What We Do for Those Who Need it Done the Most.

Some people call it my soft spot – I would not agree. I would say that rallying the Forty Weeks troops to benefit those in need is an act of strength and an amazingly powerful and appropriate use of our skills, connections and know-how. This is a part of the Forty Weeks DNA, and I do this on a very regular basis.

There are those whose talents (yes Lisa Bernstein, I am speaking of you) far eclipse mine – whose unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, to building programs and initiatives for women, in specific mothers (and expectant mothers) is unparalleled. Lisa’s work as the Executive Director of the What to Expect Foundation is just one shining example of the potential for progress when left in the right hands.

Me, I am the one who steps in not to advance the public heath conversation as much as I am the one called in to move the conversation to the consumer (the supporter of the foundation). I am the call that is made when the idea is there but perhaps the funds and awareness are not (or not at the level where they should be). I am the call when the foundation is not acting like a brand (yes, non-profits can and should function like for profits, really!) and when it is time to synch up the vision and the metrics – in other words, when it is time to soar.

When I am introduced to organizations with incredible potential to change the conversation I ask a lot of questions. Because another thing that Lisa Bernstein, Bob Burkett and my other talented friends and mentors have taught me is that intention is only one marker of a foundation’s potential for success. The real list is much longer. I spend a great deal of time teasing information out of groups who come to me – looking for signs that they are in fact ready to “go there”.

This morning I will donate my time and that of my team to BabyLove, DC.  This is Ali Wentworth’s answer to the overwhelming disparity between middle-class mothers and babies in DC and those with at risk in some of the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. This is her attempt to help level the playing field by collecting gently used items and corporate donated goods with the goal of putting them in the hands of those in need. It is my sincere hope that today’s strategy and planning session with Ali and her amazing team will create a roadmap for real success for BabyLove now and moving forward.

So keep your eyes out for more on this. Expect to see more BabyLove, DC on your radar screen in the very near future. Because Babylove, DC is ready and Forty Weeks is prepared to make it so!