The Windrider Forum: Sundance Film Festival 2016

Windrider Intern, Moses Hooper , Sundance 2016

By Kathy Hoeck

The most inspiring Sundance Film Festival experience for me, was participating in the Windrider Forum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a scene in We Were Soldiers—that brings me to tears every time I watch it. It’s the end of the movie and 23-year-old journalist, Joe Galloway is trying to write about what he witnessed as he followed Lt. Colonel Hal Moore and his young troopers through one of the most savage battles in U.S. history. Trading his camera and notepad for a gun, Galloway took up arms to save soldiers’ lives. He sits at his typewriter sobbing—questioning his ability to give due diligence to the men—to the leadership—to the bloodshed and devastation he has witnessed.

 

 

 

 

Without appearing too over dramatic—my experience at the Sundance Film Festival has brought me to a similar spot sitting at my laptop. Really … you might ask … are you serious! Are you going to compare the battle at The Valley of Death to a film festival? Of course not; however, like Galloway, I am struggling to adequately articulate the experience of this film festival and bring light and life to the depth of emotion it elicits.

 

 

 

Producer, Ralph Winter, Windrider Forum 2016

Sundance is an emotional tour of the world and its issues through film and media. And as Producer, Ralph Winter shared, “We are viewing films and having conversations that the rest of the world will not participate in for another year.” Sundance creates a film-viewing community—and has a way of turning strangers into friends—stimulating meaningful conversations that are inspired through these thought-provoking independent films and documentaries. But quite possibly, the most inspiring Sundance experience for me, was participating in the Windrider Forum.

 

 

 

 

 

Ed Priddy, Craig Detweiler, John Priddy, Will Stoller-Lee, Windrider Forum 2016

Co-Founders Ed Priddy, Dr. Craig Detweiler, John Priddy, and Will Stoller-Lee, could not have known that their idea to bring Windrider to the Sundance Film Festival—offering a forum for conversations crossing philosophical, cultural, and spiritual realms—would have the impact it does 12 years later! Windrider is most definitely a film-driven think tank designed to facilitate thoughtful conversation, awaken compassion, and inspire change. It is a place where:

 

 

 

• Ministry students are equipped with practical experience about how to have open and honest conversations with a variety of people in our culture

• Filmmaking students are challenged to tell powerful stories that transcend traditional religious categories

• Participants are encouraged to ask the deeper questions all people want to explore

 

Dr. Kutter Calloway interviewing Makoto Fujimura, Windrider Forum 2016

Contemporary artist, Makoto Fujimura noted that, “The Windrider Forum is an extraordinary rich gathering—where the arena you are building is a conversation of questions—where no question is wrong.” Windrider offers an environment where art, spirituality, faith, and works come together—where individuals find a common ground and rather than engaging in a culture war, we determine to focus on culture care. Let me give you an example:

 

In a world where philosophies and values collide—filmmaker Abigail Disney chronicles the remarkable story of the Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country (Pray the Devil Back to Hell). Thousands of women—ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and daughters—both Christian and Muslim—came together to pray for peace and demanded a resolution to their country’s civil war. But before they staged their silent protest, these wise women found what they had in common—and they found that in the biblical story of Esther.

 

 

The WR Forum Q&A is like no other Q&A I observed after each Sundance film. As a matter of fact, after viewing The Settlers, a documentary chronicling the controversy of the Jewish settlement camps on the West Bank, one gentleman stood up and announced that the filmmaker should be ashamed of himself for producing this film. Sundance rouses filmmakers who are determined to present films that cause us to look to the cries for justice, mercy, and hope embedded within the social issues around the world. These films definitely stir strong and deep emotions—often provoking anger and unease within the audience.

 

But we will not find resolution for the desperate problems confronted by innocent men, women, and children around the world—through hatred and heated debate.

 

In his book, The Insanity of God, Nik Ripken recognizes, “I do not have answers to all of my questions. But I am certain the questions are worth asking—and I am certain that God is patient.”

 

Dr. Kutter Calloway interviewing Windrider Co-Founder John Priddy, Windrider Forum 2016

Will Stoller-Lee with Directors Daniele Anastasion, Nathan Golon, and subject Byron Nicholai from I Am Yup’Ik, Windrider Forum 2016

WISFF Director Monika Moreno with interns Marina Plott, Andrew Neel, Jonathan Stoner, and Moses Hooper

The men and women who make up the Windrider Forum seek to honor each filmmaker’s craft by listening to their stories and finding thoughtful, spiritual themes in their work. In many films, the conflict is not really resolved—instead we are left with more questions. But regardless of whether the audience agreed with the filmmaker’s message—at Windrider, there is a common, reverberating theme within each Q&A—start with where we can agree—and lead from there.

 

The Lord used stories to guide us in understanding messages of hope, love, and integrity and He designed us for community. There is something very powerful about viewing these inspiring films within community versus isolated … alone … from a laptop. In community, we ask questions, wrestle with truth, and hopefully … discover what we too have in common … and lead a conversation from there.

A Boomer Lands in Millennialville!

As I type this post, I am sitting in the Kansas City airport ready to board my flight to Park City, Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. I feel honored and tremendously excited to have been invited by John Priddy to help document Windrider Forum’s Q&A sessions—as students from around the world participating in the Windrider International Student Film Festival (WISFF), will present their films at Sundance.

Along with my excitement—I’m also experiencing some anxiety. First of all, I know very little about filmmaking. I watch movies … but that’s as far as my expertise gets me. Second—I’m also a Baby Boomer plunged into a sea of Millennials—fearing the great chasm between these generations is too great to conquer. One would think that I’m an expert in understanding this savvy generation—I am the mother of four of them after all! But I humbly admit … that is not the case. However, a year ago, I began working alongside John with Windrider Productions, hence, the purpose of my venture to the Sundance Film Festival.

 

This event brings together filmmakers from around the world and offers a venue to express stories that will effect social change and empower communities through documentary film and visual media. Engaging with the world through the power of story—the Windrider Forum offers the emerging generation an opportunity to connect two passions—vocation and faith.

 

So what does it look like for a boomer to enter into a land of Millennials? A generation described as narcissistic, social media obsessed, undeservingly entitled, and an overall lost generation? Why should boomers even care about having a role with this generation? Because I’m not an expert in understanding the hype about the great divide between these generations—I’ve done what I love to do best—research. So here’s some things I’ve learned:

• Because the millennial generation is the largest age group to emerge since the baby boom generation, as this group grows significantly as a proportion of the workforce over the next 20 years, employers will need to make major adjustments in their engagement models (Ivey Business Journal). In all reality, Baby Boomers and Millennials will be working side by side with each other for some time to come (People’s World).

• The leaders of nonprofits declare that they must prepare a new generation of leaders if their organizations are to continue to benefit the communities and constituencies they serve (Facing the Future, Elizabeth Bibb Binder and Kirk Kramer).

 

• Frustrated by the common portrayal of Millennials, in her book Becoming the Boss: New Rules for the Next Generation of Leaders, Lindsey Pollak offers insight and wisdom for Millennials and those of us determined to encourage and support them. She writes, “I believe strongly that today’s young people have tremendous potential, but they do need some guidance on soft skills such as face-to-face communication, work ethic, and professional patience.” Her book brings guidance and support to this huge generation of our world’s future leaders. I highly recommend it!

• In his book, Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future, Tim Elmore explores the cultural, moral, technological, and spiritual issues this generation confronts—offering relevant and profound insight and wisdom. Dan Cathy, COO of Chick-fil-A, Inc. writes this in the forward of Elmore’s book, “We all have an influential role to play in nurturing this next generation.”

It is obvious that I am not an expert in this arena—quite the opposite—I feel I am right there with them … learning, growing, expanding my horizons so let’s consider what we Boomers have to offer Millennials:

1. Engage. Put down our iPhones and engage with them. While sitting in Barnes & Noble the other day writing … okay procrastinating and people watching … I observed several groups of people sitting together. But they were not talking to each other—they were engrossed in their phones. If we want to encourage this generation to dialogue with us … let’s put down our own technology and model an engaged spirit.

    

2. Listen. Did you know that nearly 70% of Millennials say that giving back and being civically engaged are their highest priorities? What do they want to see changed in our world? How would they go about doing that? Ask … and then listen.

    

3. Inspire. Become a transformational leader—focusing on followers—motivating them to high levels of performance, and in the process, help followers develop their own leadership potential (Ronald Riggio, Ph.D.).

This is going to be a learning ground for me as I not only have an opportunity to view incredible films and documentaries—but will also observe and participate in the Windrider Forum, where the Q&A honors and respects the work of each filmmaker, challenging filmmakers to dig deep into their soul—offering a platform for them to exquisitely define their art.

 

As I observe, engage, and participate this week—my hope is that I will come away understanding, loving, and respecting this next generation more greatly. And that together we will  build a bridge in this generational chasm and together continue to make our communities and country great.

 

Next post—from the mountains of Park City, Utah!

Countdown to the Sundance Film Festival!

In three short weeks, the Windrider International Student Film Festival (WISFF) in Park City, Utah, will honor emerging filmmakers whose independent voices reflect the human condition with creativity, compassion, and respect. It will be my privilege to attend this event with my client, Windrider Productions.

 

 

 

Windrider Productions creates partnerships and collaborations with international and humanitarian organizations to tell personal stories, effect social change, and empower communities through documentary film and visual media. Engaging with the world through the power of story—Windrider Productions trains the emerging generation to connect two passions—vocation and faith.

 

A couple years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing KT McFarland, American communications consultant, speak to a group of collegians. While acknowledging the labels this emerging generation has been dubbed— millennials, entitled, narcissistic, and overall a lost generation—KT declared “you will be the next greatest generation!”

 

 

Think about it …

• What other generation has faced the rapidity of the ever-changing technological advances?

• What other generation has faced the number of moral and social changes we have seen … even in the past 10 years?

• What other generation is witness to enormous religious and racial persecution and tension—and because of our advanced technology—literally experiences the tension within the comfort of their own living room?

 

 

 

In no way am I undermining the challenges and conflicts previous generations have faced—the Great Depression, the Holocaust, and the Civil Rights movement to name a few. Please do not hear a lack of appreciation for battles fought and won—but hear a heart for presenting a platform where this next greatest generation can express … lead … and create change.

 

 

Because of their grasp of technology and their desire for social impact, this generation has tremendous potential to creatively and positively influence our communities. As Leigh Buchanon writes in Meet the Millennials, “One of the characteristics of millennials, besides the fact that they are masters of digital communication, is that they are primed to do well by doing good. Almost 70 percent say that giving back and being civically engaged are their highest priorities.” They want to be a part of something meaningful—not just a job—but something that elevates people over profit.

 

 

Presenting films reflecting themes such as redemption, resilience, social justice, equality, diversity, spirituality, dignity, and triumph of the human spirit—WISFF offers a platform for respectful, caring, dialogue revealing the spiritual implications of each filmmaker’s work.

 

 

The Sundance Film Festival presents films that cause us to look to the hunger, the hurt, and the cries for justice, mercy, and hope that are embedded within the independent and documentary films. The Windrider Forum honors each filmmaker’s craft by listening to their stories and finding thoughtful, spiritual themes in their work.

 

Stories have a way of encouraging thought-provoking conversations in a way facts and figures cannot … as demonstrated by these creative filmmakers:

http://tinyurl.com/jeyte7h

 

 

 

Launched in 2005 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, the Windrider Forum inspires conversation between filmmakers and film lovers where they can engage in a cultural dialogue—as it takes shape—one that leads with the heart. Many films viewed at Sundance are a visually potent picture of the filmmakers’ heartfelt search for answers. Students and filmmakers alike report each year that the Windrider Forum experience is the location of some of the most engaging conversations on faith, film, and culture, anywhere in the industry.

 

 

Sundance Film Festival, Park City Utah
January 21 – 31, 2016

 

 

The excitement is building—as filmmakers and film lovers converge in Park City Utah for the Sundance Film Festival! Let us be a people who leave this stellar event—more equipped to have open and honest conversations with a variety of people in our culture—forging conversations that identify our common ground and unite us as we seek to make a positive influence in our communities and around the world.

 

2016 SPIRIT OF WINDRIDER AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

Mike McHargue & Michael Gungor

2016 Spirit of Windrider Award Recipients

by Kathy Hoeck and John Priddy

 

“Every so often, voices cry out from the wilderness and such is the case with Mike McHargue and Michael Gungor, along with their combined effort with The Liturgists. They are both poets and sages of our time—bringing their winsome voices to a dry and thirsty land. Both embody what “riding the wind” is all about.”—John Priddy, Co-Founder, Windrider Forum

 

The world is hungry for the message of God’s larger story of hope, justice, and love—and bringing that message to a tech-savvy, intellectual, curious generation requires origination, talent, and grace. Windrider is committed to encouraging a creative spirit that will impact culture through film and media, and each year we honor an individual who embodies the heart and soul of Windrider. As we gather together each year to go through a nomination, presentation, and selection process, we are always excited to feature our accomplished and eclectic Spirit of Windrider Award Recipients.

 

The 2016 Spirit of Windrider Award recipients—Mike McHargue (Science Mike) and Michael Gungor (of the music collective Gungor), along with their combined efforts with The Liturgists, offer an innovative and creative approach to bringing spiritual conversations to light and life. They recognize that this insightful generation of leaders are searching for answers to life’s big questions and they are passionate about their call to speak truth to this unique audience.

 

Founded by Mike McHargue and Michael Gungor, The Liturgists offer sacred art committed to beauty and scientific integrity—producing thoughtful, evocative work. They are a collective of artists and creators introducing divine experiences to the spiritually homeless and frustrated.

 

The Liturgists

 

Whoa! Some may stop right here and ask … what on earth do science, beauty and art, have to do with liturgy and capturing the heart and soul of the lonely and spiritually frustrated? This question reminds me of a song by Casting Crowns, A City on a Hill:

 

Did you hear of the city on the hill
Said one old man to the other
It once shined bright, and it would be shining still
But they all started turning on each other

You see the poets thought the dancers were shallow
And the soldiers thought the poets were weak
And the elders saw the young ones as foolish
And the rich man never heard the poor man speak

 

Throughout history, science and faith have been at odds with one another and even art and beauty are sometimes considered to be antithetical of faith as well.

 

Each one thought that they knew better
But they were different by design
Instead of standing strong together
They let their differences divide

 

But what if we could step back … slow down … and simply listen? Perhaps we would see that semantics was actually creating the chasm preventing us from really hearing each other and from focusing on what we could all agree on. Yes, I know, sometimes that gets messy and the discussions can be brash! However, by embodying the Spirit of Windrider to be equipped to have open and honest conversations with a variety of people in our culture, Mike and Michael are opening the doors for having meaningful conversations where we identify our common ground—allowing individuals to focus on and identify with the Creator.

 

But it was the rhythm of the dancers
That gave the poets life
It was the spirit of the poets
That gave the soldiers strength to fight
It was fire of the young ones
It was the wisdom of the old
It was the story of the poor man
That needed to be told

 

Through art, beauty, music, and science—Mike and Michael are bridging that chasm generated by misunderstanding and misinterpretations of the integration of faith, science, and reality. Reverberating the pioneering spirit of Sir John Templeton, they exhibit “humility-in-theology” and an open-minded curiosity while personally grappling life’s big questions. Appealing to a generation of cultural creatives—the guys explore great religious traditions and ancient scriptures—launching reverent discussions concerning social issues—inviting an ongoing spiritual journey.

 

 

Their work includes live events, conferences, downloadable worship experiences, and a popular podcast. The Liturgists resolutely endeavor to create safe spaces and conversations that explore reality from the perspectives of art, faith, and science—a space where great minds can stretch their imaginations and make new discoveries.

 

 

 

 

 

Part of The Liturgists’ work is a curiously popular podcast, The Liturgists Podcast. By examining topics through the lenses of science, art, and faith with a commitment to open, honest discussions, The Liturgists Podcast has attracted hundreds of thousands of listeners of remarkable diversity including not only a broad swath of Christianity, but also the religiously unaffiliated—including agnostics and atheists. With over 250,000 subscribers, The Liturgists has grown into a global community for people who are interested in Christ, but often feel marginalized by Christianity. By blending a topical format with interviews, poetry, music, and compelling sound design, the show is lauded for its gracious tone when discussing controversial subjects.

 

 

 

Podcast

 

“When Steve Jobs wrote his ad, “Think Different,” he was thinking of people like Mike McHargue and Michael Gungor, fearless new voices of the coming generation who are positioned to change the world. They are the Pied Piper of the “spiritually frustrated.” As such, they are the hope and harbinger of human society in the 21st century. Few are worthier of this award.” — John Seel, Cultural Analyst and Consultant

 

 

 

 

By offering a platform for individuals to wholeheartedly search for truth and answers, in the sometimes daunting social issues we face, Mike and Michael embody the spirit of the Windrider Forum and our commitment to mentoring individuals to have spiritual conversations in public places.

 

Meet the Guys

Mike McHargue is an author, podcaster, and speaker focused on the science behind spiritual experiences. Mike lost his faith via atheism as an adult, but rediscovered God in cosmology and neuroscience–a journey that lead to his life’s mission: helping people reconcile their faith in an age of incredible scientific insight.

 

 

 

“Mike McHargue is one of the smartest thinkers of our time. His understanding of the Universe, and its intricacies, is inspiring and beautiful beyond measure. I can only assume that as a child, he took all of his toys apart and put them back together again just to figure them out. With that same wonder and curiosity, he lays out every tiny, confusing piece of Science and Religion on the table, and we as his readers and listeners get to watch and learn as he pieces it all together.”—Ryan O’Neal, Sleeping at Last

 

 

Mike also hosts a weekly questions-and-answer podcast called Ask Science Mike with over 100,000 monthly downloads. Ask Science Mike is a safe space for people to share questions they’ve always been afraid to ask about science, faith, and life.

 

Mike loves sharing ideas in person, and is an in-demand speaker at conferences, churches, and colleges. He’s recently spoken to sold-out crowds in New York about the science of addiction, explained the science of storytelling at Storyline in Chicago, and shown people how Christianity can embrace the modern world at Belong in London.

 

Michael Gungor

 

Mike cofounded The Liturgists with Michael Gungor of the award winning band Gungor. Michael is a worship leader, songwriter, and has received multiple Grammy nominations and is a Dove award-winning musician. Michael’s passion is to help people encounter God through worship. Michael and wife, Lisa, are curators of the Grammy-nominated musical collective simply known as Gungor and use their skills to tell honest musical reserves to blur genres and break expectations creating a unique magnetic expression.

 

 

 

Gungor’s Beautiful Things is a reminder that God can and will make beautiful things of our lives—even in the midst or because of the difficulties we endure.

 

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust

Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

 

 

Beautiful Things was self-produced and expands the horizons of Gungor’s version of modern worship. All songs were written or co-written by Michael—delivering his most artistically diverse album to date.

 

 

Michael and Lisa Gungor

Using their skills as accomplished song writers and multi-instrumentalists, Michael and Lisa tell honest and forthright stories—some personal and some allegorical. Embodying the essence of Windrider—this duo reverberates the ideology that “stories are what make us human, not just metaphorically, but literally” (Lisa Cron, Wired for Story.)

 

 

 

Aside from his work with the band, Michael has written and produced music for several other artists. He has also written a book titled The Crowd, the Critic, and the Muse: A Book for Creators.

 

I too have been on a spiritual journey … as I have gotten to know Mike and Michael.  And now as I sit looking out over the lake … surrounded by such beauty and mystery … I am reminded that we are all searching and that in the end … Love wins.

 

And the world is searching still
And the Father’s calling still
(Come home)
To the city on the hill
(Come home)

 

As John Templeton once said, “progress in spiritual information is possible, desirable, and can be done” and the combined efforts of Mike McHargue and Michael Gungor offer the world such progress.

 

 

Shame on Them!

Shame on our government! I’m weary of listening to the bickering on both sides; however, I have also recognized the silver lining of their childish behavior and that is … the efficiency of charity has perhaps never been as apparent as it is in today’s politically charged events. I’m not here to express a political position … but as a nonprofit grant writer, I am excited to be a small part of the role charity plays in our society.  Kudos to a few I have had the privilege of being a part of including Faith Community Health, Church Health Center, The Parent Child Center, and The Caring People. In addition, Fisher House has stepped up to the plate to provide funding for our fallen heroes and their families in light of the government shut down. Can you imagine … 1% … 1% of our population serve this country in protecting our liberty and social freedoms! Charity instills generosity. Charity instills compassion. Greed tears people apart … generosity brings people together. We serve a philanthropic God … He gave, and gave … and continues to give. Please visit the webpage of your charity of choice … and give … today.

Big Government vs. Big Hearts

Should government be responsible for addressing all social needs? That’s a big question and one rife with diverging opinions. Perhaps the bigger question is what generates the greater good?

Several years ago I had the privilege of writing grants for a healthcare clinic specifically designed to meet the needs of the working uninsured.   One of the patients, Daryl, gave me a clear glimpse of big government vs. genuine nonprofit solutions. A big, strong man – used to working hard , Daryl was paralyzed with bipolar disease and paralyzed by a system unable to offer him help. Because of the model of this nonprofit medical center, we were able to provide medication to manage his condition.

I will never forget the day he walked into my office and stretched out his long arm … and big hand to shake mine. He gave me a rather awkward side hug … smiled and expressed his gratitude for the care he received at this nonprofit healthcare facility.

Daryl returned to work and his mother began volunteering at the clinic.

I learned a great deal from this man.  I learned that nonprofits provide a safety net … not dependency. Private charities encourage a “hand up” not a hand out, and private charities encourage a “pay it forward” mentality.  Daryl remained a contributing member of his community and his mother embraced volunteerism … out of grateful hearts.

Your nonprofit organization brings value to your community and addresses social issues in a way the government cannot.

Kathy Hoeck is Director of Christian Foundation Grants and an independent Grant Writing Consultant. She can be reached at khoeck@servantchristian.com.

Hammering Home Volunteerism

Can you imagine visiting a city of 8,000 and learning that there is no food? Can you imagine standing over a starving child and being told … there is no food to help this child and subsequently watching as he died of starvation?

Floyd and Kathy Hammer experienced this heartache on a trip to Tanzania where they witnessed the death of many, many children from starvation and hunger-related diseases. Monday, July 15, they became the 5,000^th award recipients of the Daily Point of Light award begun in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush.

The Hammers non-profit, Outreach, was created in 2004 out of the severe need they witnessed in Tanzania. They recognized that “just giving support to someone doesn’t solve the long-term problem but has the opposite effect by creating dependency.”  So they began bartering with the villagers—trading food for the beautiful woven baskets made by the village people. Outreach grew through its countless volunteers and support and today provides food, clean drinking water, medical care, and an education to millions of children around the world.

As a non-profit consultant, I have witnessed time and again the truth that when we give of ourselves and collaborate with others sharing the same burden – we also share the task of solving the problem.

 

How does your nonprofit breed volunteerism and independence in the lives of those you serve? Please share your victories with me!

 

 

Wearing My Character

When my paternal great grandmother passed away, my father gave me one of her necklaces.  It was a crystal apple with a little gold stem attached to a gold chain.  I gave the necklace to my younger daughter when she landed her first teaching job. When my maternal grandmother passed away recently, my mother gave my oldest daughter a locket that had been precious to my grandmother.  My grown daughters love those little treasures and wear them often.

Those little trinkets got me thinking … what will I leave my children when I move on up to Heaven?

It’s really not the material things I think about leaving … it’s what part of my character will my own children wear?

My friend, Pam, made a comment the other day that added to my contemplation.  She said, “I’ve been pondering how issues I struggle with parallel with my kids at times and how I could benefit from the advice I would say to them.”

In this world … we WILL have troubles and struggles.  That’s a given.  But when we get bumped and knocked around … what’s going to spill out of us?  I’m humbled to say that all too often seeping out of me is anger, anxiety, and fear.

Another friend of mine, Sylvia Childers, recently shared about releasing thoughts, worries, and concerns that keep us earthbound.  She says, “I cannot operate in the realm of faith and be in fear at the same time.”

John 15:9 inspires us to “remain” in Christ’s love.  Remain … continue, endure, persist, linger.  When I remain JOINED with Him, faith abounds and casts out fear.

It is my hope and prayer that the next time I get bumped … my children will see hope, faith, trust, courage, and love … spill out of me.

Thanks for dropping by!

Kit

Increase Generosity through Collaboration

After attending the National Christian Foundation banquet recently in Branson, Missouri, I was challenged by the words of one of the board members, Mr. John Baltes.  He said, “We are all philanthropists.  If you have $10 and give $1.00 to ten causes, you are a philanthropist.”  Far too often our attitude about our finances paralyzes our giving and limits our potential to make a difference in the lives of hurting people. New to the world of nonprofit and grant writing, I have learned the value of collaboration and recognize that foundations are eager to fund projects where communities have collaborated to identify and meet the needs of its constituents.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. —Helen Keller

Individually, we do not have the ability to address all of the needs in the world and within our communities; however, together we have the potential to greatly impact and improve many social issues.  In the State of Texas, one such collaborative effort gained recognition from the Foundation Center when five well-respected child-serving agencies and the Texas Department of Child Protective Services formed the Adoption Coalition. Their mission was to find adoptive families for children “languishing in the foster care system … especially hard-to-place teens, sibling groups, and minority children” (FoundationCenter.org). Combining efforts through this coalition, the number of annual adoptions increased from 370 to well over 700!

My friend Lisa Button shared this old Jamaican proverb with me, “When we run alone, we run fast.  When we run together, we run far.”  (Check out Lisa’s blog at The Warming House.)

Mother Teresa once said, “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.”  In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions us to be His hands and feet to those He loves throughout our communities and throughout the world. He understands that individually we will accomplish very little … but when we join together … united for a cause … much will be accomplished.

Thanks for dropping in!

Kit