The Poetry of Passion

Over the weekend in New York, I was fortunate to see a stunning performance by a beautiful poet named Toyia Taylor, who is not only a talented artist, but a fierce community activist in NY. She spoke to me very powerfully because I’m a poet also, though I’d never thought to share anything as personal as she did with our group of women leaders. She performed a breathtaking piece about her mother being abused by a man she was with. Her mother had been beaten so badly while she was pregnant that Toyia’s sister only lived to be one year old. Toyia shared this poem to illustrate to the group that no matter what our past looks like, and when we think we can’t go another step, we can always draw on our strength to get us through. She said that telling our stories is what helps us to heal.

What struck me about Toyia’s performance was that she clearly showed us why she has a strong conviction for her work she does in the nonprofit sector. Toyia is the Urban Leaders Program Director at Girls for Gender Equity in NY. Here is a woman who has found her voice and is sharing it with the world. And no one can deny that kind of authenticity.

You all know that I’ve been thinking a lot about the way we communicate in the nonprofit sector…and I wonder what would happen if we all shared with each other our passion more than we do now. When we met people, what if the question wasn’t “what do you do?” but “why are you here?” I suspect we can all be inspired much more everyday and keep us moving in this social change work, despite our sector’s challenges.

I want to hear your song. Why do you do this nonprofit work? What’s the passion that keeps you going on the days when your paycheck is as short as bills are long?

Share your comments or email me at rosettathurman@gmail.com. I’d love to tell your stories to as many people as possible.