Hello ONE Northside and ONE People’s Campaign Family and Friends:
Today is my last day as Executive Director of ONE Northside and ONE People’s Campaign. The Board and staff have been working on this transition for the last year and the time is actually here. It is a very bittersweet day for me. I have deep love and gratitude for this organization and the people who make it up.
I am very excited about the new Executive Director, Jesse Hoyt! Jesse and I have been working together for the past month, and I am so impressed with his energy, insights and excitement for the future. He is going to be an amazing leader! I know he has the full support of our whole ONS and OPC community behind him. (And if you want to help make his first few months a little easier, a donation to the Transition Fund wouldn’t hurt!)
The staff team is so strong! I have no doubt that ONS and OPC will continue to build power, WIN, and create positive change in people’s lives throughout our communities. I’ve worked with some of the staff for 14 years, and some for 4 months, and every single one of them brings incredible gifts and talents, and passion, to this work. I know I don’t have to tell you that.
The ONS and OPC board and volunteer leaders make it happen every day– that is a big reason why we continue to grow and win! Their (your) ambition and imagination for the world we are creating together is inspiring to me every day!
As I said when I announced my exit to the June 2022 Membership Council meeting, I am incredibly optimistic about the future of this powerful family of organizations. The amazing thing about community organizing is that at its core it’s about constantly developing new leaders– it is never about any one person. So I leave you all in many good hands– all of your hands!
I am incredibly grateful to all of you. I’ve learned so much in the last 10 years at ONE Northside, 7 years at Lakeview Action Coalition, and 5 years at ONE. And that is because you have all been wise and patient (and sometimes impatient!) teachers. I’ve been humbled by your generosity and inspired by your vision. While organizing can be hard, it is so fulfilling because of the people– you all.
So, as I head off to support this movement in another way, please stay the optimistic and inspiring people you are! Keep up your badass fights! Continue to speak truth to power! And remember that exploitation is no accident– someone is benefitting. Continue to find them and expose them! You aren’t alone in this struggle.
In loving solidarity –
Jennifer