EOY Celebrations, Gratitude, and Reflections for Empowered Community Consulting

Dec. 30 2023

Dear Community,

These ever-blurry days between Christmas and the New Year have provided ample time to reflect on the year nearly completed. In 2023, Empowered Community Consulting served several new clients: the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, The Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, Bisbee Vogue, Inc., and provided technical assistance to grassroots groups like Big Bend Reproductive Coalition by way of designing an electronic survey and organizing three town halls as part of a community needs assessment. We also had the opportunity to continue to collaborate with established and valued partners like the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona, and Winchester Heights Health Organization.

In July I had my largest workshop to date with 53 registrants. It was an incredible learning opportunity as I continue to fine tune my presentations in order to give the most relevant and applicable skills trainings possible. I am thankful for every completed feedback survey, and urge any partners to prioritize post-workshop debriefs with your consultants if you do not already do so!

Thank you for allowing this party of 1 to bring group workshops, virtual learning, and 1:1 support to your organizations. I'm always humbled by the chance to observe and work with groups who are willing to put in the collaborative effort that it takes to improve our communities. Consultants and Evaluators are most effective when we come alongside an organization, as opposed to drop in and disappear, and that takes some degree of vulnerability on both ends. I grew up in a rural and under-served community, with great examples around me of community action agencies and psuedo-social workers (my mom) who allowed me a front row seat to the hard work of community based social impact and poverty alleviation efforts. Community led initiatives are not for the faint of heart, it's frequently thankless work and requires rolling up your sleeves, which is why community-based organizations are my favorite to work with.

In 2024, I look forward to continuing to find the movers and the shakers, the do-gooders who are bravely leading their community towards something better, and making an impact towards a more equitable world.

I'm here rooting you on, changemakers, and ready to serve your program evaluation or technical assistance needs in the coming year.

Sending holiday cheer and thoughtful rest to you all,

Morganne