Leadership Alabama Commission on Race and Equity
November 19, 2020
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2020 – LACRE Commission Members
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2020 – LACRE Commission Members
Dear LA Member,
Your support has been absolutely amazing. We are profoundly grateful for your dues & contributions, especially as we all continue to navigate the ever-evolving challenges of COVID. As of today —
We are very appreciative of your online payments and the checks being sent to the post office box. (Please note our mailing address has changed to Post Office Box 131394, Birmingham, AL 35213.) This is such a help! Even though we continue to work together every day, albeit socially-distanced, it would be difficult to coordinate and physically assemble a large mass mailing. Therefore, the more of you who pay online or send a check from the invoice provided below will greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the need for a future mailing. You can make an immediate and secure payment online by utilizing this link or by clicking the “Pay Online” button. Or, if you prefer a printed invoice for mailing a check, click the “Invoice” button.
LEADERSHIP ALABAMA NEWS
Leadership Alabama Commission on Race and Equity
In June, Leadership Alabama released “An Important Message” in response to the tragic death of George Floyd and the national crisis that ensued and has been ongoing since then. We recognize that if we, as an organization, are to make significant and sustainable progress toward a more just and equitable Alabama, we must fully address racism and the resultant inequities.
As such, we have created the Leadership Alabama Commission on Race and Equity (LACRE), and its charge is to take a comprehensive look at race and equity in our state, with an emphasis on solutions and action. More comprehensive information about its overall work, leadership, commission members, etc., will be announced very soon, and it will also be included on the new website under “About Us.” We were scheduled to meet in Birmingham tomorrow, but unfortunately, due to the rise in COVID cases, we postponed our gathering. However, the Commission will definitely start connecting via ZOOM until it is safe for us to meet.
Leadership Alabama Class XXX’s Graduation Retreat & the launch of Leadership Alabama Class XXXI
We were so hopeful that we would be able to conduct Class XXX’s graduation retreat in Birmingham AND start programming for Class XXXI in Montgomery in January 2021, but it simply will not be possible. Therefore, Class XXX’s last session will be scheduled as soon as we are able to safely gather, and Class XXXI will launch in October 2021.
“30th and Holding…” Rescheduled Anniversary Event
As of this writing, we are still planning to gather on Friday, August 13, through Sunday, August 15, 2021 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL, and we will begin communicating details and registration information in January 2021. Stay tuned for ongoing updates.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we continue to offer thanks for your incredible support, friendship and engagement. We are indeed fortunate to be associated with all of you and this remarkable organization.
Fondly,
Kate and Ashley
This year, more than ever before, we are so appreciative of your online payments and the checks being sent to the post office box. We have continued to work together every day since mid-March, albeit by phone and ZOOM, and it would definitely be a challenge to coordinate and physically assemble a large mass mailing under the current circumstances. So, please know how much we appreciate everyone’s quick and efficient response to Leadership Alabama’s annual dues solicitation.
Thanks to our partnership with SWELL Fundraising, you can make an immediate and secure payment online by utilizing this link or by clicking the pay online button below. Or, if you prefer a printed invoice for mailing a check, click the invoice button below.
Plus, exciting news is right around the corner! Leadership Alabama Class XXXI members will be announced this week, and an engaging and impactful opening retreat is being planned for January 2021. Additionally, Leadership Alabama’s new, improved and updated website will “go live” within the next week or so, and we will send another email about its launch very soon. This week, since we were unable to host Alabama Leadership Initiative’s (ALI) Class III graduation session in the Black Belt, the speakers graciously agreed to present to the class via ZOOM, and we thank members and partners Tommy Bice, Kia Debnam, John Dorsey, Alex Flachsbart (ALI), Andrew Freear, Mary Helmer, Tammy Montgomery, Emily Schultz and JJ Wedgworth (ALI) for sharing their time and talents with ALI.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kate and Ashley
As we all continue to adjust to the daily challenges resulting from the ongoing pandemic, Leadership Alabama continues to adapt to the circumstances by rescheduling previously-planned retreats, creating and scheduling programming and speakers for upcoming retreats and membership activities, staying in contact with Class XXX (yet to graduate due to COVID), finalizing Class XXXI (soon to be announced – will start in January 2021), reorganizing the “30th & Holding!” anniversary celebration postponed until August 2021 and implementing the newly-created “Leadership Alabama Commission on Race and Equity,” on which more information will follow in the next few weeks.
As the work continues, we started this fiscal year (July 1) with a streamlined budget, eliminating $26,000 in general operating expenses and keeping all other expenses level, if not less, wherever possible. We obtained a small PPP loan and are waiting for instructions as to how to proceed with the loan forgiveness, and we have been very deliberate and conservative when planning for future expenses. We understand that we work for you, our members, and we will always strive to be prudent stewards of your investment in Leadership Alabama.
Last year set a record for dues paying members – 664 of you paid your annual dues of $175, with many making contributions, as well, and we are extremely thankful! Without question, your annual support is the lifeline of our organization, and we humbly ask you once again to submit your dues. In the fall of 2018, a new category of donors was established for those contributing $500 or more through their dues/contribution – Gold Circle Donors – and we are thrilled to share that 80 members (click above or click attachment below) were Gold Circle donors last year.
Through our valued partnership with SWELL Fundraising in Birmingham, you can make an immediate and secure payment online simply by utilizing this link or click below. Or, if you prefer a printed invoice for mailing a check, please note that an invoice is attached below, as well.
We raise a toast to each of you in heartfelt appreciation as we continue to look to the future.
Kate Cotton Ashley Whatley
Executive Director Director of Programs and Membership Engagement
Dear Leadership Alabama members,
Throughout the past several months, as all of us have adjusted to very challenging circumstances, we have remained focused on Leadership Alabama’s overall objectives and mission, including the planning for upcoming events and retreats, finalizing retreat programming and speakers, orchestrating the selection process for LA Class XXXI, conducting board elections and carefully managing the financials. As such, we respectfully offer the following update.
“An Important Message”
Original email message sent on Monday, June 1, 2020.
Leadership Alabama’s Financial Outlook
With profound gratitude to all of you for your continued and valued investment in Leadership Alabama, we are “faring the storm” relative to our budget/income/expenses. We met fundraising & membership dues/contributions goals for the 2019/2020 fiscal year, eliminated $26,000 of expenses moving forward when finalizing the 2020 – 2021 budget (after greatly streamlining the budget last year), obtained a PPP loan, and are actively creating our fundraising plans and membership dues solicitation campaign for the upcoming fiscal year (beginning July 1). Additionally, we offer a huge round of applause and appreciation to Mr. Rich Bielen, president & CEO of Protective Life Corporation, for generously providing Leadership Alabama with donated office space. It has been such an incredible gift and has alleviated financial concerns regarding rent, especially during the pandemic when everyone has been working from home.
Rescheduled Graduation for Current LA & ALI Classes
Status of Selection of Leadership Alabama Class XXXI (2020 – 2021)
As you may remember, we purposely delayed the selection process due to the urgent circumstances surrounding COVID-19. As of this week, we started extending invitations to the candidates selected for Class XXXI, and the final class will be announced no later than Monday, August 10. The opening retreat is in October in Montgomery; however, in the event we are NOT able to convene as a group due to ongoing COVID restrictions, the program year will begin in January and extend through June.
Due to ongoing COVID guidelines and concerns (furloughs, layoffs, unknowns about school calendars, the availability of young professionals, etc.), ALI Class IV has been postponed until the 2021 – 2022 program year. When nominations open next year, the maximum age (for that year only) will be 41, not 40.
July 1 – June 30.
Two of our highly valued board members, Preston Bolt/Mobile and Mike Warren/Birmingham, elected emeritus status as of October.
Rolling Off LA Board
After serving two consecutive terms, it is difficult to say farewell to the incredible board members rolling off in October – Jeffrey Bayer/Birmingham, Kelly Bownes/Birmingham, Sara Graves/Huntsville and Bill Wallace/Montgomery.
“30th and Holding…” – Rescheduled Anniversary Event
Simply as a reminder, our fabulous 30th anniversary celebration originally scheduled for this month has been rescheduled for next summer on Friday, August 13, through Sunday, August 15, 2021 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL. More information will be sent in the next few months, and we hope you will plan to join the festivities!
Wishing you a healthy, safe and fun 4th of July!
With heartfelt thanks,
Kate Cotton Ashley Whatley
As Leadership Alabama advances into its fourth decade of providing established leaders across Alabama exposure to our state’s many facets, both uplifting and challenging, we remain acutely sensitive to the issues adversely affecting the people of Alabama – particularly our African American citizens. Each year, the class programming strategically incorporates sessions dedicated to a wide range of topics, from education and workforce development to urban issues, the environment and civil rights, and it constantly evolves and is updated in order to remain relevant in today’s climate.
In response to the tragic death of George Floyd and the national crisis that has ensued since we all watched him die, Leadership Alabama remains steadfast in our commitment to expose and eradicate racial and social injustice. We stand firm in our mission of bringing together a network of passionate, engaged and forward-thinking leaders who will seek mutual understanding of Alabama’s obstacles and inequities and then work, individually and in concert, to move our state forward. And, Leadership Alabama’s class programming will continue to candidly and compassionately deal with these difficult issues with a heightened awareness. May the recent events in Minneapolis and around the country inspire in all of us a commitment to actively advocate for justice and equality for ALL Alabamians.
Dear Fellow Leadership Alabama Members,
As all of us continue to monitor the current situation, I wanted to share an update regarding Leadership Alabama’s scheduled activities and retreats. As of today, all activities planned for this spring and summer have been rescheduled for this fall, so we are definitely moving ahead and planning for the future. Listed below is a recap of the changes to the schedule.
1 – Selection of Leadership Alabama Class XXXI – 2020/2021
As most of us continue to shelter in place, even as the state begins to phase in the reopening of our economy, we feel it is best to wait until June to start the final process of approving the class. By delaying our actions by just a month or two, we hope the leaders ultimately chosen for the class will be in a better situation to consider and accept the invitation to join Class XXXI. We plan to announce the class members in August.
2 – Current Leadership Alabama Class XXX’s Final Retreat
Class XXX’s final retreat originally scheduled for May in Birmingham has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. This will be a first for Leadership Alabama – the current class will graduate after Class XXXI launches in early October in Montgomery, and we are thrilled that we were still able to schedule both retreats.
3 – Current ALI (Alabama Leadership Initiative) Class III’s Final Session
Class III’s final session originally scheduled for this month in the Black Belt has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday,
September 10 .
4 – Nominations for ALI Class IV – 2020/2021
Nominations will open on Wednesday, July 1, and close on Friday, July 31. Information will be available on the Leadership Alabama website.
5 – “30 and Holding!” Leadership Alabama’s Anniversary Celebration NEXT Year
Even though we will be a year older, we still plan to celebrate as if we were 30, so save the date! The anniversary event has been rescheduled for Friday, August 13, through Sunday, August 15, 2021 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. More information will be sent in the months ahead.
Finally, as will come as no surprise, Kate and Ashley haven’t missed a beat. We are so fortunate to have their passion, dedication, and incredible work ethic. Thank you for your continued support of Leadership Alabama; it truly sustains us through this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Gordon G. Martin
Chair, Board of Directors
Leadership Alabama
boardchair@leadershipal.org
Dear Leadership Alabama members,
As we all continue to grasp today’s frightening and challenging situation, we are constantly reminded of how much we need and cherish one another. Our daily routines of the past are now valued more than ever as we isolate and distance ourselves from everyone in our lives, and one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with this insidious pandemic is not knowing when it will “end.”
However, with great anticipation and profound gratitude of when that time will come, Leadership Alabama is looking ahead with hope as we reschedule all of the recently postponed events and retreats, most notably our 30th Anniversary celebration (see below) originally planned for this June. Of course, we will continue to monitor and adhere to CDC guidelines and will make any needed changes to the schedule below as directed/advised.
As such, please know that this note is sent with the deepest concern and regard for you, your families, your organizations and our beloved state, and we pray that we will be together again soon.
With hope as we look to the future,
Kate & Ashley
(As of Monday, April 13, 2020 – Subject to change based on CDC updates & guidelines)
Next Summer!
Friday, August 13, through Sunday, August 15, 2021
The Grand Hotel
Point Clear, AL
Graduation Retreat in Birmingham
(Based on availability, class members will choose to attend in either July or August. The retreats will mirror one another and offer the same content to the extent possible.)
Wednesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 23, 2020 or Wednesday, August 5, and Thursday, August 6, 2020
Graduation Retreat in the Black Belt
Wednesday, August 26, and Thursday, August 27, 2020
Nominations (via the LA website) will open on
Monday, June 1, and close on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
Leadership Alabama is postponing our June 2020 Celebration, so we’ll continue to celebrate 30 and holding in 2021.
Save The Date: Augest 13–15, 2021
The Grand Hotel: Point Clear, Alabama