Being a Senior Fellow

By Suzanne St John-Crane, CEO
Class XXV / Urbanism XXXIV
The transition – the seating of a new class, and preparation for graduation – is an exciting time at ALF. Urbanism XL, our fourth and final Urbanism Class, and Classic Class XXXIII, are graduating in April. On Friday March 9, members of Class XXXV were in community with Class XXXIII, beginning their journey with ALF.
I’m reminded of what it means to become a part of the Senior Fellows network. The commitment we make to the whole. As I reflect on the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with Senior Fellows over my two-year tenure, I’m inspired to share these thoughts with you and hope you in turn take time to reflect on your role in ALF.
Be a Citizen vs. Consumer. In his book Community, Peter Block talks about the difference between having a consumer mindset and a citizen mindset. Peter Block’s notion of a citizen is “someone accountable and committed to the well-being of the whole.” “One who chooses to create the life, the neighborhood, the world from their own gifts and the gifts of others. A consumer is one who has surrendered to others the power to provide what is essential for a full and satisfied life.” Are we taking responsibility and playing a role in change, or are we just “unhappy customers?” What resources do you offer, and what resources do you seek in order to enrich the ALF network?
Take the Call and Make the Call. A network is only as valuable as its members and how they engage. Do you take the call when a Senior Fellow reaches out? Do you seek out members of the network to bring resources and diverse voices to the table? Have you taken the time to peruse the Senior Fellow directory to see who joined after you?
This moment of transition in ALF’s program year is a great reminder for me, and I hope for you all, of what it means to be a citizen of ALF. I hope you’ll join me in reaching out beyond your own class to know the totality of our depth, our richness, as a network.