Father Bill's & MainSpring’s Post

Ever considered an Internship? Can you believe that Michael Lake was my first intern decades ago? Maybe we both made our own luck, but Michael genuinely transformed our business within a couple of months, coming in with zero domain knowledge. This was before he got his triple degree and was asked by Chelsea Clinton if my kids in the photo on his White House desk were his. That experience set my reference point for what an internship can be. So much so that I share with new Interns the concept of Imposter Syndrome very early. My experience is that when given the right environment interns consistently exceed everyone’s expectations, especially their own. It helps that we are never afraid of the brightest person in the room. Thanks to Rob Metcalfe, we use this simple BECKS model – Behaviour, Environment, Clarity, Knowledge & Skills. We interview for specific behaviours and all we ask is that each individual brings their authentic self to work (the behaviours are already baked in). It is our job as a business to deliver the E, C, K&S: - create the environment for success through people, processes and technology - be clear in our expectations, objectives, norms of behaviour etc - create a learning environment that delivers, at a minimum, the requisite knowledge and skills. When the internship is over, these highly capable interns have their journeys to traverse and like any parent encouraging their children to travel it is with mixed emotions when they inevitably leave (sometimes years later). In start-ups compounding is key. By living vicariously through the lives of our interns, I feel luckier every day. I’ve got to watch Michael create LeadingCities from a concept to a network of cities focused on collaborative urban research. The direction, vision, tools and opportunities are then accessible to any municipal government in the world. Keep smiling and making the world a better place every day, Michael.

Hey there, amazing peeps: We're excited to share that the Rhode Island Black Business Association | RIBBA is dedicated to making a tangible difference in our communities. Did you know that approximately 86% of our funds directly support programs to close the racial wealth gap and uplift families from poverty to sustainability? RIBBA is not just talk – we're all about action and impact! Please take a closer look at our incredible work in the image below. We're the real deal, no BS! Suppose you're passionate about creating meaningful change and want to leverage your skills and capabilities to help move the dial on social justice. In that case, we invite you to get involved with RIBBA. Join us now at www.ribba.org Whether you have time to volunteer, skills to share, or resources to contribute, there's a place for you in our community. Together, we can make a difference. Interested in learning more or exploring collaboration opportunities? Please get in touch with Bethany Norman at [email protected] to schedule a meeting with one of our board members or me. Let's work together to change the trajectory of people's lives for the better! #RIBBA #SocialChange #CommunityImpact #jobs #getinvolvedandmakethedifference #smallbiz #accesstocapital #contracting #homeownership #advocate #community #smallbusinesssupportingsmallbusiness #leadershipdevelopment #mentorship #growthmindset #growthanddevelopment #grow

Championing Change: Early Intervention for Black Girls in the UK  In recent years, it's become increasingly evident that early intervention is not merely an advantage but a necessity for addressing the unique challenges faced by Black girls in the United Kingdom. Systemic inequalities, disparities in education and the need for safe spaces demand proactive measures. Why is it crucial? 🔍 Tackling Inequality: Black girls often encounter systemic biases, and early intervention programmes are key to levelling the playing field by providing tailored support to navigate challenges. 💪 Empowerment and Leadership: Early intervention programmes empower Black girls with confidence and leadership skills, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities. 🛡️ Safety and Well-being: By focusing on Black girls safety concerns, early interventions create safe spaces, address discrimination and nurture mental and emotional well-being. 🌍 Cultural Enrichment: Celebrating diverse backgrounds fosters pride, belonging and identity, thereby countering negative societal messages. How does bloss.m Scholars support this mission? 🌺 Holistic Approach: bloss.m Leadership Academy understands the imperative for early intervention. Our programmes incorporate cultural enrichment, empowerment and support for mental well-being. 🤝 Community Engagement: We engage with schools, parents and community groups to ensure a collective effort in providing the necessary support from the grassroots. 🚀 Leadership Development: We empower Black girls to become powerful catalysts for positive change in their communities, with the Youth Social Action and Tech4Social Good initiatives at the forefront of efforts to teach leadership skills. Find out more about bloss.m Scholars at 👉🏼www.blossmscholars.org #EarlyIntervention #Empowerment #blossmScholars #EqualityForAll

Check out our new blog post #sirtify #normandalefoundation #community #liftupsomeoneelse

'First established in 2014 in the San Francisco Bay Area, #RadicalMonarchs is a #troop for #BlackandBrowngirls—as well as children who identify as nonbinary—from 8 to 11 years old. Its mission is to teach children to "advocate for themselves and their #communities and make the world a more just and joyful place.” There are 104 kids enrolled in cities across the US, including Denver, Minneapolis and Washington. Just as in #GirlScouts, Radical Monarch troop members earn badges to show they’ve mastered specific #skills. But these aren’t your typical certifications for first aid or painting. The first, called Radical Roots, requires delving into #history. For the troop in Richmond, California, this could mean a stop at Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park to learn how Black women helped the cause in World War II. In Minneapolis, they learn about Native environmentalist Winona LaDuke, who in 1985 helped form the Indigenous Women’s Network whose members focus on #empowering themselves and others in society. Other badges teach #consent, #selfdefense and #respect for those who are plus-size or disabled. It takes four sessions or troop meetings to earn a #badge, and scouts must attend 90% of the related #workshops or #field trips. Each badge takes three months to earn; the goal is to earn three per year. There’s time for fun, too, whether it entails camping trips or making s’mores and slime. “There’s no cookie baking like GSA, but play is a big part of our work,” says Anayvette Martinez, co-founder of the group. “At the end of the day, these are children. We’re not just talking about social justice stuff all the time.” Hollinquest says the group tries to emphasize the #positive. “It can be really overwhelming if you just focus on what’s wrong—and what’s different about us is we’re very solution-oriented, very much steeped in hope. We study the wins a lot.”' What a great initiative! #youthorganization #activism #girls

Helpful, but oversimplifies. In this latest dialogue about campus conflicts, the author focuses on promoting more conversation. While initiating dialogue is a positive step, it’s essential to recognize where it falls short and what the discussion here misses. First, the complexities of identity and historical injustices often go deeper than what dialogue alone can resolve. When students bring their whole selves—rooted in diverse, often painful histories—into these conversations, we need more than just a space to talk. We need mechanisms that genuinely address and do not inadvertently deepen these wounds. Secondly, universities themselves play a critical role. It’s not enough to encourage student-led initiatives without examining how institutional policies and practices either calm or fan these flames. Are universities truly neutral arenas, or are there embedded biases that need to be addressed? Moreover, external societal pressures significantly shape campus climates. Political rhetoric, social injustices, and economic inequalities that seep onto campuses can’t be untangled through dialogue alone. This broader context needs to be a central part of the conversation. Lastly, while promoting understanding across divides is noble, we must ensure these dialogues are safe and truly inclusive, especially for those from marginalized communities. Are we creating spaces where everyone can speak and be heard, or are we asking some to defend their very existence? Encouraging rich dialogue can be helpful, but let’s be clear about its limitations and the critical work still needed to make our campuses just and safe for everyone.

Celebrating Juneteenth can be a deeply meaningful experience, involving both reflection on history and enjoyment of community and culture. We celebrate this day to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. Here are a few ways to honor the spirit of Juneteenth. ➡ Read books and articles on the history of Juneteenth and African American culture and contributions. ➡ Engage in community events featuring African American art, food, and performances. ➡ Support black-owned businesses by dining at a local restaurant or purchasing from black artisans and entrepreneurs. ➡ Connect with others by sharing traditional foods and engaging in conversations about the significance of Juneteenth. ➡ Engage in service by volunteering for organizations that work towards social justice, education, or community support. #Juneteenth2024 #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #BlackHistory #CelebrateFreedom #EndSlavery #AfricanAmericanHistory #SupportBlackOwned #JuneteenthCelebration

Read all about what Lions are doing in South Australia

We cannot hope for a more just, multiracial society without uplifting and resourcing youth! Amid anti-trans and anti-immigrant policies, gun violence, and attacks on public #education, young people are tirelessly organizing and enabling their communities to keep themselves safe when government continues to fall short. "We ignore history when we deny the power of young people." Yet, #philanthropy and progressive leaders often overlook their power. Lori Bezahler and Sanjiv Rao of Edward W. Hazen Foundation call on progressive leaders to honor and invest in youth leaders! https://lnkd.in/gVry8zKt