Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of writing a blog post around this time of year, sharing reflections on my role and work fundraising for NEW. And each year, I’ve taken time to reflect, found a central theme, and waxed poetic about my latest musings. And of course, it always contains an aligned call to action to donate and support NEW as we lovingly push the social sector to transform.
What I’ve appreciated most about these experiences is that I’ve always been able to be real in my writing. I’ve always been invited to share my authentic thoughts, perspectives, beliefs, and opinions. I’ve always been encouraged to show up as myself. And while I’m a representative of the organization, I don’t have to represent the organization in my post. I can be me. And this is me just saying
I can’t do it this year, y’all.
At this particular moment in time, I have neither the energy nor the time to write the blog post we both deserve.
As I write this inadequate substitute, it is currently 11pm on Monday, November 4, 2024 (11/04/24). I’ve just returned to work after spending an hour, drenched in sweat, walking my infant daughter up and down the stairs so she could fall asleep. In the morning, I need to get up with my older daughter when she wakes up too early, like clockwork, and help her to get ready for childcare. To have enough energy to do that functionally, I need to be in bed within the hour. And there’s still laundry to fold. There’s always laundry to fold. And tomorrow is election day for, in my opinion, the most consequential and likely contentious presidential election in the history of the United States. Ugh.
In honor of the aforementioned infant’s birth, I’m currently working part-time, as I take advantage of NEW’s generous Parental Leave policy. We’re fortunate to get twelve (12) weeks off to welcome a new child into the family, regardless of whether that’s birth, adoption, or otherwise. So to ensure the functions of my leadership role aren’t stagnant for three (3) months, I’ve opted to split my time while extending the leave. And let me tell you, trying to do a forty (40) hour (at least) job in twenty (20) hours is an Olympic challenge. No matter how you slice it, the time just doesn’t add up. (And if you’re able to delegate half your job…what is your job?)
So for the sake of our most invaluable resource, time, I’ll just say this: donate to NEW, because we are you.
I’m sure there are literally hundreds of other parents in the sector who can relate to what I’m going through. Realistically, there are millions of American parents who would kill to have twelve (12) weeks of parental leave. And yet, no one argues that the birth of a child is not a unique and monumental occasion in one’s life. We all (the parents at least) probably feel like twelve (12) weeks is the minimum amount of time a new parent should get to pour into their new child and focus on their well-being.
I now believe that it’s possible for that to be real, even working at a nonprofit. And so do you.
Because we’re doing it at NEW.
This is just one example of what we mean when we say “transforming the future, together.” We can make the future we believe we deserve possible – like one where nonprofit workers have adequate benefits and support during critical times in their lives – but only by working together. The NEW team is bold and committed to our vision; we’re willing to be on the experimental edge and try things others believe aren’t possible. We’re willing to be the proof you need in order to convince yourself or your team to change. But we need your support to do that. And we need you to join us in action, transforming your own organizations and communities, once we prove it can be done.
Help us continue to transform the future, by making a gift to NEW today. (And if you’re really ‘bout that transformation life, you’ll make a recurring monthly donation)
Boom. I found an aligned call to action, after all. You can’t discount late-night creativity. It might’ve also been the power of the disturbing amount of Halloween candy I ate while writing this. Who’s to say.
