Dare to Change
To be honest, at Heron, we really miss the mark sometimes.
We know enough to know that we do not hold all the answers. We believe the important thing for us to remember is that when we do stumble, we get back up and strive to learn more and do better. Because, for us, it is never a question of if we get knocked down, but how we bounce back up.
In our organization, we endeavor to hold ourselves accountable to be a doer of deeds in the proverbial arena—risking error or chancing failure—in order that nobler missions might succeed. That means, in our missteps, we dare ourselves to find the fuel and impetus to change our approach. For, if we are to truly serve the communities we strive to support, then we cannot stop trying to deliver the tools and resources that they tell us they desire.
Lately, we are learning that daring to change requires honest reflection and a steadfast commitment to embody purposeful principles as they emerge from the work. Over the last year or so, five principles have begun to emerge to guide the work: honoring community wisdom, nurturing an ecosystem, stewarding from strengths, ceding power, and staying brave.
We believe that with perseverance and the courage of our convictions, buoyed by our deep belief in the capacity of people and places we champion, the change we seek can – and will – become the reality in which we live.
In that spirit, we are excited to share the lessons we’re learning and the stories of the people and places that continue to inspire and drive us forward in the year ahead. We are so grateful to be in their company and learning beside them.
And we are grateful for the efforts of all the brave and tenacious doers of deeds fighting to be the positive change they wish to see. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the arena.
Download a copy of Dare to Change to read more about the lessons we are learning.