Yesterday it became official. Prudential Financial is the first charter North American sponsor of The 60 Summits Project! Their generous grant is going to make it possible for us to enter at least 5 additional states in the next few months. [We’re figuring out now which states are the best choices. Any nominations?] We will also be able to provide financial support in the form of partial matching grants to all the Summit planning groups now at work.
In the last two weeks, The 60 Summits Project has been separately incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Massachusetts, and we have a new logo and website: www.60Summits.org. It's still pretty basic. More to come.
This rapidly-growing project is SUCH a great learning experience for us all. For most of my life, I’ve been “ahead of the ball” but the pace of the 60 Summits Project keeps me scrambling. Every step of the way, there’s something to improvise for the first time, an error to correct, an aha! and lesson for next time, and so on. It’s very demanding, but truly exhilarating. Happily, Prudential’s sponsorship also will allow us to further develop the central infrastructure we’ve realized is required to provide appropriate support services to existing and future Summit planning groups.
To my knowledge, our grass-roots multi-stakeholder approach to creating positive change in disability benefits and workers’ compensation systems is unprecedented. It is truly a joy to discover there are so many people of good will who are attracted to the 60 Summits Project because they are intent on making a positive difference. I keep discovering that I’ve underestimated people. In my previous life, I’ve sometimes been disappointed by people who initially looked promising. The delicious thing about this project is that people whom I have never met or barely know keep showing up, taking on leadership roles, and then delighting me (and themselves and their fellow committee members) by demonstrating previously unseen skills, competencies -- and achievements!
The Northern California Summit on Promoting Stay at Work and Return to Work is next week (June 21). This ad hoc group composed of many stakeholders has put together a powerhouse of an agenda and guest list. Check out their website at: http://www.saw-rtw-californiasummit.com.
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