What a great picture of our group! As I began "re-entry" from the conference at Ferncliff to my office last Friday, I was struck by the similarities of the spirit of the conference, those who attended from all parts of the world, and our Church humanitarian programs. I took the half day as you suggested and gathered my notes and inspirations to improve my life and those who will listen to What Kind of World do you Want and the philanthropic quest. Thanks again for a great experience. Kerry Belnap

What a wonderful group! I’ve been realizing during these last 3 days (since I arrived home to Brazil) how much I have learned from each of you, and from you all, as a group. Today is Monday and I’m returning to my working routine with a different perception of what it can be - and of what I can be in the world. My colleagues are wondering what happened to me - people told me today I’m looking lighter, renewed. They’re right! In Ferncliff I’ve reached clarity, focus and confidence regarding who I am and what I can do to make this world even better - and this gives me comfort, courage and joy. Thanks so much to Jim, Pam and you all…I miss you! :-)

Trevor and I were debriefing quite a bit on the flight home to Vancouver. Last week was certainly the most inspiring workshop/ professional development we have ever attended….I gravitate to your book often to restore balance and perspective of my busy life. At the moment, one thought that is sticking with me is the "not to-do" list.

What a spectacular group of people. I had the good fortune of being trapped at the airport with Graciela for a few hours on Thursday. She is such an incredible human being! I’m still reeling that I work for an organization that will send me to such an event. I was astounded at how well you structured and coordinated those days - the preparatory emails, handouts, hands-on activities, and time set aside for our own planning - all made for such a whole and invigorating experience.

I have had an experience similar to Graciela’s since "re-entry." Thank you for this renewing experience. You have no idea how personally enriching it was for me to be around such good people as all of you.

A fantastic week. I was excited for the possibilities that the week would be bring after I read the book. The book really described me and the way I think. I’ve toyed for several years with putting into words what I felt about other people and communication, especially story telling. Then I read your book, and it was all right there in front of me. This last week has really been life changing. I’m going to show that this really works. Of course, I’ve been doing it for years, however, with the your help (and the help of all my friends this week) I’m going to be better at it.

To my new friends from the workshop: Yesterday, I was with a member of our senior leadership team at Brigham Young University. We were talking about the "impact reports" that we send to major donors. This is more than a stewardship report that simply shows how the donations were used and the status of any endowment. It shows how the donation actually affected the lives of people and how it is changing the world.

I reviewed with him a little of our experience at the workshop in Arkansas. I told him that I plan to do an impact statement for each of the people who report to me as part of their annual evaluation. I think this will help them catch a vision of how important they are and how meaningful their work is.

We spend so much time on the metrics that we are often blinded to the tremendous good that we are doing in our organizations and in the world. I am hoping that this will spark their imaginations and that they will see how what they do is about people and vision, not just numbers. The metrics will take care of themselves.

Thanks again to each of you for making our experience together so inspiring. I look forward to the great adventure ahead of us.

I loved the whole experience, and walked away with so many timely and life-affirming nuggets of information. Everyone was giving and wise and insightful. And because we were from all over the world, the similarities in thinking gave even more hope, didn’t you think? Met with the Foundation board on Friday morning and gave an inspired presentation ( I thought :-)) about the project as I envision it taking place. It seemed that they liked what I had to share.

The workshop: As I reflect on the group, setting, materials covered and what I got out of it that is part of my fabric now. It was a great experience. I would like to have my team of 15 read and discuses "What Kind of World Do You Want." We are a close group and I think introducing them to this type of thinking and approach to life and work would be great.

I make sure that I spend a part of each day thinking about our experience at Ferncliff. It is part of my strategy to ensure it stays with me. When I reflect on our time I am re-energized daily by the experience we shared. I feel privileged to have spent time with such positive group of people who are deeply committed to making a difference with others.

Since the conference I my interactions with my family and colleagues have changed significantly. These interactions have more value and led to more positive relationships. I really want to help others feel good about their contributions and this is what I am working towards, I also feel that I am benefitting immensely from them. My personal satisfaction from my work and my time with my family has grown a lot and I am very thankful for this.

I deeply appreciate the contribution that all 20 of us made at the conference. Thanks to each of you.