GLIDE Unconditionally
What I will Always Remember about Serving the SF community
The Bay Area. SF. San Fran (Never say that). I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2013. I was an MBA graduate who was eager to lead a company to prominence, construct newsworthy deals, and (oh yeah) create a long lasting legacy of charity and good will in my spare time. So when I woke up from this fantasy, six months into my new chapter in the Bay Area, I knew I needed to find an organization that I could really get immersed into the historical issues, challenges, and opportunities of my new surroundings.
The desire to give started out as a needed escape or better yet an attempt to rediscover the feeling of being apart of a larger cause. Throughout my life, I have gained more through my service to others rather than my own success. It was early 2014, I was still new to the Bay Area but I had hit a stall in my career. But luckily I had been connected to a fellow Columbia Lion (shout out to Lauren) who raved about her experience at GLIDE. So there I was on a phone interview with two GLIDE Legacy Committee members. Little did I know this initial conversation would lead to a wonderful journey of inspiration and purpose within me.
I am so grateful for Rev. Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani for establishing a church and organization that has given a voice to the voiceless in the Bay Area. Thanks to Mike Kim for starting the Legacy Committee which has served as an access point for the next generation of volunteers who will keep the mission of GLIDE Alice. Lastly, I would like to say thanks to the Rebecca, Amy and the current Legacy Committee (LC) for all of their hard work and for welcoming me into the group two years ago.
As a final display of gratitude, I would like to share my favorite memories and proudest contributions as a member of GLIDE’s Legacy committee from 2014–2016. I hope these anecdotes inspire all Bay Area natives to learn about, volunteer with, and donate to GLIDE this new year.
GLIDE Spelled Out
Generating Interest thru Galas: I was fortunate to assist in planning, marketing, and organizing two of the Legacy Committee’s Annual Legacy Galas. Over the last 6 years the LC’s signature event has raised significant funds for specific programs that were in the red. The night of the gala is so rewarding because it introduces so many young professionals the history and volunteer opportunities of GLIDE. My first gala in 2014 was an eye-opening experience that clearly displayed to me the reach and hope of the GLIDE community.
Learning about the SF Community: Before joining the Legacy Committee I was “aware” of the issues suffering the Tenderloin and income inequality. But when I joined GLIDE and went to tours and programming events, I learned that 12% of San Franciscans are living in poverty and approximately 12,000 individuals were homeless or un-sheltered in 2013. This encouraged me to mobilize my personal networks to volunteer during GLIDE’s breakfast meal program.
Interacting with Passion Young Professionals: When I lived in New York and Chicago, I was able to quickly “feel at home” after volunteering with like-minded individuals who are passionate about giving back. San Francisco felt like a city that I just worked I until I got connected to my talented peers in the Legacy Committee. Despite busy careers in law, technology, education and consulting, I was astonished by the time, effort and creativity that each gave to the operations, initiatives and special projects of GLIDE.
Donating TMT (Time, Money, Talent): At the Legacy Committee, we not only raised money from our large events and quarterly happy hours but we also contributed through personal campaigns that were aligned with our expertise. One such example is the “Help-Portrait” event that is lead by Colson. In December 2014, we provided over 350 formal holiday photos for families in the Tenderloin.
Encouraging for the Future: With so much discussion about the increase of income inequality in the Bay Area I can understand the cynicism that nothing will ever get better. But through the work at GLIDE, I saw another perspective: one that includes innovation that solves our real problems of poverty, homelessness, and education. Thanks GLIDE for opening my eyes.
If you would like to learn more about GLIDE please check out their website. Also, if you are interested in learning more about GLIDE’s legacy committee please check the organization on Facebook or the Glide website.