Pollen Midwest

Though Pollen has evolved over the years, we are what we’ve always been — an organization that uses stories to help create a more kind, just, and loving world. This year has been a difficult one for us, but we’re facing that difficulty the only way we know how — by sharing more of our story, and inviting you in new ways to be a part of it. https://lnkd.in/gCj8PZFx

We have an update to share with all of you. Over the next few months, the Pollen board and staff are preparing to sunset Pollen and intentionally phase out its programming. We’ve been thinking about how to do this in a way that brings more healing and hope amongst the sadness this loss will bring. True to our nature-inspired name, Pollen is exceptionally talented at embracing an evolutionary process — trying to be continually fluid and responsive — even when that means coming to an end. Pollen changed a lot of our lives. While this news is sure to bring a lot of sadness, it is written from a place of deep gratitude and pride that we got to be a part of this crucial soul-building work. https://lnkd.in/g_7QtM4U

Thanks to everyone who joined us for #RiseAndHive last month! Join us for the next one on March 7th at The Briar. https://lnkd.in/gWyHNPFa

For months, the remaining team at Pollen has been imagining a more healing and restorative response beyond the examples we experience or expect. Before we moved forward by sharing more programming and stories, we knew it mattered to close this chapter properly — that’s what Ruby deserves after her many contributions to the work we’re all proud of from the last three years at Pollen. Ruby first joined our team in 2020 as Pollen Studio Manager after being chosen from a pool of 300+ applicants, she later became the Director of Narrative Change and was eventually promoted to Executive Director. In her piece, she offers resources that have provided clarity for her about what more can be done to prevent an all too common outcome for too many Black leaders. She ends with gratitude for her time with the Pollen team, our community of artists, and all of you who attend our events and read our stories. This won’t fix everything or heal everyone but that’s not the goal of hiring Ruby to share what she wants to be shared. The goal is to invite more imagination for what’s possible. We know from social justice movements that when we center the most marginalized, everyone gets free. In fact, it was Ruby who first taught us to imagine more for our own freedom. The collective story of her time at Pollen is what we want to end on — not why she left or how — so before we start our next chapter, please take a moment to read Ruby’s last word. https://lnkd.in/g7TXF5gG

Join us Wednesday, January 31st at The Briar for the return of Rise & Hive — a free event that has served as a space to connect with the Pollen community over the years. Stop by anytime between 7:30am—9am to meet fellow Pollenites, cross-pollinate your network, and connect with Pollen staff. House coffee will be provided. Specialty drinks and breakfast options are available for purchase. Please see event details for Covid safety considerations. https://lnkd.in/ezH_QaHe