Say It and Shape It

In early October, a LinkedIn post from Christine Bader caught my eye.

I first stumbled across Christine’s writing back in 2018, shortly after I left PIMCO, and I was immediately hooked. I had followed a similar career path to Christine and loved “The Life I Want” blog that she had co-founded with Eva Dienel.

Long story short: Whenever Christine wrote something, I paid attention.

So when she posted on LinkedIn about The OpEd Project’s “Write to Change the World” November workshop, I reached out:

“Hi Christine, I saw your post about The OpEd Project and how it was life-changing for you. In what ways did this program benefit you? I’d love to know as I consider signing up.”

Christine wrote back pretty quickly: “Hi Sarah! Why wouldn’t you do it?”

She said a few more things, but that one question got me. I immediately signed up.

Earlier this month, over four evenings, I spent eight hours in OEP’s workshop. It. Was. Amazing. Incredible. Exhilarating. THE best facilitation I have ever come across in my life. And that’s not an exaggeration.

The workshop encourages participants to think big and see themselves as contributors to the conversations shaping our world. It’s about ensuring that the — our — best ideas have a chance to shape our society.

I am now a forever fan of OEP.

Thanks to “Write to Change the World,” I have a draft op-ed written. I need to polish it, and then I’ll send it off to an OEP mentor-editor for feedback.

And here’s what I want to say to you: I am sure that you have something important to say with your voice. Something that you’re passionate about. Something that you want to change or save or get other people to care about.

If you’re feeling that pull, consider joining a future OEP workshop. I guarantee you will not regret it. With code BETHECHANGE, you can save $50 on an upcoming “Write to Change the World” program.

If you do participate, please come back and tell me what you think. And share about it on LinkedIn. You just never know who might see it (thanks, Christine!). 😉 

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

p.s. — I did a thing. I launched another newsletter, this time on LinkedIn. Because you can never have too many newsletters, right? On the alternate weeks when this beehiiv newsletter doesn’t go out, I’ll be writing there about volunteering, philanthropy, and CSR (from a slightly different angle). You can read and subscribe here.

First time reading this newsletter, Word It Out? Subscribe here for a regular roundup of things I’m thinking about.

🌍 APPS OPEN FOR OBAMA FOUNDATION’S LEADERS PROGRAM

Are you an emerging leader between the ages of 24-45 who wants to deepen your leadership skills and connect with other leaders around the world? If yes, check out the Obama Foundation’s 2026-2027 Leaders Program. Applications are now open, and will close Friday, December 12 at 12pm CT.

This program is geared toward leaders in the public sector, civil society, and private sector who seek to advance the common good. Read all about it and apply here.

🛫 WHERE ARE YOU HEADED IN 2026?

My friend and fellow consultant Dana Snyder recently published a heck of a 2026 conference list for social impact leaders. She’s got some super cool, super different events and we would do well to take a look.

Where will you be in 2026? Let me know!

🎙️ A PODCAST WORTH LISTENING TO

Maybe you’ve heard of this podcast: The Preventionist. It’s an investigative podcast by Serial Productions in partnership with The New York Times and it is good. It’s also infuriating and heartbreaking.

The series follows reporter Dyan Neary, who in 2023 received a tip about a pediatrician in Pennsylvania. The podcast investigates that pediatrician’s long career and explores the rise of CAPs, child abuse pediatricians.

It’s only three episodes — and you’ll want to listen till the end. Highly recommend.

💘 NONPROFIT LOVE

Room to Grow was founded in 1998 by Julie Burns, a social worker who recognized the lack of comprehensive support for families with infants and toddlers born into poverty. Starting with a small space in East Harlem, NY, the organization grew to include a second location in Boston and now provides a multi-faceted program that includes essential items, coaching, and community resource connections for children and families during their first three years of life.

This program works. Nine out of 10 Room to Grow children are meeting or exceeding their developmental milestones. 99% of parents in the program engage in activities promoting their child’s development daily. And 92% of parents in the program say Room to Grow helps them reduce their stress.

If you’re in NY or Boston, Room to Grow is always looking for volunteers. Outside of those cities, there are many other ways to support this awesome nonprofit.