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Build Something: No Cape Required!



We all have passions that stir our hearts, whether it’s a hobby we love or a cause we deeply believe in. What if I told you that you have the power to turn that passion into something bigger, something impactful? You don’t need to be a celebrity, superhero, or have a million followers to start a movement. All it takes is a spark, a bit of courage, and the willingness to bring people together. No cape required!


Start Where You Are


One of the biggest misconceptions about building something is that you need to start big. But here’s a secret: movements often begin in living rooms, coffee shops, or around a dinner table. If you’re passionate about something—be it reading, travel, food, or social justice—you can start right where you are. Begin with a small gathering of like-minded individuals and see where it leads.  I love that my friend and social justice warrior, Nneka Allen, Surrender as Strength: Finding Softness in the Heart of Activism — The Empathy Agency Inc. created “A Path to Action, A Journey Towards Collecting Courage, (I'm in Cohort #5 now. Learn about Cohort 6 starting in January 2025 here, Training & Learning — Collecting Courage) after she and two editors and fourteen Black fundraisers (including me) documented their stories of tackling racism in the nonprofit sector with the book, Collecting Courage.


If you love to read, why not start a book club? If travel is your thing, create a travel group where members can share their favorite destinations and travel tips. Are you a foodie? Form a dining club and explore new cuisines together. For instance, years ago, I started a dinner club called Chow Baby. I gathered a group of friends to explore different restaurants around Metro Atlanta. What started as a simple idea to enjoy new dining experiences turned into a cherished tradition of fellowship and great culinary finds. The key is to connect with people who share your interest, and the rest will follow naturally.


The Power of Community


There’s strength in numbers. When you bring people together around a shared interest or cause, you create a community. And community is powerful. It can provide support, amplify voices, and, most importantly, drive change. Look at the rise of podcasts in recent years. Many of my friends have started their own, covering topics such as nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing, and consulting. My friends Jon and Becky began a powerful podcast, We Are for Good a few years ago which has taken off.  I’ve been a guest on their podcast a few times.  Check them out here, 13. Nonprofit Boards: Who's at the Top Matters - Christal M. Cherry — We Are For Good and with my colleague, Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, Growing a Board that Cares About Inclusion - Christal Cherry, and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross — We Are For Good. They’re not just sharing knowledge; they’re building communities of people who care about doing good in the world.


When I decided to create the Board Builders Symposium, I did so with fierce determination. I wasn’t sure how it would pan out, but I saw a need for stronger leadership in nonprofits. I knew that if we could bring together board experts and passionate practitioners, we could make a difference. The need for well-prepared leaders is critical, especially now as nonprofits tackle pressing issues like women’s reproductive rights, housing access, racism, immigration, voting and refugee rights, and more. These leaders need the skills and support to guide their organizations through complex challenges. So, I started my journey to spread some Board Love!


Don’t Let Fear Stop You


One of the biggest barriers to starting something new is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. I get it—it’s scary to put yourself out there. But here’s the thing: every successful movement, every impactful organization, every meaningful project began with someone deciding to take a chance. I wasn’t 100% sure how the Board Builders Symposium would turn out, but I took a gamble because I believed in the need it was addressing. And you know what? It worked out. Not perfectly, but it made an impact, and that’s what matters. Fourteen companies said “YES” and sponsored our inaugural event. Hundreds of people liked our marketing promotions on social media, more than 1000 people visited my website, and more than 58 people attended.  Not bad for a first try!





Take the Leap


So, what’s stopping you from starting something? It could be as simple as organizing a meetup or as ambitious as launching a podcast. The important thing is to start. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. The world needs more people who are willing to step up and create positive change, whether it’s through a small book club or a large-scale conference.  My friends Jess Campbell, The Make It Happen Conference and Kamilah Martin. Katalyst Consulting | Katalyst Community both host in-person conferences for nonprofit consultants and female consultants of color giving them the opportunity to gather, support one another, and dream of ways to grow their businesses while making an impact.


I’ve learned that when you take the leap, people will join you. They’ll see your passion and want to be a part of it. And even if it’s rocky at first, you’ll be amazed at how quickly things can gain momentum. I’m a firm believer in paving my own path, even when there are obstacles. If there’s something blocking your way, find a way around it, over it, or through it. You have more power than you think.  I learned this when I started F3 Fabulous Female Fundraisers | Connected, Talented, Empowered! once just a network but now a nonprofit that provides a community of support, love, and belonging for over seventy Women of Color fundraisers in the nonprofit sector who live in 22 states and Canada. On December 6, 2024, we will celebrate four amazing Women of Color who have built movements around their passion. Learn more about F3's Madam CJ Walker Awards event here, Madam CJ Walker Awards | fabulous (fabfemalefundraisers.org).


Building Something Meaningful


Creating a movement or community is about more than just organizing events or starting projects. It’s about making life better for others and giving meaning to your own life in the process. God has a purpose for all of us, and I believe that purpose often involves improving the world around us, no matter how small the effort may seem. My friend Felina Martin turned her love for art and made it a clothing line, pamoja na | fashion designer (pamojanausa.com). You can't get more creative than that!


So, say something! Do something! Build something! To complain without action is to waste the gifts you’ve been given. You have the power to bring people together, to inspire, to lead. Whether you’re fighting for social justice or just trying to find fellow food lovers, your efforts matter. They create ripples that can turn into waves of change.





Conclusion


Remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. You just need to start. Begin with what you care about and who you are. Find your tribe, and together, you can build something beautiful. Because when we act on our passions, we don’t just create movements—we create meaning. And that, my comrades, is a life well-lived. And by the way...you too can be a superhero!

 

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