The Blog
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Sean Fitzpatrick: Our Work is to Rehumanize Each Other
This contribution comes from Sean Fitzpatrick (Class 39), a Senior Fellow from the ALF Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter and Executive Director of the Jung Center. Sean also serves as a co-facilitator for ALF Class 62 Fellows alongside lead facilitator Judy Le. He brings a human-centered approach to his wo
November 5, 2024 -
Doing Impossible Things
“I don’t know why I’m still here. I thought I would have transitioned by now.” My 85-year-old dad shared his frustration with me as he lay in bed two weeks ago, struggling to do many of the daily tasks of living anymore—like eating, walking, breathing, remembering things. I rested on the f
October 31, 2024 -
Is our fear > than our hope?
By Nory Angel, ALF Houston / Gulf Coast CEO, ALF National Board Chair As I careen towards my 50th birthday in 5 days, I’m inspired to share observations of my work in the community – especially in my role leading the American Leadership Forum (ALF) which gives me a balcony view to wha
May 1, 2023 -
How ALF Impacted My Career as a Rabbi
By Rabbi Shaul Osadchey ALF Houston Senior Fellow Class VIII Advisor and Faith Leader-in-Residence A rabbi, a minister, and an imam walk into a bar. The bartender asks, “Is this some kind of a joke?” Indeed, can clergy be taken seriously as leaders? From my experience, it seems th
March 2, 2023 -
We Can Do Hard Things
By Suzanne St. John-Crane, CEO, ALFSV; Interim Part-Time Executive Director, ALF National I spent the week of July 10 in the High Sierras with ALF Silicon Valley Class XLII, taking in all that the wilderness experience has to offer. On Friday morning we completed a lengthy final debrief follo
July 19, 2022 -
American Leadership Forum National Appoints Interim Executive Director
ALF begins renewal process to meet the exigencies of our time. February 18, 2022, San Jose, CA—American Leadership Forum, a 40-year-old network leadership organization, has announced the appointment of a national director to lead its new strategic planning and fundraising efforts. Suzanne St. John
March 10, 2022 -
Senior Fellows Led Initiative Exploring Race and Racism
Submitted by ALF Great Valley Senior Fellows Marian Martino and Wendy Byrd The murder of George Floyd was a tipping point, raising concerns and questions for many of us. Instinctively, we reached out to each other to express care and condolences, particularly to our Black Senior Fellows. Wendy Byrd
January 29, 2021 -
Almost Home
Angela Blanchard is an ALF Houston Senior Fellow, Class XVIII. She is the President Emeritus of BakerRipley. Over the last few months, waves of losses have rolled through our region, large companies laying off thousands and small businesses laying off family and closing doors. Anxious health care
December 14, 2020 -
Stay at the Table.
In a few short days, we will conclude the period in which we exercise our fundamental right and responsibility as citizens of this democracy. Voting will come to a close and we will be informed of the result – hopefully by watching the news or looking on a registrar of voters website – but some
October 19, 2020 -
Community Change
By Charles C. Weathers Sr. The Weathers Group ALF Waccamaw Region, Class IV As I sat up last night watching the news with my 20-year-old son, I was moved to tears. I’m tired, frustrated, angry, disappointed, and even a little lonely. Buildings burning, tear gas in the air, heightened emot
May 29, 2020 -
Lessons Learned from ALF
By Charles C. Weathers Sr. The Weathers Group ALF Waccamaw Region, Class IV While organizing my home office, I ran across my ALF Binder – Waccamaw Region, Class IV, 2015-2016. What a year that was. New friends, new adventures, and new perspectives. One of the best decisions I made
April 14, 2020 -
You Were Built for This.
By Suzanne St. John-Crane ALF Silicon Valley CEO ALF National Board Chair On Friday March 13, our Silicon Valley Chapter launched Class XXXIX. We begin each program year with a ritual: Bringing together the soon-to-be-graduating class and new class for a network building exercise. We invite f
March 21, 2020