Yesterday was our staff day, and I was lucky enough to sit at a table with colleagues from all over the world. At first, it was a little surprising—different accents, different expressions, different ways of seeing things. Some of us had grown up in bustling cities, others in quiet towns; some spoke multiple languages fluently, others were still perfecting English. On paper, we couldn’t have seemed more different.
And yet, as soon as we started talking, those differences melted away. We shared stories from our lives, laughed at little misunderstandings, and talked about the work we were so passionate about. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the thread connecting all of us wasn’t where we came from—it was why we were there: a shared mission of service, helping others, and making a difference.
One of the most memorable moments was when we started discussing challenges in our roles. Someone mentioned a difficulty they had with a project in community, and immediately, the rest of us chimed in with suggestions, encouragement, and even funny anecdotes about how we had handled similar situations. Even though our approaches were shaped by very different cultures and experiences, the solutions we came up with were surprisingly complementary. Together, we were stronger, more creative, and more thoughtful than any of us could have been alone.
What struck me most was the generosity of spirit in that room. People stayed past breaks to offer advice, shared resources from their countries that I’d never even heard of, and checked in to make sure everyone was included in the conversation. It wasn’t just about work—it was about connection. Sitting there, I realized that in the nonprofit world, the passion for a cause can erase borders, bridge cultures, and create a sense of belonging that feels rare and special.
By the end of the day, I left feeling inspired. These weren’t just coworkers—they were collaborators, allies, and friends. And it made me reflect: when people unite around something bigger than themselves, the world suddenly feels smaller and more connected. Sitting around that table yesterday, I witnessed a simple but powerful truth: shared purpose can turn strangers from different continents into a team that feels like family.
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