Like many people who find themselves retired, I have been looking for a new sense of purpose. After living in Chicago all of my career, my husband and I had recently become Naples snowbirds and were looking to build our community here. I had been very involved in the nonprofit community in Chicago, serving on boards and working in development, so I was seeking to engage with a similar community in Naples.
When we arrived in Naples, I worked for several years as a nonprofit consultant and kept hearing great things about the Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) program. As a lifelong learner, I was intrigued with the opportunity to take a deep dive into all aspects of life in Collier County. The GNL sessions cover every topic that I was interested in learning about – cultural arts, health care, social services, education, environment, economic development, local history and the community of Immokalee.
The GNL “curriculum” is led by leaders in each area and is immersive, with most classes held in the community. During my first year in the Masters Class, I was amazed at how rich and vibrant our community is and how much there was to learn. In my second year, I am continuing to learn through GNL’s many educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours.
As I look back, one of the best outcomes of my experience with GNL has been the opportunity to meet so many like-minded classmates. Not only have I made wonderful friends within my class, but the class was especially supportive when I lost my husband unexpectedly shortly into the start of the program. The class surrounded me with loving kindness and support during a very challenging time, and I will always be grateful to them for that.
Throughout my membership in GNL, my eyes have been opened to many more nonprofit organizations in need of support. As a result, I have been offering my fundraising, marketing, and board management expertise pro bono to organizations that I am passionate about. GNL has opened a new path to purpose for me − connecting me to others looking to make an impact and deepening my understanding about this wonderful community that I now call home. You can learn more about the GNL program at gnlwebsite.org.
Christine Rahill is a full-time Naples resident with deep experience in strategic planning, board development, fundraising and marketing for nonprofit organizations.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Finding a path to purpose at Greater Naples Leadership | Opinion
Reporting by Christine Rahill / Fort Myers News-Press
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