There is never a dull moment at MIT spouses&partners. It's been another wonderful year, full of new challenges and stimulating conversations, and many hellos and goodbyes.
I spent much of this year deep in conversation with many of you, discussing the image and impact of MIT spouses&partners. I am grateful to everyone who shared their views with me and with Ran Keren, as he explored topics of relocation, career development and relationships with you for his Master's thesis. The Executive Committee tackled questions about our brand and the impression it makes on our potential members, and at our annual Conversation Cafe, we talked about how we can make our group more welcoming for the faces we don't usually see at our events and meetings.
The diversity of the members of MIT spouses&partners astounds me. I often wonder how we can possibly create programming to meet the needs of such a community, with its variety of cultures, languages, genders, sexual orientations, family responsibilities, professions, interests, and hopes and dreams. It’s not possible that someone won’t feel left out of our activities or feel that S&P's programs aren't addressing their needs or understand their experiences.
I'm trying to keep all of this in mind, as we get ready to roll out a new logo and image, as well as prepare for the launch of a new website later in the year. Our hope is that our new brand and website will help our members more easily find their "niche" within MIT spouses&partners - a small tribe of like-minded individuals with whom they can share interests and challenges. Be it our weekly gathering or the toddler play group or Career Connect, our goal is to provide a menu of opportunities where you can find the information and support you need to thrive in your new community.
Another challenge we face at S&P is the coming and going of our members. It was difficult to say farewell to Christelle Perrin, our program assistant. It was such a pleasure to work with her and I truly appreciated her guidance as we explored new ways to brand and market our program. I wish her the very best of luck in her future endeavors and I can't wait to see where the next steps of her journey take her. While goodbyes are difficult (and we say a lot of goodbyes in MIT spouses&partners), I know that each person I work with brings his or her own unique skills and gifts, so I am glad to welcome Barbara Lipohar Staples to our staff, and I look forward to seeing what she will contribute to the growth and development of MIT spouses&partners.
The input and contributions of our members are always welcomed at MIT spouses&partners, but right now you have two special opportunities to share your gifts with us. This semester we were asked by the MIT Annual Fund to participate in their Crowdfund project, a challenge to raise money for programs and groups around the Institute. By donating to our project, you'll help us reach our goal to receive a matching grant!
While a financial gift is always appreciated, volunteering your time and energy and talent is equally valued by MIT spouses&partners. Orientation is just around the corner, that special time in the fall when we welcome newcomers to our campus and group. We are now preparing our events and advertising to reach out to the new spouses and partners who will be arriving soon. Help us greet and orient our new members by joining the Orientation volunteer team - it's a great opportunity to meet new people, get involved and give back to MIT spouses&partners. If you are interested, email us at spousesandpartners@mit.edu.
I look forward to working together to strengthen and grow our vibrant, diverse and supportive network,
Jennifer
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - African proverb
