BY SHELBY JONES
PALS Volunteer Development Coordinator
In a season of change and unpredictability, our Leadership Summits have continued to provide a space for connection and camaraderie - centered around the mission of PALS.
As our volunteer program directors enter their busiest months in planning summer programs - searching for food vendors, brainstorming new and exciting activities, and welcoming new folks to our community - PALS was able to bring all of these folks together one more time, virtually, to focus our work around the mission
To kick off our first session on Friday, directors rang in from all four timezones to immerse in an escape room adventure that encouraged them to work as a team, celebrate each other's strengths, and have a little FUN! Directors closed our Friday night by composing personal permissions for the weekend: things they were allowing themselves to feel, share, and even put away in order to be present in the activities that would follow.
“I give myself permission to open up, share, and get out of my comfort zone.”
”I give myself permission to openly engage in these important conversations tomorrow, and I give myself the permission not to stress about classes and grades for a day!”
”I give myself permission to embrace all the energy that I have and put it out into the universe in the most positive, fun ways possible.”
Saturday’s sessions were guided by The PALS Promise, which provided the framework for the schedule; every conversation and session tied back to the commitments we make to our community. Directors spent Saturday morning writing their own personal promises, in addition to the promises we make as an organization, as commitments they strive to keep as a leader and advocate of inspiring a world of belonging.
“I will not avoid difficult conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion.”
”I promise to practice remaining open and understanding while engaging in conversations where others have different perspectives.”
”I am committed to initiating conversations that have the power to change perspectives.”
”I am committed to creating a world of belonging and treating myself with the same respect I advocate for others.”
In order to build a world of belonging for all people, we believe it is vital for each member of the PALS Leadership team to make that commitment and promise for themselves.
We continued Saturday by learning and building skills to help directors live out their promises at programs this summer and beyond. Director teams ended the day by creating a plan to actionably live out The PALS Promise. In particular, we strategized around the themes of standing up for others, learning from our mistakes, treating others like family, and acting with kindness.
In an exit survey, our directors reported feeling confident, strengthened, and motivated to create programs that create inclusive, welcoming and impactful programs - at a time when people need it most. PALS camp directors are motivated by a desire to do positive, meaningful work in order to build inclusive spaces for participants with Down syndrome to build new friendships. Following a successful Spring Summit, this group of incredible leaders is ready to bring you the PALS Magic this summer!