Moving through uncertainty
Someone recently said to me that the last time they felt this much looming uncertainty was mid-March 2020. No doubt we’re in for turbulent times and things could get worse before they get better. What I keep telling myself though and what I want to share with you, is that there is hope.???
As we prepare to launch our new strategic plan (I can’t wait to share more soon), I deliberately carved out more time in January to connect with folks beyond our usual network. Everyone is nervous about the times ahead, but underneath that is a common, even optimistic thread. Yes, it’s hope, but it’s more specific than that. What I’m hearing and seeing is that people understand the power of connection not just for their personal fulfillment, but also for how it brings us together to tackle uncertainty head on. And they’re seizing opportunities to make those connections happen.?
One well-documented and essential ingredient for a connected city is strong local journalism. I chatted with Tim Harper at The Philanthropist Journal about this trend and a new, telling report along the same lines. This is why we are founding supporters of The Local Magazine , Toronto’s treasured community paper. The Local’s editor, Tai Huynh, promises a “special election package” in the lead up to the upcoming provincial election that will be essential reading for all of us. Their take is sure to frame the issues in a uniquely Toronto way.??
I believe community journalism is essential to a healthy city. By reflecting our collective stories and experiences it makes us feel we belong here and this gives us hope. The Bentway is another Toronto invention that plays an equally important role, in this case through a physical rather than virtual public forum. At the end of February, I’ll be moderating a discussion about a new piece of research the Bentway is sharing on the role of public space in combatting loneliness.???
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Also happening in February is Black History and Futures Month. We're proud supporters of the Black Canadian Fundraisers' Collective who have created a national academy to strengthen the sustainability of Black-led and serving organizations.??
Taken together, all of this work builds bridges between us. It demonstrates the creativity and resourcefulness of so many in the city who are committed to our shared future. For me, it’s what gets me up every day and energized so that yes, I can move through uncertainty with the knowledge that I am not alone.????
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Philanthropy | Community | Health | Impact
2 周Incredible. Hope into action and leading with love. ??
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3 周Always Hope!
Assistant Vice President, International Engagement and Impact at University of Toronto
4 周Thanks for this, Sharon. Strongly agree that the power of connection is critical to tackle uncertainty head on. And that we need to seize/create these opportunities. Indeed it is one of the most powerful ways we can counteract the gross abuse of power. Recently listened to a great podcast (also on youtube) on how our isolation in society is being exploited, this featuring Robert Putnam who wrote "Bowling Alone": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-or-die-with-robert-putnam/id1710609544?i=1000685111596
Evolution of philanthropy + purpose-driven leadership and communication + community and relational infrastructure for social impact
1 个月Thanks for this, Sharon. The more unpredictable the world becomes, the more compelled I feel to strengthen ties and to ground myself in my community- making an effort to get to know my neighbours better, planning dinners with friends at local restaurants, joining a couple of local clubs, and reading the West End Phoenix. To me, it's those connections that make for a life well lived and that aggregate to a stronger society. It's also what replenishes me to stand up for the bigger fights. I so appreciate you and the work of the Toronto Foundation.
If your posts prioritize mission over ego, you have my attention
1 个月As I was saying to Rebecca Black MES, MDes today, I feel that the reason misinformation is so successful is because it places balm on emotional wounds in a world where humans are less connected to family, friends and community infrastructure than ever before. Combatting loneliness is the antidote to misinformation and polarization. So many people I interact with on a daily basis (outside of work circles) are cheering for the very forces that we are trying to stand up to by coming together. It's surreal.