Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes a season of renewal, fresh ideas, and new opportunities. As we settle into 2025, we’re reflecting on the ways collaboration has sparked real change and how this year is shaping up to be a time of growth, action, and impact. Last week, my husband Dylan (who’s a teacher), our new rescue dog Deja, and I took a spring break trip to Sedona, AZ, spending time backpacking through its breathtaking red rock landscapes. Being out in nature, navigating trails, adapting to the elements, and finding moments of stillness—felt like a great parallel to the work we support our clients with at Sagebrush. Leading change requires patience, adaptability, and trust in the process, just like following a winding trail that sometimes gets covered in snow, cactus, barbed wire. And sometimes all three at once! But at the end of a sweaty windy day, hopefully there’s a gorgeous sunset to enjoy with dear ones! This trip was a reminder of the importance of pausing, recalibrating, and moving forward with intention and love. I’d love to hear from you! ❓ How is your Spring going? ❓ Where does the trail feel winding to you right now? ❓ What are you leaning into these days?
I hope you have the opportunity to pause and take a breather soon, if you haven’t already! I deeply recognize the immense privilege that being self-employed, financially stable, and able-bodied at this time afforded me to take this trip. Thank YOU for helping make this possible so I could return rejuvenated to support the communities I love. Gratitude abounds! 💚  Impact
At Sagebrush, we believe real change happens when people come together with purpose. Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with communities across the Southwest—driving impact through strategic planning, leadership development, and grassroots initiatives.
This month's highlight:
💚 Strategic Recommendations for Opioid Settlement Funds: We were honored to facilitate Southwest Opioid Response District’s (SWORD) strategic retreats through Region 9, guiding regional leaders in shaping the distribution of $1.8M in opioid settlement funds. These funds will support treatment, recovery, prevention, and harm reduction efforts across five counties in Southwest Colorado. A major focus of this work has been laying the groundwork for a regional recovery campus, a transformational initiative aimed at expanding long-term recovery resources in our communities. Way to go SWORD! We are deeply grateful to all our partners and excited to keep building thriving communities in 2025 and beyond. So as we look ahead—what are you building? What challenges are you navigating? What partnerships could help you get there? We’d love to hear from you. Sagebrush is Growing! In case you missed our March newsletter, Sagebrush has evolved from a single-consultant practice into a collaborative network—bringing together strategic partners to better support nonprofits, local governments, tribal entities, and community organizations. 🌳 More hands on deck: Our expanded team brings diverse expertise. 🌳 Tailored support: From strategy to HR, we match you with the right expert. 🌳 Local roots, big-picture thinking: We understand the unique needs of rural and local organizations.
With this expanded capacity, we’re even better equipped to help you navigate change, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting impact.
Need guidance in 2025? We offer: ✔ Strategic Planning & Facilitation ✔ Philanthropy & Funding Strategy ✔ Indigenous & Community Consulting ✔ Board Development & More! Insights: The Art of Navigating Change Right now we’re deeply inspired by two of our clients, both Executive Directors on opposite sides of the globe. Both are experiencing terminal illnesses and are working to set their organizations up for a successful leadership transition. To be navigating one’s own life transitions while envisioning their organization’s futures without them, is a true testament to their brave vulnerability, dedication, and leadership. Wow! We are so grateful to be supporting them as part of their organizational transition doula team. For all organizations, change is inevitable—whether its internal leadership transitions, evolving community needs, or shifting funding landscapes.
Here are three strategies we’ve seen work well: ✔ Pause for perspective – Before reacting to change, take a step back. What’s the big-picture opportunity?
✔ Lean into relationships – Whether it’s your board, staff, or community partners, strong relationships provide stability in times of change.
✔ Revisit your “why” – Reconnecting with your organization’s purpose can bring clarity when things feel uncertain.
If you’re facing a transition, we’d love to support you in charting a thoughtful path forward. Let’s start the conversation.
Opportunities to Stay Connected
We know you’re busy, so we keep things simple. Here are a couple of easy ways to stay engaged:
📌 Join our Executive Director Connection Group – A monthly in-person, peer-led space for Executive Directors to share challenges, insights, and support. There is no cost to attend! This is our gift back to you! For more details see here. 📌 Exploring strategic planning? We’re currently booking for summer retreats—now is a great time to start planning.
Upcoming Event
🌿 Introduction to Healing & Reconciliation: A Community Learning Journey
Join us for a transformative 4-week Learning Journey, where we will explore healing, reconciliation, and truth-telling in a supportive community. Through storytelling, reflection, and deep dialogue, we’ll examine historical legacies and pathways to collective healing. This experience is for anyone seeking to build a more just and compassionate world—within personal relationships, organizations, or community spaces.
Our founder, Sandhya will be co-facilitating this Journey, alongside Klarity Coleman, through the Healing & Reconciliation Institute. 📅 Spring 2025 | Virtual Sessions
🔗 Sign up here Inspiration 🌍 Earth Regeneration Alliance — A local group we’ve started getting involved with, focused on stewarding the regenerative transition journey to restore and regenerate Earth’s living systems. (Oh yeah, and Earth Day is coming up this month!) More to come on this! This year is about momentum, partnership, and possibility. If you’re ready to think big, navigate change, or build stronger connections, we’re here to support you. Let’s build something great—together. |
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