared for unexpected results. Be willing to say no, and do not feel guilty.
- Give yourself the gift of transition ~ take the time to mentally shift from one role to another. Suggestion to use a landmark on commute as a cue to switch roles.
- Take care of yourself ~ you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. Make time for yourself.
- Always work at finding balance ~ never give up. Keep a sense of humor.
So as you continue to lead your committees toward your year-long goals, remember to balance your home life, your League life, your career, and all the other aspects of life as best you can. You are a volunteer, a role model, and a leader. You inspire so many whether you know it or not, and the League is fortunate to have you as members of our leadership team.
I wish you balanced and healthy days ahead! Have a great month – and thank you for your care and leadership!
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from Susan Stone Belton (http://www.susanstonebelton.com/).
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
February 28, 2010
Leadership Tip: Empowering Others
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver
five minutes longer."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
five minutes longer."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’m a powerful person. Now, I’m not a power-hungry person at all, and I don’t even get excited about being the ultimate “decider” of what our family eats for dinner, but rather, I’m powerful in the sense that I can do good for other people every, single day. You are a powerful person too. If you don’t think you are, you should step back and think again. As a leader, you support a lot of women in our League who go out and do good in our communities… and that is incredibly powerful. I want to take a minute and encourage all League leaders to use their power to empower others.
The following is an excerpt from The LeaderShape® Institute. (I had the opportunity to attend LeaderShape while in college, and then help facilitate a session after college, and it has sincerely shaped me into the person I am today.)
Power is the ability to influence others and get things done. It is not a negative concept. In fact, it is only when power is wielded through intimidation, manipulation, or for personal gain that the concept becomes a negative one. You need not apologize for utilizing power if you’re thoughtful and responsible about its use. Leaders, however, always need to consider: who they are leading, why they are leading, why they are interested in having power, and how they can be most effective.
Empowerment is the process of sharing so that others have a sense of autonomy and control. Empowering is a leap of faith for many leaders and often feels risky because you are consciously giving up control and trusting others so they can perform independently – and be held accountable.
Empowerment works only under two conditions: When people are qualified to do the job and when the transfer of assignments doesn’t appear to be dumping of responsibilities. It’s inappropriate, for example, to give people tasks for which they don’t have the knowledge or skills. In this instance, a leader is only setting up someone to lose face – and power – when the job is poorly done. Likewise, to delegate simply to get the monkey off your back is an irresponsible use of empowerment.
How, then, do leaders empower? First, by giving people important work to do on critical issues. Allow people autonomy over their work by giving them projects from beginning to end. Recognize the talents and skills of those in your organization and delegate tasks to match skills so that people will succeed! Trust people to do the job, even if it’s not done your way. Finally, create an environment where people are recognized for their efforts, where people are coached and encouraged if they need help, and where people’s strengths and unique qualities are valued.
The positive aspects of empowering others is that people will begin to self-motivate (all leaders dream of this!), they will work harder, and they will receive greater personal satisfaction for their efforts all of which results in a stronger organization.
February 16, 2010
Leadership Tip: What kind of Leader are You?
"The past does not define you, the present does."
-- Jillian Michaels
What kind of leader are you?-- Jillian Michaels
This leadership inspiration is more of a reflection for each of us as League leaders. While these are not the end-all-be-all of leader descriptions, they are general categories that can help you identify where you are, and help you grow in new directions.
Basic Leadership Styles
(Adapted from Leadership and the One-Minute Manager, Kenneth Blanchard et al)
- Directing - The directing leader provides specific instructions and closely supervises task accomplishment. Feedback from members is minimal, and it is assumed that they will comply automatically with the instructions they receive.
- Coaching - The coaching leader continues to direct and closely supervise task accomplishment, but also explains decisions, solicits suggestions, and supports progress. Members’ input is sought in setting goals, in determining what tasks should be scheduled, and how the tasks should be done. This method is a combination of the directing with supporting styles.
- Supporting - The supporting leader seeks the members’ input in planning and decision making, and facilitates their efforts toward task accomplishment.
- Delegating - The delegating leader turns over responsibility for decision making and problem solving to subordinates who have shown that they can handle the responsibility.
February 09, 2010
Leadership Tip: Components of Active Listening
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being
can alter his life by altering his attitudes."
-- William James
This leadership inspiration focuses on the components of ACTIVE LISTENING. I imagine most of you have heard that term and likely practiced it before, so just think of this as a quick shot-in-the-arm refresher. I highlight active listening this month because it is a very powerful aspect of being an effective leader.can alter his life by altering his attitudes."
-- William James
Listening to our fellow committee members and community representatives is critical to each of the League’s successes. As leaders, we need others to listen to us, and we, in turn, must listen to others, so that they know that they are valued. They will also walk away feeling pretty effective too. A win-win.
So, from my perspective, the goal of active listening is: To non-evaluatively hear what another person is saying. I encourage you to use active listening in your monthly/weekly meetings, your community involvement, your business interactions, and just about all daily encounters. (It may also come in handy in tight situations of relationships, child-rearing, parenting, etc.) So, review these components and see if you can make a difference in someone you listen to today.
CRITICAL BEHAVIORS
- Attending - Showing interest through nonverbal behavior and acknowledging responses.
- Mirroring - Accurately reflecting content and feeling in a non-judgmental way.
- Questioning - Eliciting more information or requesting clarification.
- Showing Respect - Suspending judgment or evaluation and avoiding behaviors which discredit or trivialize the conversation.
- Self-disclosure - Sharing one’s own experience.
- Problem-solving - Exploring alternatives and developing specific action steps to solve problems.
- Showing empathy - Expressing concern for the other person
- Spontaneity - Being expressive rather than contrived.
February 08, 2010
80s Prom - TOTALLY RAD, DUDE!
POSTED BY: Tara Roussel
Feet. So sore.
I haven’t danced that much since the actual ‘80s.
After being greeted at the door by Provisional Committee member Carson Eltoukhy and Co-Chair Courtney Charney, we paused only long enough for a picture before bouncing our side-ponytails to the beat! We danced until they turned the music off and the lights back on.
Club Illusions on California Ave. in Palo Alto really wowed with an impressive collection of hits – and vintage videos on a huge screen at the front of the club. I’m not sure what was more hilarious: re-watching the ‘special’ effects in those early videos or finally realizing that sparkly woman in the large brown wig was President Jan Woolsey.
And who knew six-foot-tall Kristen Fabos-Livingston could groove like that! (Oh and God bless her sweet hubby and all the hubbies who came. Mine was ecstatic to be on babysitting duty that night.)
So while I have washed the Aqua Net out of my hair and retired the hot pink mesh fingerless gloves to my daughter’s dress-up closet, I’m still bopping inside to ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!”
What a blast. Thanks so much to the organizers. Provisional Committee: You outdid yourselves!
Feet. So sore.
I haven’t danced that much since the actual ‘80s.
After being greeted at the door by Provisional Committee member Carson Eltoukhy and Co-Chair Courtney Charney, we paused only long enough for a picture before bouncing our side-ponytails to the beat! We danced until they turned the music off and the lights back on.
Club Illusions on California Ave. in Palo Alto really wowed with an impressive collection of hits – and vintage videos on a huge screen at the front of the club. I’m not sure what was more hilarious: re-watching the ‘special’ effects in those early videos or finally realizing that sparkly woman in the large brown wig was President Jan Woolsey.
And who knew six-foot-tall Kristen Fabos-Livingston could groove like that! (Oh and God bless her sweet hubby and all the hubbies who came. Mine was ecstatic to be on babysitting duty that night.)
So while I have washed the Aqua Net out of my hair and retired the hot pink mesh fingerless gloves to my daughter’s dress-up closet, I’m still bopping inside to ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!”
What a blast. Thanks so much to the organizers. Provisional Committee: You outdid yourselves!
February 05, 2010
Pancake Breakfast 2009 in Photos
Many hours...one morning...volunteering to support the Alisa Burn Foundation
February 02, 2010
Leadership Tip: Checklist
My name is Ansley, and I’m a list-maker. Whether it’s the running list of groceries on the fridge, a list of things to remember to do before I leave the house with the kids in the morning, or a list of things that I need to start thinking about…I make lists. And I really enjoy checking things off as I go along.
So, I did a little research into the checklist-making habit I have. Here is what I’d like to share with you.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“A checklist is used as an aid to memory. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task. A basic example is the "to do list." A more advanced checklist would be a schedule, which lays out tasks to be done according to time of day or other factors.”
Checklists can improve results. Checklists are powerful tools for jogging your memory, reducing stress, and sharing know how.
People use checklists effectively to:
· Reduce task saturation. Task saturation is simply too much to do and not enough time. Checklists help you reduce that overwhelming feeling – probably not all of it, but some of it.
· Lower stress. Checklists minimize forgetting something. This relieves the stress of worrying about forgetting (especially when consequences are very bad).
· Free the mind. You don’t have to waste your prefrontal cortex on mundane things. Basically, checklists free you up to worry about higher level issues.
· Be a refresher course. You can use checklists as a tool to remember a sequence of actions for the next time you do something, like submitting a check request or packing for a trip.
Do you use checklists? If you currently don’t use them, create a list for the coming week and see if you feel more productive. If you are already a checklist person, please share your effective checklists. I just might write your secrets down, try them out, then make a “to-do” to remind myself to thank you for suggesting the secret!
This month’s sources include: Wikipedia and www.sourcesofinsight.com.
February 01, 2010
February 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders
Be Powerful in an Empowering Way
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’m a powerful person. Now, I’m not a power-hungry person at all, and I don’t even get excited about being the ultimate “decider” of what our family eats for dinner, but rather, I’m powerful in the sense that I can do good for other people every, single day. You are a powerful person too. If you don’t think you are, you should step back and think again. As a leader, you support a lot of women in our League who go out and do good in our communities… and that is incredibly powerful. I want to take a minute and encourage all League leaders to use their power to empower others.
The following is an excerpt from The LeaderShape® Institute. (I had the opportunity to attend LeaderShape while in college, and then help facilitate a session after college, and it has sincerely shaped me into the person I am today.)
Power is the ability to influence others and get things done. It is not a negative concept. In fact, it is only when power is wielded through intimidation, manipulation, or for personal gain that the concept becomes a negative one. You need not apologize for utilizing power if you’re thoughtful and responsible about its use. Leaders, however, always need to consider: who they are leading, why they are leading, why they are interested in having power, and how they can be most effective.
Empowerment is the process of sharing so that others have a sense of autonomy and control. Empowering is a leap of faith for many leaders and often feels risky because you are consciously giving up control and trusting others so they can perform independently – and be held accountable.
Empowerment works only under two conditions: When people are qualified to do the job and when the transfer of assignments doesn’t appear to be dumping of responsibilities. It’s inappropriate, for example, to give people tasks for which they don’t have the knowledge or skills. In this instance, a leader is only setting up someone to lose face – and power – when the job is poorly done. Likewise, to delegate simply to get the monkey off your back is an irresponsible use of empowerment.
How, then, do leaders empower?
First, by giving people important work to do on critical issues. Allow people autonomy over their work by giving them projects from beginning to end. Recognize the talents and skills of those in your organization and delegate tasks to match skills so that people will succeed! Trust people to do the job, even if it’s not done your way. Finally, create an environment where people are recognized for their efforts, where people are coached and encouraged if they need help, and where people’s strengths and unique qualities are valued.
The positive aspects of empowering others is that people will begin to self-motivate (all leaders dream of this!), they will work harder, and they will receive greater personal satisfaction for their efforts all of which results in a stronger organization.
Have a great month ahead – and thank you for your powerful and empowering leadership!
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from The LeaderShape® Institute.
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
What’s that you say? Components of Active Listening
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." -- William James
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’m a powerful person. Now, I’m not a power-hungry person at all, and I don’t even get excited about being the ultimate “decider” of what our family eats for dinner, but rather, I’m powerful in the sense that I can do good for other people every, single day. You are a powerful person too. If you don’t think you are, you should step back and think again. As a leader, you support a lot of women in our League who go out and do good in our communities… and that is incredibly powerful. I want to take a minute and encourage all League leaders to use their power to empower others.
The following is an excerpt from The LeaderShape® Institute. (I had the opportunity to attend LeaderShape while in college, and then help facilitate a session after college, and it has sincerely shaped me into the person I am today.)
Power is the ability to influence others and get things done. It is not a negative concept. In fact, it is only when power is wielded through intimidation, manipulation, or for personal gain that the concept becomes a negative one. You need not apologize for utilizing power if you’re thoughtful and responsible about its use. Leaders, however, always need to consider: who they are leading, why they are leading, why they are interested in having power, and how they can be most effective.
Empowerment is the process of sharing so that others have a sense of autonomy and control. Empowering is a leap of faith for many leaders and often feels risky because you are consciously giving up control and trusting others so they can perform independently – and be held accountable.
Empowerment works only under two conditions: When people are qualified to do the job and when the transfer of assignments doesn’t appear to be dumping of responsibilities. It’s inappropriate, for example, to give people tasks for which they don’t have the knowledge or skills. In this instance, a leader is only setting up someone to lose face – and power – when the job is poorly done. Likewise, to delegate simply to get the monkey off your back is an irresponsible use of empowerment.
How, then, do leaders empower?
First, by giving people important work to do on critical issues. Allow people autonomy over their work by giving them projects from beginning to end. Recognize the talents and skills of those in your organization and delegate tasks to match skills so that people will succeed! Trust people to do the job, even if it’s not done your way. Finally, create an environment where people are recognized for their efforts, where people are coached and encouraged if they need help, and where people’s strengths and unique qualities are valued.
The positive aspects of empowering others is that people will begin to self-motivate (all leaders dream of this!), they will work harder, and they will receive greater personal satisfaction for their efforts all of which results in a stronger organization.
Have a great month ahead – and thank you for your powerful and empowering leadership!
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from The LeaderShape® Institute.
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
What’s that you say? Components of Active Listening
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." -- William James
January 01, 2010
January 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders
Happy January! This month’s inspiration focuses on the components of ACTIVE LISTENING. I imagine most of you have heard that term and likely practiced it before, so just think of this as a quick shot-in-the-arm refresher. I highlight active listening this month because it is a very powerful aspect of being an effective leader. Listening to our fellow committee members and community representatives is critical to each of the League’s successes. As leaders, we need others to listen to us, and we, in turn, must listen to others, so that they know that they are valued. They will also walk away feeling pretty effective too. A win-win.
So, from my perspective, the goal of active listening is: To non-evaluatively hear what another person is saying.
I encourage you to use active listening in your monthly/weekly meetings, your community involvement, your business interactions, and just about all daily encounters. (It may also come in handy in tight situations of relationships, child-rearing, parenting, etc.) So, review these components and see if you can make a difference in someone you listen to today. Best wishes in 2010!
CRITICAL BEHAVIORS
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from The LeaderShape® Institute.
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
So, from my perspective, the goal of active listening is: To non-evaluatively hear what another person is saying.
I encourage you to use active listening in your monthly/weekly meetings, your community involvement, your business interactions, and just about all daily encounters. (It may also come in handy in tight situations of relationships, child-rearing, parenting, etc.) So, review these components and see if you can make a difference in someone you listen to today. Best wishes in 2010!
CRITICAL BEHAVIORS
- Attending - Showing interest through nonverbal behavior and acknowledging responses.
- Mirroring - Accurately reflecting content and feeling in a non-judgmental way.
- Questioning - Eliciting more information or requesting clarification.
- Showing Respect - Suspending judgment or evaluation and avoiding behaviors which discredit or trivialize the conversation.
- Self-disclosure - Sharing one’s own experience.
- Problem-solving - Exploring alternatives and developing specific action steps to solve problems.
- Showing empathy - Expressing concern for the other person.
- Spontaneity - Being expressive rather than contrived.
Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from The LeaderShape® Institute.
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.
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