Approach with Caution

There is no making this stuff up...

On my commute home one night I found myself behind a white trailer hitched to a pick-up and posted on the back of the trailer was a large sign that read,
"Warning, Violent Primates Inside Approach with Caution".

Seriously? Is that a joke? Decided it was best to get my distance (after snapping a quick picture on my phone of course); not a vehicle you want to be in rush-hour traffic with. My next thought was, “I sure hope that guy driving is well paid!”

So when you decided to work in nonprofit did you do it for the money? Surely not; and still, there are days you might feel like you’re driving around a violent primate. Yet, you do what you do because you choose to share your talents in a way that gives back to the community. You get up every day and drive that trailer because you believe in the mission and the people you serve.

Five years ago this May, I chose to join the Center for Nonprofit Management and serve you, the nonprofit community. I’ve gotten up every day of those five years and challenged myself to find the best ways to educate nonprofit professional in service of the Center’s mission: To build stronger communities by increasing the performance and impact of nonprofit organizations.

This Friday, August 12^th, that five year journey comes to a close as I leave my position as Director of Education to start a new journey with another organization. In wrapping up my time here and reflecting on those five years I am reminded of how much “education” I received in turn. All the amazing people I’ve come to know; colleagues, partners, consultants, instructors, volunteers, community leaders, hard-working staff and amazing movers and shakers. I remain in awe of the collective brilliance. For all its diversity and vast geography, Texas nonprofits know how to move mountains.

Yes, approach with caution – but by all means approach! Keep driving that trailer; taming that violent primate; and changing the world, one day at a time.

Thank you for choosing to give back; and for having made my time here unforgettable. In the immortal words of George Burns, “Say Good Night Gracie”.

Stacey Bruenning
(Soon-to-be-ex) Director of Education