It’s that time of year as we make the mad dash to finish what we can, in order to enjoy what we should. Everything feels amplified in this year of COVID, and this no doubt contributed to the extra special good feelings we shared as the Generation W team, safely and socially distanced, got together for our annual tradition of food, gifts and a poem. We were able to reflect on what a challenging year it was. That said, as we flowed through many emotions, we remain thankful to all of you in our Generation W community and beyond who have been generous in your support of our work that builds communities and supports the growth and development of women and girls. We are grateful and offer you our thanks and wishes for a happier and more connected New Year. Our team thought that you might like to share in this year’s annual poem. Be well and be safe So, I humbly submit. Happy holidays to each of you. Find the silver linings as you can. Let’s commit to each other to be supportive and understanding, for that is the social contract that elevates us all. To a happier and more connected New Year!

It is a year that started with a high expectation,

We had worked so hard to build a solid foundation.

But foundations can crumble, they can even crack,

When a 100 year pandemic decides to come back.

We stuck here together feeling safety in Suite 5,

This COVID thing we would outlast and surely, we’d thrive.

To overcome, be smart, be safe and not worry,

Aha.. what did we know how life would change in a hurry.

The world slowed down, we thought our closets we would clean,

As we moved from Suite 5 to our homes and a new routine.

The new normal had smashed a life we once knew,

New norms and beliefs were beginning to breakthrough.

Essential workers were newly defined,

Our newest heroes declared, battling on the front lines.

And then in our pockets where our phones often ring,

A transitional moment, a new pandemic became a huge thing.

No one could turn away from a truth long buried,

That racial injustice was a burden long carried.

The anger was raw, the exposure was real,

It was time to take on a very new deal.

We struggled, we cried, we felt the loss of control,

Old stories emerged that pierced our very soul.

Our new home or zoom brought us together in a new way,

Sharing our feelings, our homes now on display.

What to do, to feel useful, to move forward with grace,

Generation W needed to step into the space.

On a dime we did pivot … everyone did embrace,

The need to provide some connection, a human interface.

Though virtual were the tools as they were named,

The impact was real, the work was acclaimed.

In a time when foundations crumble and they do sometimes crack,

It is amazing what learning can come and bring you back.

To the fundamentals of life of what we need most,

This human connection, the need to keep close.

To be able to reach out to touch those in need,

The challenge to stay tethered and to our own souls to feed.

And we did and we accomplished and continue to strive,

With a vision 2020 we may have even surpassed live.

Our WOW girls in Duval and Charlotte and more,

Shared their hearts and their dreams as we worked to explore.

In this time of deep thought, as questions abound,

The work of Gen W was much in the foreground.

The power of connection and the focus on community,

The foundation of W provided opportunity.

To bring light and inspiration, to connect and find peace,

To launch a REfresh, to gather for release.

Everyone dug deep as we all searched to find,

The meaning to bring to work and to our own minds.

Perhaps that’s the message of an antigen so small,

That the things we can’t see can bring us to a stall.

So, we should look and see harder with greater intention,

For not to do that we are voting abstention.

And that is NOT us, us of W who care, who believe in the worth of women who dare,

Of girls who are destined to build a future that is brave, they will undoubtedly surf a leading new wave.

We don’t do any of this alone, it’s TOGETHER we say,

Each one of you bringing your individual sway.

Stacy, Christina, Kasia and Sherry,

Jamie, Ruth, Mariah and Tara Kelly.

Recognized as a team full of pride,

Always ready, your courage certified.

Even as we’re tested in this unparalleled time,

We’ve proved what we have and will continue to climb.

For is the lesson when foundations do crack,

To see silver linings and when we need change, to attack?

We seek solace in the simple, in the quiet and the grace,

We say ‘thank you’ for the blessings for our friends and this place.

So much to truly be thankful for – seek it they say and ye shall find,

So tough in a year so easily maligned.

I would love to be making us all laugh and sing,

Given the choice, it definitely is the preferential thing.

But I find this holiday a time of reflection and will embrace the good cheer,

Because 2021 can’t help but be a better year!

I say ‘thank you’ to all for all that you do,

For the lives that you touch and the work that you grew.

For the tomorrows to come that will be even brighter,

As Generation W will alight and be an igniter.

For the positive and the possible for the power of connection,

I say happy holidays to you with the greatest affection.

I offer my thanks and with this I conclude,

A message that is filled with unbridled gratitude!

Happy New Year everyone!