Welcome to March! The vernal equinox is on the 20th, which marks the beginning of spring and by the 21st, the days get longer. Ok, maybe by a few minutes, but that means we are trending to softer days, outdoor activities, open windows and maybe more time with each other. Yes, we will need to wear masks (don’t assume that people are as careful and cautious as you might be), but maybe you feel a bit like I do: I have been spending too much in my home, with my grief for company. For anyone who knows what I mean, brighter days are coming.
Speaking of brighter days, last summer Adam (our ED) and I started talking about doing an “impact analysis” for COPE and our services and programs—what are we doing well, how much are we helping families, what can we do better, for example. I have been involved with COPE for about 12 years. As board president, I want to help the COPE community grow and thrive and be sustainable for the future. That means asking questions, and the first one was asking for help doing this impact study. The Harvard Business School Club of New York offers free support and consultation to nonprofits organizations like ours. These alumnae volunteers are using their own time to help us to design the best way for us to do this. This process will include: talking to board members and donors; talking with staff and volunteers, and of course, talking to our families.
Our consulting team is amazing. Yes, there are all really smart and thoughtful. They are also compassionate and kind, aware of the impact of grief on our families, and believe in us, in COPE, and our mission. Not a bad way to start this process.
They have already started some of their interviews, getting to know some of the staff and board. They were all impressed with the depth of pride and commitment that seems to be present everywhere. That is a great way to begin, but we need to do more. I will keep you posted. But if you have something you want to share, let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sandy Wolkoff
swolkoff@copefoundation.com