So here goes nothing…
When I began this journey eight years ago in Dallas, I had no idea I would lead @NULYP as national president. As a single parent with a barely mid-level career and no complete college degree, it didn’t appear plausible that I would earn the respect of such accomplished folks. At the time, both of the presidents I held in high regard were lawyers.
And now as I head home on my 15 hour road trip adventure, it is clear that being the unlikely leader gives you a courage many may not have. It’s like if God can bring you to the opportunity, he can sure bring you through it. Yesterday I shared with the incoming board the sheer distress I felt when I had to fight for people who wouldn’t show up or even pay attention to me, in hopes that they would do better by their new leader.
I counseled them to protect their president at all costs, thereby protecting the integrity of the seat and the organization. I told them if they didn’t like their leader, they should not have voted for him or allowed him to run unopposed. Our team (Table5) shared the cost of checking out and behaving badly, letting emotions rule and not voicing your concerns openly during discussion. They candidly shared our pitfalls and our heartbreaks, because we all desire the best for each of them and the organization we nurtured. We didn’t even really let them talk. But we gave them the tools to be successful, a bag of swag, a pat on the back and the desire that they leave the organization and their role better than they found it.
My team has done some serious #OperationGrowth through these two years.
And at the end, as I packed up the car I realized a few things:
1. I am thankful for this 8 year life chapter and peaceful that it is closing.
2. My pure, authentic voice has been honed, formed and is ready for prime-time.
3. I can successfully run a geographically dispersed non-profit group of volunteers when they have no financial or procedural mandate to listen to me. (Go figure)
4. I can be fearless in advocating for what I believe in, especially every last NULYP member.
5. I have some great friends that will outlast my service.
How about that for the single mom who started this journey with none of the “things” I thought were required. But I sure have them NOW!
Thank you to every person who said thank you. Thank you for every hug and every peck, every flower, drink, and testimony. Thank you to all the single parents of the movement who gained a resolve to serve with their kids in tow. Thank you to the ladies of the league who supported and nurtured me and forced me to keep my fashion game on point. Thank you for the men who protected me and lifted their voices in support of our mission never questioning my gender or tendency to cry. 😊 And thank you for this beautiful trophy. They always mean the most when they come from the organization you struggled to protect.
Know that each word and kind gesture means the world to me.
I love you!
Yours in the movement,
Brandi Richard
NULYP President
2011-2015
#WeGotNow #NULYPNOW
#WeDevelopMe #TeamNULYP
#NULYPAlumni #NULYPFarewell
#OperationGrowth #HopeThisHelps
