Stories

A Case for Storytelling: We need to imagine a better, more just world 

November 20, 2024

As we celebrate 40 years of Headwaters, we’ve been exploring how Headwaters and our community are reimagining philanthropy through this special blog series. In this final installment, our Director of…

Read More

Land, Healing, and Renewal: A Note from Mary Delorié 

January 18, 2024

Dear community,  In the wake of multiple days of below-zero temperatures, when we’ve all been cooped up inside to stay warm, I’ve been spending nights curled up with my books…

Read More

Introducing Grantee Stories

June 14, 2023

Today we are excited to launch Headwaters’ newest storytelling project: Grantee Stories.  Headwaters’ grantee community is made up of powerful organizers working across the state to build power in communities using…

Read More

I’m a philanthropist and so are you

November 17, 2022

My name is Julie Vo McConnell but many people call me JVo. I am a member of Headwaters’ Development Committee and an alumni of the 2021 Giving Project program.   Participating…

Read More

A Note to Say Farewell and Thank You: Tributaries July 2022

July 27, 2022

As this chapter in my life comes to a close, I have been reflecting on my path to Headwaters and my work over the past eight years. I am filled…

Read More

Whole People, Complex Lives, and What Culture Eats for Breakfast: Tributaries February 2022

February 21, 2022

In mid-January I received an email from one of my staff members. I read and re-read one sentence that stuck out to me: “I feel vulnerable sharing this with you,…

Read More

Resting with Grief: Tributaries December 2021

December 16, 2021

In November, my brother in-law passed away. His death was unexpected. He was young. He meant the world to the people who loved him. Now there is a huge gaping…

Read More

On Stress, Sabbaticals, and Systems Change: Tributaries October 2021

October 19, 2021

“Maria, I don’t have any fight left in me,” my friend told me recently over lunch. She shared the impact that years of organizing and advocating were having on her.…

Read More

What a Tree Taught Me: Tributaries August 2021

August 24, 2021

The tree in my front yard has started to lose its leaves. I learned recently that trees do that to survive drought conditions. A tree drops its leaves to conserve…

Read More

A Learning Year in Review: Tributaries February 2021

February 16, 2021

Inhale through your nose. Pause and count to four. Now, exhale and blow out your breath through your mouth. Notice if your shoulders are bunched up near your ears. Relax…

Read More