Dear Friends,
At Band Central we often emphasize the fun part of “fun philanthropy” or “FunLanthropy” as we call it. So, to change things up, we're providing you with a mid-year summary of the “Lanthropy” part of what we do. So far this year, Band Central has helped our nonprofit partners raise ~$700,000 through 10 live music events to which we contributed ~$70,000 in grants from the Band Central Fund to sponsor these wonderful causes. Thank you so much for participating in this meaningful work!
I recently spoke at Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Leadership Institute on the topic: Separating The Essential From The Noise. What does that mean? We are all inundated with stimulation trying to grab our attention across all our media devices. The choices we make regarding what we respond to and how we respond, if not made carefully, can reduce our effectiveness and our overall health (mental and otherwise), satisfaction, and our relationships.
Sometimes what might appear as noise to some people, is entertainment and a welcome distraction to others. In other words, noise to one person can be something essential to another. Through discussions with local nonprofit leaders and musicians, there was agreement that we need to refine our information filters based on what is essential to us specifically. This can be summarized by the Bruce Lee quote, “Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, add what is specifically your own”.
Here are some of the results of the great conversations I've had on this topic:
Be curious about what grabs your attention & how it connects to your goals.
Be mindful to calmly remember your “why”, which means we need daily practices that nurture this attitude. Staying in bed an extra half hour, going for a morning bike ride and sitting on the couch with coffee were suggested as ways to get in touch with this attitude.
Be action oriented with discipline and preparation.
Be optimistic and employ a can-do attitude, which allows us to take things one at a time until our to-do lists are complete.
Once we perceive the challenge of separating the essential from the noise, and establish a constructive attitude, we need a strategy and tools.
Strategies/Tools to consider:
Personal Mission Statement: Write down the one thing you are trying to bring about in the world including what happens if you don’t accomplish the mission. Keep it short and punch so you remember it and embody it in all you do. Example: I want to provide comprehensive care for victims of sexual and domestic violence so that they find healing and do not pass the trauma to their children and families.
Review your process to get stuff done in order to build up your executive function muscles, including calendaring, ToDo lists, post it notes, spreadsheets and other tools along these lines. This can also include reviewing items to delegate to others.
Decide what to read, watch and listen to for relevant info so you can feel connected and involved without feeling overwhelmed. This could include Google searches, or even consulting with a local library specialist who can help you curate your sources.
Maintain a feeling of connection to purpose and your mission by journaling, listening to music, meditation, therapy, walking in nature, etc, that relax your mind and make you feel good.
I hope you find our communications entertaining, informative and useful and will join us by attending our live music events, listening to Band Central Radio on WPKN (and WPKN Podcasts and YouTube) and following us on Facebook.
Peace and love,
Rob & The Band Central Team
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
This month we feature Westport Library, an incredible resource for personal growth and evolution — Here is the Podcast of our June Band Central Radio program featuring Jennifer Bangser, Director of Strategic & Community Partnerships at Westport Library along with Barry Blumenfield from Bone Dry. Hear about the library’s initiatives in Jennifer’s words.
TAKE A BREATH
On June 16 Band Central sponsored and performed at the Children's Learning Center event honoring their CEO, Marc Jaffe who is retiring after years of dedicated service to the organization. We helped CLC raise money in excess of their goal! Children’s Learning Center provides early education and programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years old and their families.
Here’s a short clip of Tyger MacNeal, Anthony Gadaleta, Rob Somerville, Pat Marafiote and Rob Fried performing Chuck Mangione’s Feel So Good.
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