Member Impact: Member Engagement Committee
It is astonishing to look back at not just the number of events that took place last year, but also at the quality of those events. Along with our wonderful grantees, we were fortunate to include a couple of authors as well as a film director in our roster of speakers. We also had some very special events and were delighted to launch Volunteer Days, which extend an invitation to TPC members to learn more about TPC’s grantees by participating in activities they sponsor. With a heartfelt thank you to Committee Chair Sandy Lawrence and her team of very busy women, below is a look back at some of the excellent things we were up to last year.
Special Events
“Born on Third Base.” This Philanthropy Dialogue featured an evening with author Chuck Collins to discuss his book and views on income inequality.
“Engineered to Engage Curious Minds.” An evening at the Boston Waterworks Museum with guest speakers from grantees Latino STEM Alliance and Science Club for Girls.
“Foster Care in the Spotlight.” A film event at the Coolidge Corner Theater, featuring Angelo Unwritten, a documentary by Alice Stone. Panelists included director Alice Stone and grantees Boston CASA, Friends of the Children – Boston, Sibling Connections, and Silver Lining Mentoring.
“Lead. Learn. Advocate. A Toolkit for Women in Philanthropy.” A half-day workshop for Young Philanthropists that featured sessions on being an effective Board member, financial planning, and how to be an advocate.
“Best Treasury Practices for Non-Profits.” This luncheon discussion was hosted by and featured speakers from TPC sponsor Cambridge Trust Company.
“Personal Reflections on a Journey of Philanthropy.” This Philanthropy Dialogue featured an evening with Bill and Joyce Cummings and the story of how this couple is using its foundation to impact Boston’s underserved population.
Philanthropy Dialogues
“What Is the Current Status of Immigration in Massachusetts?” This timely discussion included guests Mary Murrane, Assistant US Attorney, Department of Justice, District of Massachusetts and TPC grantees Anita Sharma, Executive Director, Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project and Mariam Gas, Executive Director, Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC)
“The Importance of Mental and Physical Health for Success in Underserved Populations.” TPC grantees David S. Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Doc Wayne Youth Services, and Ismail Samad, Executive Chef, Daily Table were joined by Laura Hayden, Associate Professor of Counseling and School Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston for this discussion.
“Why Can’t We Fill Our Jobs? Workforce Development in Greater Boston.” We were pleased to be joined by Marybeth Campbell, Executive Director of SkillWorks, Partners for a Productive Workforce, a nationally recognized funder collaborative for this discussion. She was joined by TPC grantees David Delmar, Executive Director of Resilient Coders and Joan Abbot, Assistant Director of BEST Hospitality Training.
“A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home.” We were joined by TPC grantees Boston CASA and Silver Lining Mentoring who facilitated a discussion of Steve Pemberton’s book, chronicled challenges facing youth in foster care.
Volunteer Days
We were very pleased to offer several opportunities for TPC members to get up and close and personal with some of our current and past grantees. We look forward to the coming year and the chance to connect and bond with our 2017-2018 class.
BEST Hospitality, Mock Banquet/Mock Interviews. TPC members were guests at a mock banquet, allowing hospitality workers to test and hone their serving skills before entering the workforce. Several days were offered where members did mock interviews with graduating classes in order to prepare them for the real thing.
Refugee and Immigration Assistance Center, Application Drive. TPC members helped RIAC’s clients complete their applications for citizenship and green cards.
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. TPC members joined thousands on a 7-mile walk to show support for families affected by violent crime. Along with walking, Team TPC raised nearly $2,000 for the Peace Institute.
Catie’s Closet, Donation Processing. TPC members helped process donations of clothing and toiletries which will ultimately be distributed to closets located in schools across the region.