Matteah Spencer Reppart’s Post

How might we carry out our work with dignity, justice, and love? How might we show up in a spirit of reciprocity and partnership? How might our work consider the systemic, historical, and cultural drivers that got us to this point? These are the questions we ponder at the Equitable Evaluation Initiative. So enjoyed hearing from EEI Practice Partners as they shared about the shifts and changes they are making within their organizations at the Council of Michigan Foundations conference.

I am convinced it would be a wonderful gift to the world if we all slowed down a bit. Trying to do my part.

Today my heart is so full to be back holding and hosting space for the newest Practice Partners as we welcome Class 7 to the Equitable Evaluation Initiative! An amazing group. What an honor to bear witness and be a part of this transformational journey. So eager to see what surfaces these next few years! Gratitude for this beautiful collective effort Marcia Coné, PhD Jara Dean-Coffey (she/her/hers) Linda W. Helstowski Kerry McHugh Yen Chau Kim Firth Leonard Madeline Brandt, MPH Molly Cox #EquitableEvaluationFramework check it out! https://lnkd.in/gqnfRtiX

Too good. And when we become so focused on the target, we often miss all of the good learning and growth opportunities along the way.

It was my intention in 2024 to not respond to any RFPs. I find them to be extractive, exhausting, and largely a waste of everyone's time. As we near the end of the third quarter, I'm delighted that I've been able to honor that intention. This week, I still submitted two proposals....in response to being invited to do so. But these proposals were developed AFTER we initiated conversations and relationship. And gave us a chance to mutually express a desire to work together. Engaging each other in this way allowed us to co-create the design and tailor our approach to be responsive to the specific need and context. Win-win all around. If you are hoping to still cast a wide net to find an aligned partner to support your work, consider sending out a "RFR - Request for Relationship." Invite people to tell you who they are, the work they do, and the values they hold. Share the same in return. And see what emerges.

Yesterday and today…I’m remembering (again) and fully experiencing that what sustains me in this work of systems change and engaging systems and the people in them is to take a longer view and stretch out the time horizon in my (pur)view. The words and wisdom of Jara Dean-Coffey are ringing in my mind - it’s taken us hundreds of years to get to this point and we aren’t going to unravel it or course correct overnight. We might win the struggle we are in or we might not. But we can still recognize, celebrate and invest in progress forward, no matter how small. It’s still important.

What if we measured our success by how we show up to practice our values? Instead of only measuring our success by how we “hit the mark” of our goals?

“love’s journey can be chaotic. The depth of our questions can overwhelm us. Sometimes we're just too busy, too exhausted to face ourselves. And that’s okay too.” At times I feel like I’m moving backward in my journey - instead of forward. What a beautiful reminder this morning that it all belongs. It’s chaotic. A nudge to embrace the complexity of what is. That it’s ok to face ourselves or not. This morning I reflected on the truth that acceptance is not resignation. But recognition of what is - embracing it with our awareness, present with our heart.

To remain human, to keep an open heart… And longing for a world in which our leaders embody these characteristics. Grateful for those that do.

This time of year, it is hard to squeeze in. But so good to do...