“If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start.” Writer and poet Charles Bukowski said it very succinctly. Start and go all the way.

We’re doing exactly that, we’re starting something new – Your Philanthropy – and we’re going all the way. There is much to be said about Your Philanthropy, but for the sake of brevity, I’m going to encourage you to check out the new website.

Going all the way means we’re now totally focused on being a safe place for conversations about giving, philanthropy, foundations, next-generation issues and delivering services customized to meet your needs.

I’ve started many things, often with only a vague sense of what it might become. Regardless of vision clarity, lessons learned were always very clear. I always found myself in the company of others at the start; I always needed information beyond what I possessed; and mapping the future was done best with significant partners.

Starting Your Philanthropy is very clear for us. We expect to do this work in the company of trusted advisors, donors and philanthropists who will come alongside us. Partnerships will be very important.

I feel as if I am joining the familiar “V” pattern of a flock of geese. We’re looking for others to join us. Here’s what we’ll experience together:

• Fly the” V” – Flying together in the “V,” one slightly above the other in front, improves our field of vision. We learn together and from each other.
• Rotate further back – It’s OK to become tired and need a break from leading and learning, so rotate further back in the flock and let someone else take the lead. Watch and learn from them.
• Take care of others while they process what they learn – Sometimes we learn most from our mistakes and need time to process. Amazingly when a bird in formation is shot or becomes ill two helpful geese accompany the injured one down to stay with it until it recovers or dies then rejoining the flock.

There is much for us to learn together that will strengthen philanthropy in East Texas. Come join our “V”.