Happy Holidays!
First up, I made you a Croydon Christmas playlist on Spotify. It comes with all the joy of being a child in a pub in a South London commuter town in mid-December. We may be two weeks out from the holidays. But in your heart, I hope you’re lighting a warm fire. I’m particularly enjoying watching Martijn Doolard’s Alpine cabin renovation show right now. It snowed last week.
Why am I so full of holiday cheer? Cause-driven organizations tend to grow a little frantic, this time of year. With two weeks until the holidays, it’s the perfect time to do everything on their list. Never mind that January is around the corner with all its many days. Never mind that most journalists clock off, around now. Why ease into the holidays when you can run into them at full smash? 🤦🏻♂️
As a consultant, I tend to get whipsawed on the end of such dynamics. But I’m not complaining. This is the time of year when the odd project might come my way. These things not only help my occasional project clients who might otherwise be overloaded. They also pay for the odd gift for our son, Freddy. Still, I can guarantee that while I’m focusing on your copy, I’ll also be listening to Christmas music! I’m not going to miss out on the holiday vibes, even if I’m working late!
Another reason for the end-of year rush is all-important funding. In America, many people donate this month, to offset their tax bills next April. It’s time for development departments to send out year-end appeals. This stuff matters a lot to important causes. So, while you’re listening to my playlist, created all for you…you might also like to support some of the following amazing organizations.
In a true “God Bless Us, Every One” spirit, I’ve given something to each, this year, so you can follow my lead:
Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. In California’s heartland, a new resistance movement is taking root. The New York Times wrote about their valuable work this June.
United Stateless. An organization helping people stuck in legal limbo win the human right to a nationality. I was lucky to attend their convening in Philadelphia last week and continue to be deeply inspired by the people, the purpose, and the mission. They are stateless-led, which is key.
Refugee Congress. With delegates in every state, refugees are leading conversations that impact them. For too long, policy discussions on these issues have been led by people who look like me. It’s time to change that.
IGNITE. Training young women to run for office and step into their political power. Whenever I’m around a gen-Z’er at one of their trainings, I feel woefully inadequate. If there were ever a more pressing need for this kind of new leadership in America, it’s now.
Open Squash. Their junior scholarship fund is bringing the world’s best game (I’m biased, since I play a lot) to everyone. I wrote more about them last week, if you’re interested. And I’m sure you’ll be interested. I mean, how could you not be?
Downing Street Playgroup. A cooperative playgroup in Manhattan’s West Village. Our son goes, and honestly, I think it’s the sort of place we need more of in New York. Affordable and community-led? Yes, please.
Grace Church on Broadway. Where I’m proud to serve on the vestry. And because I gather this whole “Christmas” thing happens to be related, in some way, to a Middle Eastern community organizer who was born a couple of thousands of years ago?
Thank you for your generosity. These folks deserve it far more than I do! Of course, if you’re considering adding to your “year-end giving”, I’d also urge you to consider me for a Zabar’s hamper. It won’t be tax deductible because I’m only one person. Not a nonprofit. And evidently, a greedy one. But. Think of the extra joy you’ll spread…
To business. My favorite Christmas song is Let It Snow. It’s featured in the well-known Christmas movie, Die Hard. After that, I like a choral German version of Stille Nacht. And Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas. What’s yours?
