Do Your Work!
“Roles that I’ve played.” Geena Davis opened her remarks during this morning’s plenary session by stating that her philanthropy is often rooted in roles that she has played. It struck a chord for me. My research agenda around HIV and AIDS in the 1990s also showed that exposure and a family predisposition to altruism are key indicators for why people do and give where they can.
“I know where my voice belongs…” Sheryl Lee Ralph intoned, almost like an invocation. I am immediately lost in her story, from her talk of being a Broadway diva to her Diva Foundation. Her passion is palpable. I choked up at her remarks.
Mandy Moore talked about her first visit to Sudan. She closed her remarks by asking how she can turn back after seeing some of these things.
These three clearly know how to use the power of their celebrity to further their causes. What about the rest of us? How do we further our causes, our passion, and our work?
As a new CEO and a first-time attendee at the Council on Foundations Annual Conference, I had the opportunity to sit in on the CEO session track. I was fascinated by the things that bubbled to the top during those sessions. What makes a CEO tick? What keeps us up at night? What do we need to do our jobs more effectively? This was a room full of people who have similar hopes, dreams, and concerns as mine.
The second Sunday CEO session was a great one, centering on the time of transition facing the Council and the future of the organization as a member association. The discussion was lively and candid. I applaud the leadership for organizing such a forum. I learned a lot, and it helped me confirm that I made the right choice by investing our resources in the Council. I see the organization and all the great staff I have met as key strategic partners in our work. If you are at the conference, don’t miss the rest of the sessions. If you aren’t here, plan on getting to Chicago next year!
I’m lucky. I get to spend my days using my capacity, competencies, and skills for issues I care about. I surmise that all of us have that feeling. I appreciate this ability to connect us together. As CEO of Simon Youth Foundation, I have the privilege of sitting on the stage at the graduation ceremonies of our students. I am as proud of our graduates as their families. I am just as proud to be in a room full of committed folks who are willing to do the work.
As a relative newbie to the world of philanthropy, what is the one thing you think I should know that you wish someone had told you? I look forward to your thoughts. Thanks to all of you who’ve stopped and said hello! I appreciate it. Today, the bow tie is green!
Michael Durnil is president of Simon Youth Foundation, a member of the Council on Foundations.
