Hello, Friends! ONABEN is recovering from a flurry of activities this past week! But, that’s just how we roll….so, it was all good! Isn’t it funny that we often do our very best when we are stretched a little thin? Although, I don’t recommend it! 🙂
So, what’s new with ONABEN? Well, for starters our team was awarded a technical assistance grant by CFED. The grant dollars will enable ONABEN to understand and become more involved with policy action. I attended a kick off meeting in DC last week, and WOW! I was so enlightened. Our team has a lot to learn, but we are so grateful to be awarded this opportunity to learn from our peers and leaders in the industry. Many thanks to the Northwest Area Foundation for funding the policy action initiative!
I would also like to send a shout out to ONABENs newest additions to our Board of Directors! Welcome aboard Cherie Gordon, Nathan Segal, and Guthrie Ducheneaux! We appreciate the commitment that you have made to ONABEN and its mission. I know your contributions to the Board will be many!
Last week, we also held a train-the-trainer. And, what a group it was! We were seventeen participants strong, and the organizations in attendance represented a variety of cultures and communities across Indian Country. Our group was dynamic and engaged….just the way we like them! Talk about peer learning at its best — a big WADO to all of those in attendance!
As summer comes to an end, we are busy planning for the new year. But,ONABEN recently took some time to celebrate our successes as a team. Our time together is always insightful. It is in these moments that I come to truly understand all of the individual members that make up Team ONABEN, and it is in these moments that I realize why we are so successful as a whole.
To our friends in the non-profit world, I encourage you not to forget to celebrate your successes! The world of non-profits is made up of some very passionate folks and we are driven to make a difference. However, there is nothing wrong with taking the time to pat your teammates on the back. Celebrating milestones and goals your organization has achieved is important. Team building is an important component to building a strong, stable and forward moving organization! Look for an upcoming webinar on the importance of team building! We hope to “see” you there!
Talk Soon, V.
