Inflection Points…or “I was there when THAT happened.”

by gsabloggerhead

Last winter, I witnessed what I like to call a point of inflection. In mathematics, an inflection point is the point on a curve that separates an arc concave downward from one concave upward and vice versa. The inflection point I observed was at a sports practice at 8:07 AM on a Saturday morning last November. Because of something the coach did (a particular message delivered, a directed change in team habits, an elevation of expectations) the team that started the practice was changed by  that practice. It was evident to all in the next six weeks of practice and play that the team played with more intention, more conviction, with more direction, and with greater effectiveness. I remember sitting in the stands as they were routing a team and thought…”I was there when everything changed.”

We witnessed another possible ‘point of inflection’ in May at GSA. Many, many people participated in it. Jen Traub, Rada Starkey, and Maggie Overton conceived and executed our first Giving Day in GSA history. The goal was to seek and attain as many alumni gifts in a single day as we possibly could. While the number of new donors was impressive, and the amount of money raised will absolutely help in our Annual Fund drive, what was most impressive was the palpable, demonstrative, and energizing spirit behind the day.

So many people served the school that day with joy and enthusiasm. So many people took the time to reach out to alums and remind them of their experiences at GSA AND then, and this is key, ask them to support the school so that future students might enjoy the same experience. What felt different about this day was that so many volunteers spoke of pride in their school and celebrated each alum as they came by to drop off a gift. The shyness and slight embarrassment that sometimes comes with asking for a gift to the school was replaced by a belief in a mission and an institution and a willing to stand up and make the ask.

Educating our school community as to the central importance of our development efforts is a key goal in our strategic plan.  There is great momentum in our development efforts. Let us all keep that momentum going all summer and into the fall.