Dear Friends,
Most organizations have a mission statement -- a sentence or phrase that describes its core purpose; the reason why it exists. Women's Connection has a mission statement too. Our mission is to empower women to thrive across life's transitions.
I'm thinking about our mission a lot as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. Some important ideas are packed into that handful of words, and I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to bring our mission to life. I'll be looking for your ideas as we move along.
The "transitions" part of our mission has always been an important part of who we are. Our founders were ahead of their time in realizing that even the most accomplished women need inspiration and support as they peer into that nebulous span of time we call "retirement". Women's Connection members see retirement as an exciting new beginning, and we find joy in the journey toward becoming our most fulfilled and effective selves.
This is why I'm increasingly tuned in to the part of our mission statement that says we "empower women to thrive". Thriving sounds really good to me right now! As your Executive Director, I long to serve delicious plates of "Thriving" to you like hot buttered pancakes with fresh maple syrup.
One of the things I love about women is the way we take care of each other. The validation, encouragement and affection we share is a big factor in our ability to thrive.
We empower each other as well. We empower each other to take the risks required to truly learn and grow. We are empowered when we connect around fun activities and great conversations. We join forces to support our communities and causes we believe in, achieving much more together than any of us could realize on our own.
Many of you have told me that you are craving power right now to effect change in your city and state, our country and the world. This makes sense to me. Women have always taken the lead in advocating for change, challenging injustices and inspiring future generations.
I don't have to tell you that empowerment isn't always served to women on a silver platter. You may have fought hard in your life to gain access to the resources and opportunities you needed to pursue our dreams. You may not have felt fully free to express your authentic self with regard to the things you need and the ways in which you choose to live.
Women gain power when we operate as a village. Women's Connection is your village, and I'm eager to hear what you need to thrive today. Please send your thoughts to me. I will respond to you individually, and your input will fuel new opportunities for us to connect in meaningful and productive ways.
Have you heard the song "Defying Gravity" from the Broadway musical Wicked? It's a powerful ballad about breaking free from limitations and embracing one's potential. I hope you'll join me in holding on to this line as we move together into the constantly shifting world we live in today: "I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change, but 'til I try, I'll never know."
With affection and respect,
Darla Hastings
Executive Director