In a climate of uncertainty, how can storytelling build empathy? Partner Georgetown University Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership hosted a series of panels called "Lift Your Voice: Leading with Courage, Purpose, and Story" that assembled national leaders to offer insight on this question. During this two-day convening, President and CEO Danielle M. Reyes, Senior Program Officer Robyn Attebury Ellis, and Philanthropy Fellow Lauren Kim connected with other nonprofit and philanthropic organizations for dialogue on cultural narrative and strategies for building and sustaining stories that talk about the issues of today and spur action. Speakers Michelle Alexander, Clint Smith, Judy Belk, Rinku Sen, and others taught attendees about the concepts of narrative oceans, revolutionary love, and how to catalyze narratives that move us forward. Together, leaders hosted breakout sessions sharing communications strategies like op-eds, film, podcasts, and more as tools for action.

Photo credit: Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership, Georgetown University

Crimsonbridge Foundation’s Stewardship and Sustainability Partner, Bill Reig, joined 19 diocesan leaders from across the country at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) headquarters in Washington, DC. The cohort learned how to design and implement a Laudato Si’ Action Plan to address environmental sustainability in their diocese. Alongside the Catholic Extension Society and FADICA - Catholic Philanthropy Network, these leaders shared what truly moves their communities. A key takeaway? Transformation happens through relationships built around shared goals—in this case, caring for our common home.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is devoted to building access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching members how to become environmental stewards. In honor of MLK Day, Grants Manager Sarah Babins joined SCA's DC team and over 100 volunteers for a morning of invasive vine removal and refuse clean-up work at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Learn more about SCA's Washington D.C. region work here.