In this time of isolation, contemplation, global anxiety, and change - we have been looking for ways to stay connected with each other, our clients, and our community. We’ve been holding regular, free community meetings (you should join us), and meet weekly as Partners to review client work and operations. And yet, the chance to share our thoughts on what’s happening, how we’re coping, what we’re doing with all this time at home, well, we never quite get to that so we decided to “interview” ourselves and share as a socially-distant-WFH-virtual check-in with Brightspot. Enjoy!

- - -

Things are really overwhelming right now, what stands out as the greatest bright spot of the current crisis?

Caitlin Delaney: I keep thinking about the good fortune, on the one hand, to have my project work slow down and to be able to spend this time with my kids. Being self-employed for two unpaid maternity leaves meant both my girls started out-of-home care at 8 weeks and I never questioned it. Being home with them now and taking the lead on the family-front has been gratifying (and a little crazy-making). One other bright spot: I am always good for a slideshow of images of the oceans, plants, animals thriving during this moment of pause.

Kelly Delekta: How absolutely amazing our nonprofits are. So many of them have made really big, innovative changes to how they do their work – doing everything they can to ensure their clients continue to get the resources they need despite the numerous obstacles.

Briana Carrigg: Personally: The time now available for virtual unification with friends and family -- some who I haven't seen or spoken with in YEARS! Professionally: A growing understanding of why unrestricted donations are so important for nonprofits (thank you to all the funders out there who are now offering general operating grants)!

What do you want the general community to know about nonprofits right now?

CD: I still think that too often, people hear "nonprofit" and think of them as 'other' or outside the traditional economy - but nonprofits contribute a trillion dollars annually to the economy and employ 10% of the workforce. Not only that, they fill gaps that business and government don't - often hard-to-fill, high-demand gaps. We need them now, more than ever and will continue to need them and want them as part of the fabric of our community in the future. 

KD: They. Need. Help. A lot of them are facing huge demand increases right alongside dramatically reduced budgets, staffing, and other resources. They’re doing so much with so little right now and really deserve our attention, funding, and support however we can.

BC: Nonprofits have really risen to the challenge. Generally speaking, I have seen great optimism, perserverence and innovation. The ways in which organizations are pivoting to continue serving our community is awe-inspiring. For so long we have all relied on nonprofits to fill the service gaps in our communities. Now they are relying on us to help pull them through these trying times. If you are in a position to make a donation of any size to your favorite organization(s), PLEASE, PLEASE do! 

What advice do you have for the nonprofit sector right now?

CD: Start planning and thinking through the possible scenarios facing you next month, three months from now, six months from now. This can be hard, painful work to do because the implications might not be what you want, but having a sense sooner than later of the best and worst case scenarios for the future can give you direction and focus your resources and action now. 

KD: After years working in development, it’s hard not to come at this question from the fundraising lens. My advice would be to talk to your donors. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask how they are, explain how your organization is handling the crisis, what it needs, and how grateful you are for their support.

BC: 1. Consistent and authentic communication with all of your constituents and stakeholders is critical right now. 2. Find unique ways to show appreciation for those people who are helping to keep your mission moving forward during this crisis (including volunteers, donors, board members, and staff)! 

Besides work, how do you spend your time at home these days?

CD: I have been spending a lot of time outside. My oldest daughter just learned to ride her bike without training wheels so that's been fun! There's also usually at least one baking project a week and we planted seeds inside while we get the garden beds ready outside.

KD: Lots of long walks in the woods - moving in nature has always helped me rebalance. I’ve also been reading super light, non-realistic historical fiction as total escapism and playing a lot of board games.

BC: Lots of puzzles, baking, and Zoom reunions with family and friends (inclusive of Bingo nights, and a virtual Birds of Prey Program that we hired the Center for Wildlife to do)!

Do you have any tips for maintaining a work/life balance right now?

CD: Get outside every day! Sometimes I use outside walks to think about the day and mentally organize my 'must do' items so I'm ready when I have an hour to sit down and focus. I'm also doing more knitting and reading at night and trying to talk to my partner about things other than the coronavirus...all of this with modest success. 

KD: Whatever you’re balancing in work and in life, I think it’s important to remember that it’s okay not to be okay. I’ve found that I’ve been trying to do my work at the same levels of productivity and investment as I normally would. It’s exhausting amidst the backdrop of this global pandemic – something that’s frightening and altering in a way we’ve never experienced – and I have to let go of the expectation that it’s all going to be able to happen “normally.” We need to realize that we should let those expectations go for others too. We’re all dealing with various things – seen and unseen – and it’s time to be even more patient and kind with each other.

BC: For me, it has been liberating to simply acknowledge that the work/life balance is messy and clunky right now. I have been doing a lot of work at night but am trying to maintain my own boundaries and respect those of others. To that end, I rely on Gmail's "schedule an email" feature which allows my evening-crafted emails to be sent during "normal" business hours avoiding the perception that I am working and available around the clock. To stay grounded with the work/life blend, I take lots of walks with my son (and keep my phone tucked away). I am also a big fan of the Insight Timer app for nightly meditations. 

What are some of the local business you love and are supporting right now?

CD: I'm dying to get takeout soon, but for retail, some of my favorite businesses and people are at Gus & Ruby Letterpress, Summer Sessions Surf Shop, SweetPea and The CoCo, and Wear House!

KD: South Street and Vine in Portsmouth has really come through with curbside pickup of curated cases of wine based on our likes and preferences. And Diversions Puzzles and Games is also a favorite - they're well stocked with puzzles and all kinds of board games. 

BC: Oh my goodness, Lil's Bakery in Kittery for sure! Their cruellers keep my son happy, their homemade chips keep me happy, AND for all the bakers out there, they have flour and yeast!

- - -

Stay well!