Closing Remarks #18

This week I have been moved and overwhelmed by images and words emerging from Syria, where people all over the country (and the diaspora) have been waking up to a change they scarcely believed possible. So many Syrians had never known a Syria run by anyone by the Assad dynasty, and then one day *POOF!* prison doors were flung open and people raced out into the light of a new day.

Amidst the voices of jubilation and hope, I also heard some who were concerned about what was coming. There is still so much unknown about who will rule and how they will rule. Promises of safety have been made, but no one knows what tomorrow may bring. I mean, I gotta be honest, if I was a Syrian waiting for something mundane like a passport renewal or a new driver's license, no matter how happy I was at the macro-level I might be a bit befuddled and annoyed by suddenly being thrown into a haze of confusion!

The collapse of the regime --- like the end of so many things --- absolutely opens up a space to right past wrongs and let the mistakes of the past inform the shape of the future, but only if these actions are taken with intentionality, inclusion, and care. I can only hope the new administration is burning up that printer toner working overtime to get up clear signage on the doors of official buildings. Here are the new office hours, folks, please excuse the mess!

While coups that topple dictatorships pretty much always rely on swift and decisive actions that kick up a lot of dust, other, smaller transitions often do not. When we can offer ourselves the gift of time and foresight, we can take actions to usher in change that invite not just momentary excitement, but also inspire confidence and a shared focus on building the future. However, even if we do have to turn on a dime, there is still a lot of value of getting the little things right, and that starts with a whole lot of communication.

Here are this week's links:

2) Influential Ohio writer's base at the crossroads
Thurber House offers space and resources for young writers, but it seems likely to shutter if it doesn't meet a $200,000 fundraising goal. The space was once home to popular humorist, James Thurber, and over 40 years it has provided community programming and hosted writers such as Hanif Abduraqqib , Mo Rocco, and (the Fonz himself!) Henry Winkler.

3) Advocacy group shakes off nonprofit status
Perhaps following in the footsteps of OpenAI, nonprofit 1863 Ventures has wound down, and returned as for-profit New Majority Ventures. As a nonprofit, 1863 Ventures focused on providing capital and mentorship to early-staged underrepresented founders. According to its founder Melissa Bradley, the new entity will remain charitable and continue to offer many of the same programs as 1863. However, the change in status did bring layoffs.

4) Maryland Green Group Goes Bust
After 18 years, Annapolis Green is calling it quits. The group sponsored many local activities including a radio show, an electronic vehicle expo, and its Green Drinks cocktail hours. Members also lobbied for local environmental causes. The group cited a lack of funding for its demise, but will host one final Green Drinks event this week to bid their community goodbye.

5) How to close a school?
"...a series of closures, mergers and school relocations ...led to a slew of upsides: the high school baseball team won the division championship; teachers have more opportunities to collaborate; elementary schools have improved art programs and science labs; the middle school has a new college and career center, science lab and improved sports field; and the high school has more Advanced Placement classes, career pathways and a stronger sports program."

Many school districts in California are facing this daunting question as enrollment declines and pandemic-era funding support dries up. This piece in Cal Matters journal explores the pros, cons, and possible best practices of school sunsets.

6) NYC to shutter a majority of migrant shelters by March 2025
Similar to cities like Chicago, NYC has announced a huge cut in the number of migrant shelters. Eleven have been closed to date, and 14 more are scheduled between now and March. The city made the decision in light of the rapidly dwindling number of new migrant arrivals.

7) Maine gallery goes virtual
Speedwell Projects was founded in 2015 by artists Jillian Lee and Brian Urquhart after they returned to Portland, Maine from years living in NYC. The space focused on promoting the creative work of women and queer artists, but financial challenges forced them to move the project to the digital sphere. Founder Jillian was quoted as saying, "It doesn't feel like an ending. It feels like a transformation. I'm actually very excited about that."

You can read their announcement and watch their tribute video here.

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