Make the Connection

I want to start by saying I love my job.

It feels good to unequivocally say that in a position without crossing fingers, toes, eyes and the like. Now that I do what I love for a cause (a cause that I support and believe in) and have been doing so for three months, I have gotten to see just how what we do affects the ones we are here for. Through our events and networking we begin to connect our friends, coworkers, employees and family with tutor/mentor programs in the areas that need them most.

Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference Spring 2008

May 29-30 I attended our first Leadership and Networking Conference of the year (We have two a year, one in spring and the other in the fall) and was so impressed and pleased with our turn out. Not only were there some stellar workshops and panels offering an abundance of information but it also left room to critique (from the conference participant point of view and from a staff point of view). Everything we do here at Cabrini Connections-Tutor/Mentor Connection is for a cause to make connections amongst the community to help our youth excel when their surroundings have convinced them that they shouldn't. This conference brought in all types of motivational, educated people who looked like the kids we were trying to help; people who have dedicated a major part of their lives to helping kids that look like the ones we help and truly opened up my eyes to the big picture.

I ask where do we go from here?

I take notes on how to improve everything I do professionally. Being a serial perfectionist, this is a necessary task. You can believe and know that with a staff that is full-mast of people who believe in the same cause, have faith in what it is we do here, have discipline and strong work ethics that we are always aiming to make it at least one notch better. So when my eyes saw Olympic pentathlete medalist and high-power CEOs and former professional athletes come out for one common cause, it was enough to make me dream. And wonder what could be if we, the staff, continue to connect with you, our networks, who in turn connect with your networks and so forth... oh what a mighty power it will be.

The conference bought in about 120 people, a great showing, but we're going to strive to DOUBLE that in November. We will publicize it more, offer more workshops, listen to conference evaluation requests, in efforts to get more people out to connect and network with other like-minded individuals who want to help bring awareness to tutor/mentor programs around the country and globe.

I, of course, sat in on a couple workshops when the time allowed. Because my focus is bringing in monies for this organization, I attended the Lawyers Lend-a-Hand Workshop (shown in the photo) and we were given some great information on how to word your proposal to ensure the committee will give it a second look, the percentage of proposals that get funding and possible networking events to show up to in the meantime before the deadline.

I was approached by several participants who wanted to know why there weren't workshops on marketing your organization and how to fund raise. We are in the process of securing a spot and guests for panels and workshops in November and I guarantee you will see them in the fall. But you don't have to wait till the fall to get involved. We have plenty of ways to make your presence felt either by donating online or sending a donation (anonymous or otherwise) to our headquarters. You can come in and meet with our staff to learn more about what we do. You can come in and apply to be a volunteer. You can use our resources through Tutor/Mentor Connection to either locate a program closer to you, or pin point your own organization location on our map. You can come out and golf and raise money with us in July at our annual Jimmy Biggs Golf Benefit and Fundraiser. Or simply take a look at our websites to get a plethora of info on all I've spoken about here... and more.

Now that I have had time to really begin to start meshing within my position, I have managed to observe this establishment put together some amazing work with our small in number, yet powerful staff. And opportunities abound to know where we can go from here. Let's continue to make connections and turn our stories into action.