We focus so much of our work on the planning, fundraising and financial oversight role of the Federation.  In fact, at yesterday’s Board meeting, we approved over $9 Million in allocations from our Annual Campaign and Foundation.  That happened because of the planning, fundraising and financial oversight we do so well.

Sometimes, we have to focus on some of the stuff we don’t want to spend time on.  On Wednesday, our Federation staff dedicated 4 ½ hours to security training.  The Department of Homeland Security and the Pittsburgh Police joined us so that we are better prepared in case of an incident, specifically about an active shooter.  We learned about putting good plans in place for the organization and about how each of us has to think about our own personal plans in case of an emergency.  The DHS representative and the Pittsburgh Police were clear that there are no imminent threats and that we already have good security procedures in place along with a good physical infrastructure.  Now, we must have evolve those plans and practice those plans.

It’s easy to think that some of the evil we see on television will not happen here.  Wednesday night, after the training, we all went home to awake on Thursday morning to hear about nine people murdered at the Emanuel A.M.E Church  in Charleston, South Carolina.  Our hearts go out to their families and to that community, victims of a disgusting hate crime.

This Monday, the Federation is a lead sponsor of the Corporate Equity and Inclusion Round Table taking place at Duquesne University.  Hundreds of local corporate, political and civic leaders will be discussing why diversity and inclusion are critical for a profitable, positive, and high performing organization and why it is necessary for our region’s economy.  I call your attention to the HillDistrict.org website and Vibrant Pittsburgh’s website where the program is framed and the Federation is highlighted.

This program will not be the fix for the hate and racism that some in our society have.  But maybe, just maybe, it will help.

Shabbat Shalom.

P.S.  No message next week.