Change is Risky, and...

I had planned on writing on a regular basis about all that’s happening around Centerpoint and our big transitions. But I notice that my last blog entry was over a month ago. Just another thing to learn about big changes…they are a bit scary to even write about sometimes. Also, they keep you really, really busy!

To recap briefly, Centerpoint currently needs to take a significant growth step in order to live out its mission. As I mentioned in my last blog, this is a very exciting time. We are making changes in and have strategic goals around infrastructure, marketing, board development and funding. The difficult part, as is the case with many transitions, is to be able to keep moving forward without being able to see the final results. That makes it feel risky.

Infrastructure Changes
This is really a leap of faith, as they say. Over the last few years we’ve been able to systematize and develop procedures and policies. But now we need to tweak and tighten them up even more so that they are scalable for the future. I have stepped away from my position as Executive Director; Centerpoint needs an ED who is able to whip us into shape along these lines. And, my value to the organization lies more in being its spokesperson, business developer, and in finishing the book.

Today I moved out of my office to another smaller space on the second floor. While I was the one encouraging this move, I find myself grieving the loss and the change. (For any of you who have been in my prior office, you’ll understand why this is so difficult.) I have to remind myself that it’s OK to feel sad. Some people are trying to make me feel better by saying things that are positive, uplifting, and optimistic. I told them that, while I know they’re trying to be supportive, that approach is just not working right now. Instead, help me acknowledge how difficult this is and allow me to have my feelings. It’s risky to express these kinds of emotions; I’m usually seen as the strong one so some in the office may feel uncomfortable by my tears. How can we honor and listen to all of the feelings that arise in transition?

The Centerpoint Board was wise when they decided to install an Interim Executive Director to take us through the next number of months. My tenure as ED has been an extremely long one. Instead of thinking that a brand new person could come into our organization from the outside, the Board selected someone capable and known to the community to shepherd Centerpoint through this interim period. We’ve been very fortunate to have our former Front Office Manager, Lisa Tucker, be able to move into this position. She’s doing a crackerjack job of putting the essential pieces in place! And… it’s risky for her as she institutes these big changes. Even in an environment like ours which teaches people how to navigate change, many find themselves resistant to doing things differently. The old status quo, while no longer working, is more familiar and safe. How can we let go of the way things were to make room for the upcoming growth?

In addition, there are new people on staff (Sandy Formento and Karin Rucklinger), others helping out with special projects (Mike, Deborah, Heather, Nora, Kurt, Brandon), more folks joining the board (Garrett, Sandy, Trudy) and some exploring board membership (Jean, Rena). Centerpoint is so very fortunate to be able to draw on such talented individuals. As I mentioned previously, we need the entire Centerpoint community involved in order to be of more service to others. You might be thinking… there’s nothing risky about that. But wait! It can feel quite risky to ask for help and support. There are a lot of “shoulds” that come up around transitions like “I should be able to do this by myself with the resources at hand.”

So let me take a risk here and ask: Are you ready to jump in and help? We can sure use your expertise and commitment! Here are several specific ways to get involved: we need a few more Board members, are seeking a Webmaster/mistress, could really use people who know something about fundraising, and need some more hands on deck in the Marketing Committee.

If you don’t feel drawn to those, how about helping to plan and promote an upcoming community event on May 26th? Renewing your membership? Writing up a short story on how Centerpoint was of help to you that we can post on this website? Telling three groups to which you belong about Centerpoint? (We can email you a flyer to hand out too!) Contact us and let us know how you want to help.

Yes, change is risky in many ways; we can’t know for sure that we’re doing all the right things to help Centerpoint through this growth spurt and it feels scary. Inherent in any big change is always the possibility that our “best laid plans…” might not work out and that we’ll lose everything. This fear is normal and natural. But somehow, the faith we have in Centerpoint, its approach, and its services keeps us going, allowing us to take the steps we believe are the correct ones at each point along the way. I think what really helps us to know that we’re moving in the right direction is the support we feel from all of you: those who have used our services and are living from a sense of hope and confidence, and those who believe that Centerpoint is poised to make a bigger difference in people’s lives. Thank you! And, stay tuned for my next installment of this transition!