On Growing Up

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?” — C.S. Lewis

It’s been a big week at our house. My daughter was promoted from 8th grade and my son from 6th — one’s heading to high school next year (high school?!) and the other to middle school.

Not all that long ago, I was a new mom. I worried over sleep schedules, veggie intake, quality time, and rule-following. I still remember all the favorite books: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Goodnight Moon, The Little Blue Truck.

Time passed and they grew. Later on, they wrote their own stories, staged delightful living room plays (#stillhavethevideos), and wriggled out of baths and away from broccoli.

There was one magical summer where time really, really slowed down; it was the summer I left my corporate job and before I started my consulting life. We’d visit the small, local water park once a week and play and splash and laugh and get tired and go home and crawl into pajamas and laze the warm evenings away. That time — that space — was perfection.

But time keeps moving, doesn’t it? And quickly.

So here we are. I’m not a new mom anymore, but I still do worry over sleep and veggies and quality time and rule-following (I know, I know…I need to relax).

We still have water park days (at the big one now), and we still love our cozy nights in. I’m definitely feeling the transition this week — and while I’m officially “cringey” in the eyes of my kids, I’m okay with that. I one million percent love being here.

Life feels fast and full; in this moment, I can feel the shift happening in real time.

Whatever season you’re in, I hope you’re feeling your moment — and I hope it’s steady and good.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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📣 FEDERAL RULING ON AMERICORPS

Yesterday, a U.S. District Court judge issued a ruling in the AmeriCorps case — brought by 24 states and the District of Columbia — challenging the cancellation of AmeriCorps programs and the terminations of agency staff. The ruling, which only applies in the filing states, ordered grants to be restored and AmeriCorps members to be returned to service, if they are willing and able to return.

This is motivating news, but there’s still more work to be done to ensure that AmeriCorps is funded, protected, and strengthened in the months and years ahead across all states and territories.

Please keep telling your Members of Congress to protect AmeriCorps. It’s easy to do just that right here. And thanks! ;)

🫶 THE PEOPLE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GIVING

The TIME100 Philanthropy list is a new annual initiative launched by TIME magazine this year to recognize the 100 most influential people shaping the future of giving. I’m digging it.

Honorees are categorized into Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators, reflecting their unique contributions to philanthropy. Some of my faves are on the list: Looking at you, Oprah, Melinda, and MacKenzie. Also, hiiiiii, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Darren Walker.

🗳️ CAN YOU HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF VOLUNTEERING?

In 2026, the United Nations will launch the International Year for Volunteers for Sustainable Development, a global effort to spotlight the power of volunteering to advance sustainable change.

A coalition of global organizations — including IAVE, IFRC, UNICEF Generation Unlimited, and others — is working to define what needs to change, and who must lead, to build a stronger, more supportive ecosystem for volunteering worldwide.

Can you help by completing this 10-minute survey by June 25? Your responses will inform a Global Call to Action to be released next year. The goal: Secure meaningful commitments and investments from governments, companies, and institutions to unlock the full potential of volunteering for people and planet.

If you take the survey, just know you’ll be part of shaping the future of volunteering. 🌟

💘 NONPROFIT LOVE

Since 1997, Bottom Line has supported thousands of first-generation, low-income students on the path to a college degree and career success. Through personalized, one-on-one guidance, Bottom Line helps students navigate college admissions, persist through graduation, and launch strong careers.

With programs in Massachusetts, NYC, Chicago, Detroit, and Ohio, Bottom Line currently serves more than 7,000 students across three core programs: College Access, College Success, and Bluprint. Their impact is powerful; graduates often earn more than twice their family’s income in their first jobs.

I love this organization so much AND I love how they engage volunteers virtually. You can sign up to be a Go Far Volunteer to virtually mentor and support Bottom Line college students. You can also enroll in a Learning Lab to explore BLC’s evidence-based approach and apply best practices for your own school/institute/nonprofit. More ways to get involved are here.