Katie Couric’s Post

Yesterday my Emerge California sisters and I graduated, completing six months of high-quality intensive training in how to run for office, win, and lead. We developed the sisterhood, solidarity and self-confidence for public life in a misogynistic, racist society. We learned we are enough, we are more than enough, that our greatest strength is to be ourselves, share our truths, show up for each other, and if at first we don't succeed, pick each other back up and try again. We also learned all the aspects of successful campaigns: fundraising, operations, messaging, tactics, staffing, communications, endorsements, etc. We will run for office not to be something but to do something. To represent the people, not the powerful, and make change for the people. If you identify as a woman and are interested in running for office I highly recommend Emerge. Happy to answer any questions you may have. If you identify as a woman and are interested in developing sisterhood, I highly recommend coming to the Interracial Sisterhood Retreat July 18-20 in San Francisco co-facilitated by Rozella (Rozie) Kennedy and me. Happy to answer any questions you may have. #unitewomen #endracism #interracialsisterhood #interracialsolidarity #EmergeCalifornia

After my recent post, I feel compelled to share again, finding immense fulfillment in expressing my thoughts. This time, I want to delve into the concept of Giving —why it matters to me and the various forms it can take, from love and energy to time and resources. Recognizing the diverse ways, we can give allows us to make a meaningful impact in various aspects of people's lives. Giving goes beyond personal joy; it's about contributing to a collective sense of happiness and joy. My mantra, "Pay it forward," guides me to reciprocate kindness received by extending that kindness to others. This ripple effect has the power to influence individuals, creating a circle of kindness that expands from the individual to the family, community, and society at large. I've practiced this principle both personally and professionally, initiating change within myself and showcasing the positive impact each individual can make. The concept of "Give and Take" is fundamental to human interactions and societal harmony. While giving involves selflessly contributing—be it through material means like money or possessions or immaterial acts like offering love and positive energy—taking is not inherently negative. In the give-and-take exchange, there's a delicate balance, fostering a harmonious flow of energy within relationships, communities, and societies. Recently, I discovered the Human Library Organization (HLO), a Danish-founded nonprofit established in 2000, which has deeply touched and inspired me. This unique library is just like any other, but instead of traditional books, it houses individuals with diverse lived experiences and stories. The HLO serves as a space to challenge stereotypes and prejudice through dialogue. Each "book" in this library represents a group in society that faces negative marginalization and discrimination due to various factors such as identity, lifestyle, occupation, social status, religious beliefs, sexuality, or ethnic origin. *If you're an individual interested in volunteering as a "book," becoming a librarian, or learning more, visit [Human Library Organization] (https://humanlibrary.org/). *For companies seeking opportunities to enhance Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) culture, explore Corporate Opportunities on The Human Library Organization's website. "If more people found the courage to share the stories within their souls, the world would be a better place" Quoted from the book named Ceremony by Brianna Wiest Drop a ❤️ if it speaks to you! #givingseason #givingtuesday #GiveAndTake #Reciprocity#humanity

For those of you keeping tabs, we're on month five of celebrating 10 Causes for 10 Years in Business. During the month of June, we're putting a focus on Sojourner Project which is based in our neighboring town of Hopkins (we even share a zip code)! Sojourner's webpage has quite a bit of information but I recommend you start on the About page; right at the top, you'll see the quote from Sojourner Truth, "I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me." https://bit.ly/3VfXcAA

Since my last post, I’ve been thinking about a comment left by the brilliant Jackie Rainford 'A solo is completely frightening to most people, but join a choir and feel the strength and exuberance from a group of very different people coming together with one voice.' That to me is everything that our VoiceAbility advocacy and connections services embody. Not speaking on behalf of someone – however passionately or sensitively done. But about standing next to someone, providing the confidence and the strength so people can find and use their own voice. To navigate the complicated public sector landscape hand in hand, so no-one has to walk – or sing – alone. Our services absolutely provide the companionship along this journey. But it does make me wonder, why does the journey need to be so difficult in the first place? I had an inspirational conversation this week about children in care and some of the decisions taken, so often because of silo working. A child being processed from pillar to post, held in “temporary” arrangements for up to two years, before being considered a grown up at 16 and left to embark on their journey alone. How very frightening that must be solo. We know the need for a public services' overhaul, which provides real power to people to have control over decisions which impact them. Our policy work, while varied, all comes down to this - to rebalancing the power structures embedded in the system so that individuals can use their #voice. And while we do that work, trying to change the society of tomorrow, our #advocacy and #communityconnections choir continue to provide the strength so that people can sing out today.

Coffee thoughts: there's a huge difference in working with disabled people, working for disabled people and working only behalf of disabled people. The vast majority of nondisabled people on want to work on behalf of disabled people. It affirms and reinforces saviorism, ableism, power over etc. and our systems like the nonprofit system and governmental agencies and funding reinforce this. Get my book bit.ly/catconjournal to help you break that mindset and cycle.

There isn't a clear-cut guide to allyship or a checklist to work through. Still, there are steps you can take beyond showing public support for a cause. Read more:https://zurl.co/s9TQ

get specific. understand who you are amplifying. their needs is the focal point. you can do a community change campaign on Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month etc but, we are not a monolith. community is the key word, what need are you focusing on? WHO are you focusing on? #publicrelations #communitychampion #publicist

There isn't a clear-cut guide to allyship or a checklist to work through. Still, there are steps you can take beyond showing public support for a cause. Read more:https://zurl.co/s9TQ

Reality Check: Is Social Media Disconnecting Our Youth? → Swipe. → Click. → Share. → Repeat. In a world where our fingertips whisk us away to virtual realities, are we losing touch with the essence of human experience? Observing today's youth deeply immersed in the digital realm raises my concerns. For us at The Give Back Community, the antidote is the act of serving others. There's an unparalleled reality in → The smiles you create, → The lives you touch, and → The difference you make. It's in these moments of giving back that we are truly connected, grounded in the reality that matters. We're taking a stand. It's time to guide our youth back to reality, not by pulling them away from their screens, But by steering their digital engagement towards purpose and empathy. How? By embodying generosity and advocating for acts of service. Join us in championing this cause. Share your story of service, mentor a young soul, or simply start a conversation about the beauty of giving back. Live Generously  Umberto