Resilience and Strength.
What do they mean? Houston is seen as resilient. As a city. As a feature of our identity. As I explore the ways we need to become stronger and better protect ourselves from inevitable upheaval, I ground myself in climate realities and accept the uncertainty that comes with our position on the Gulf Coast and […]
Serving Houston
Dear Social Sector Leaders, I have stopped calling you “nonprofit” leaders because what kind of nonsense category is that? I am going to “out” you right now. Not by name. But here’s what you say over the late night calls, or after a glass of wine, or when you are so worn out you can’t […]
Please Continue Active Caring
This is day 5. We are moving into “this is unbearable and it must be someone’s fault”. Blame and criticism are the weapons we have to deal with our frustrations. Disasters by definition exceed the ability of our systems to function. We prepare by staging and calling up additional resources when a disaster strikes. It’s […]
Blame and Responsibility
This is day 5. We are moving into “this is unbearable and it must be someone’s fault”. Blame and criticism are the weapons we have to deal with our frustrations. Disasters by definition exceed the ability of our systems to function. We prepare by staging and calling up additional resources when a disaster strikes. It’s […]
Be An Encourager
Some Highlights – long post of praise for good work. Since April, Houston government, nonprofit and private sector leaders have been in the interesting posture of preparing for hurricane season, responding to floods and derecho, while anticipating impact of tropical storm Alberto. Mayor Whitmire’s press conference this weekend highlighted new City of Houston rescue and […]
After the Storm Has Passed
Some Highlights – long post of praise for good work. Since April, Houston government, nonprofit and private sector leaders have been in the interesting posture of preparing for hurricane season, responding to floods and derecho, while anticipating impact of tropical storm Alberto. Mayor Whitmire’s press conference this weekend highlighted new City of Houston rescue and […]
After The Cameras Are Gone
Recent storms have wrung the last ounce of reserves out of every helper – and helping organization. The cameras are gone now. Emergency responders (those we make heroes) are standing down. Power is back. There are no more photos ops or press conference- able announcements. But the wreckage is everywhere. What little people had put […]
Foresight, Connection, Reflection
Last week at this time, I was preparing to open a meeting of a Disaster Roundtable, a milestone in an effort Mayor Whitmire had asked me to undertake the day after he was elected. Mayor Whitmire had the foresight to seek out experience and knowledge of disaster response from a wide spectrum of leaders. When […]
Houston Be Someone
(Not clear who) Whenever I see the now Houston iconic “BE SOMEONE” graph I think how perfect it is for Houston. Kind of vaguely encouraging, calling forth ambition. And I’m also reminded of the brilliant and funny Lily Tomlin (stand up, Broadway Lily, not the series LT) whose commentary never ages. Lily said : “All […]
Hospitality / Soulful Living
Today I’m thinking about all the investments I’ve made in other people. The events and parties and dinners and fundraising receptions I’ve hosted at my house at my expense. And three years of Sunday@Six gatherings. One of the things I love about true hospitality and generosity is it delivers a kind of immediate satisfaction. There […]