I’m Lori Hewson. One way or another I’ve been exploring this question all my life.
It’s been nurtured by the everyday involvement of my parents in shaping the small community I grew up in.
My first big ah ha, in my professional development, came when I told my mom I was considering taking a graduate program in social responsibility.
“Oh, honey haven’t we raised you well enough?,” she asked with dismay.
How could I miss the obvious? Or more importantly, dismiss the obvious. Being ‘in’ and ‘of’ community, as my family is, has anchored my community engagement ever since. Combined with my curiosity about the interconnectedness of all things, this has contributed to a rich, satisfying and impactful 25-year career in the philanthropic sector.
I have worked both sides of that street, for organizations in fund development and for a corporate foundation.
I’ve learned that effective investment in community resiliency requires a willingness to be adaptable and to rethink traditional funding models. Especially if we want to address immediate crises and their underlying systemic causes.
Each experience deepened my understanding of the importance of authentic relationships. We are all part of the same ‘team’ exploring solutions to intractable issues with our unique gifts and resources.
I eventually did deepen my ‘book’ knowledge in systems change and social innovation, which enhanced the critically important learning I received from my upbringing and what it means to be ‘of’ community. This expanded capacity led to the co-creation of initiatives such as the Energy Futures Lab, an Indigenous Youth Advisory Council and an annual cross-sectoral gathering for social impact hosted by the Suncor Energy Foundation.
That part of my life and career is behind me now and integrated into what will emerge next. I’m ready to explore new paths and to continue making my best contribution.
Like many I’ve experienced personal loss. And I’ve seen that grief mirrored in the loss of programs, institutions, and ways of life we held so dear.
Clearly the profound change and transformation we’ve read and thought about is no longer theoretical. It is here.
There is energy to harness in what is ending, and to tend to what is emerging. I’m particularly interested in exploring what the role of philanthropy could be. Or what its alternative might be. How we might have even greater impact through a process of ‘rewilding’.
