When society's problems become increasingly complex, it can feel overwhelming for individuals and organizations to find a clear path forward. The COVID-19 pandemic only amplified this disorientation, as it disrupted daily life and forced organizations, particularly nonprofits, to adjust quickly to new realities. "Pivoting" was the mantra of the early pandemic years, but now, as the dust settles, many nonprofits are asking themselves, "What's next?" In such uncertain times, strategic planning is crucial for finding a way forward and reconnecting with an organization's mission.

ALF Insight’s newest faculty member, Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews, has built a career at the intersection of faith and community organizing. He is the Principal for Prophetic Foundry, LLC, a consultancy at the nexus of spirituality, healing, and justice. The Compton native and ALF Senior Fellow from Class XLI spoke to us about the connections between faith and movement building, his path to leadership, and how he recharges his spirit during stressful times.

March of 2020 was a dark and uncertain time. As the reality of the pandemic began to emerge and the harsh realities of a community in crisis became all the more apparent, it became clear to many in the local philanthropic sector that it was time to do more. Several local foundations reached out to ALF Insights to convene a group of highly placed philanthropic leaders for the purpose of aligning efforts and resources to meet this historic challenge.

Kaur is a powerful storyteller and visionary. She reminds us of the transformative power of story-sharing and listening. "Deep listening is an act of surrender. We risk being changed by what we hear. When I really want to hear another person's story, I try to leave my preconceptions at the door and draw close to their telling... The most critical part of listening is asking what is at stake for the other person.

Megan Fluke is one of the newest ALF Insights facilitators leading a project with the Santa Clara County Indian Education Task Force, led by the Santa County Office of Education, formed to ensure that Native American history is included in the curriculum so that native/indigenous students see their history accurately reflected. We spoke about her career path switch, working with local indigenous tribes, and discuss how she recharges her spirit.

When we started ALF Insights in January 2020, we were brimming with new ideas and enthusiasm, but, of course, we had no idea what lay ahead. Four years later, this spring feels like a very important time marker for ALF Insights and the community. The work we set out to do feels more relevant and necessary than we could have ever foresaw.

James Baldwin's 1963 essay, Down At The Cross: Letters From A Region In My Mind, one of two pieces in his slim yet powerful volume The Fire Next Time, ends with a warning so prescient and bombastic it feels like the lyrics of a political rap song even though they predate the genre by several decades.

Melissa Cerezo is an urban planner by training and bridge builder by heart. In her current role as Transit-Oriented Communities Principal Planner for The Valley Transportation Agency (VTA), Melissa helps to implement the organization's vision for thriving, equitable, prosperous, and well-connected communities. Melissa Cerezo is also an ALF Senior Fellow from Class XXXVIII and Co-Facilitator for ALF's AAPI affinity group. Melissa is an ALF Insights faculty member who was instrumental in forming ALFI's latest strategic plan.