by I received an email from a national grantor informing me that our organization would not receive the (critical) funding that we had budgeted and anticipated. I was far away from my office, my team and my Board. I felt like I was keeping a dark secret…
I received an email from a national grantor informing me that our organization would not receive the critical funding that we had budgeted and anticipated. I was far away from my office, my team and my organization’s board. I felt like I was keeping a dark secret. I read that email while on the plane headed to The Lord’s Land in Mendocino, CA for the first retreat of Cohort #4.
“In between sips of coffee or while spreading peanut butter on waffles, the members of my Cohort began to encourage my heart…”
I felt like I had just been marked with a scarlet letter. Nothing about my disposition was looking forward to ice-breakers or getting-to-know-you games and activities with 24 strangers, of whom I was certain, had never walked in the disappointment that I was experiencing. After a full 24 hours of keeping my secret hidden and going through what I can only call stress pangs, I shared my secret with the Cohort. Over breakfast, I shared the most upsetting news I had received during the short life of the organization.
Before the butter melted on my waffle, solution after solution was offered to me. In between sips of coffee or while spreading peanut butter on waffles, the members of my Cohort began to encourage my heart. In less than 24 hours, the people that were once strangers had become trusted confidants, mentors, and advisors. I will forever be grateful to the leadership of CCDA for having the insight and fortitude to allow Cohorts of leaders to operate in life on life mentoring and development. CCDA gave me the vocabulary and added additional principles to the community development work I grew up appreciating.
I have always welcomed the respite that the national conference allowed with a sea of people that “got it”. Participating in Cohort #4 is truly where “I got it.” I was really a part of an association of people who were being connected, inspired, and trained!
Toni Benjamin
CCDA Cohort #4
