My name is Tynisha Worthy and I have served as Fellowship Manager and Director of Team Service Projects with Public Allies Cincinnati, a program of BRIDGES for a Just Community, for the past 3 years. Today, you will have an opportunity to read bits and pieces of my thoughts. I have constructed my presentation in this way because I have found it extremely difficult to communicate with you all this year. I have often wondered if people truly misunderstand the information and/or directives I give or if it is just the nature of the group to challenge/question anything that constitutes work, presents a challenge or has the potential to stretch one’s comfort zone.  Here are my thoughts…I’m speaking (okay…typing my truth). Read…or don’t…it is up to you.

tnwPresentation of Learning

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The core values I will explore during this time are: Continuous Learning ▪ Integrity

The Learner Outcomes that are most relevant include:Self-Awareness ▪ Leadership ▪ Careers in Public Life

The official title of my presentation is:Circles, Self-Actualization & LeBron James

We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are

relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present and future mingle and pull us backward, forward or fix us in the present.

We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.

- Anaḯs Nin

Circles have been a recurring theme for me lately, both in conversations about change and as a metaphor for prayer.

When considering how best to convey my learning, I kept arriving at the image of a circle. You start at zero degrees, and you progress to 360 degrees, which is the same point…

Eight years ago when I completed my first Public Allies journey, I left feeling equipped with the tools necessary to “make a difference.” I knew my assets, I had a new set of core values to inform my leadership practice

and I had a network of peers and organizations to tap into.

With my first big-girl job secured at Lighthouse Youth Servicesupon graduation from PA, I was ready!

Having inadvertently swallowed a little too much of the PA Kool-Aid, I went to Lighthouse believing wholeheartedly in the mission of “advancing the dignity and well-being” of the youth we served. I had relevant experience and great ideas…Because of my great work ethic, I had job security and a bright future, especially if I paid my dues and lost some of my youthful idealism…

Fortunately…or unfortunately…I am hyper aware of incongruence. I get angsty and disenchanted when organizational missions get co-opted, especially in response to/at the whim of board members and funders that are far removed from the people being served.

Don’t talk about it…BE ABOUT IT.

What I know for sure…“What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization…”

- Abraham Maslow

I am beautiful and intelligent. I am complicated and complex. I am strong and even more strong-willed. I am a lover. At

times, I am a fighter. I am a great friend. I work hard. I give my very best. I absolutely have high expectations for myself

and others. I am an achiever. I am mission-driven. I am relentless. For me, results matter and failure is not an option. I speak my mind. I don’t hold back. On some things, I only see black and white. On others, I see the entire spectrum. I don’t

respect quitters and respect even less those who are unwilling to at least try. I love people. I also can’t stand

people. I am simultaneously self-centered and painfully aware of my environment. I am an ever-evolving work in progress. I

am me and I feel comfortable in my own skin. I am thankful for that.

Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.

- Albert Einstein

After serving at Lighthouse for 4 years, I no longer felt sure about my ability to effect change through nonprofit work…

Fast forward to June 2009…I have just been offered the job of my dreams as a PA Program Manager…

My initial thoughts were:• Of course BRIDGES/Public Allies is mission-driven – they introduced me to

Core Values, ABCD and Community Engagement• Of course the mantra Everybody Leads is embraced and respected• Of course my work ethic and creativity and most importantly MY VOICE is

welcome and encouraged in this space

I would love to think that if my timing was different…say, prior to the economic downturn or perhaps if the myriad Cincinnati Fortune 500 companies were buying up event tables instead of primarily funding high-impact programs…I would not be back where I started: • Feeling overworked and underpaid• Feeling undervalued and disrespected• Feeling used up and shut-up, you know, like the child

that is supposed to be seen and not heard…

Two different organizations…same feelings…

Full Circle: through a series of developments that lead back to the original source, position or situation or to a complete reversal of the original position

- Merriam Webster

After 3 years in this role, I find myself, in many ways, back where I started…I have come full circle…

Over the last several weeks, I have been watching the NBA playoffs. Both “The Decision” and the 2011 NBA Championship that wasn’t were daily back stories on ESPN and Sports Talk Radio. As I digested all of the commentary, I found myself empathizing with LeBron James and saw a few parallels in our experiences:

1. We are both Northeast Ohioans2. Over the last 2 years, we have faced huge transitions and tremendous

professional challenges3. After giving our all to our respective organizations and communities,

we had to make some tough choices

I’m Taking

My Talents South…

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