Dear CREW Boston Members, I have never been a fan of icebreakers. My stomach clenches whenever I’m told in a group setting to “turn to someone you don’t know and share your favorite” fill in the blank. It’s a particular kind of discomfort—wanting to connect, but not always knowing how to begin. But this past summer, with the encouragement of ice-breaker enthusiast and our fearless President-Elect Amy Prange, I incorporated some ice breakers into our annual Board Retreat. Not only did we learn that Michelle Callahan played the oboe for eight years, Gretchen McGill REALLY does not like mayonnaise, and Heidi Cashman speaks four different languages, but those ice breakers help to set the tone for our new board community. We are curious about each other. We listen to one another. We celebrate and are better for each other’s unique gifts. We’re fun! Over the past few months, I’ve heard versions of that same “stomach clenching” feeling from many of you, especially when it comes to our larger programs, like our luncheon events. These gatherings are energizing, well-attended, and full of opportunity. But they can also feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re walking in alone or trying to find your place in a crowded room. First, I want you to know: that feeling is valid, and you’re not alone in it. Second, if you’re looking for a more comfortable entry point, I encourage you to take a closer look at our calendar of events. Beyond our many committee meetings, there are a whole host of events coming up this Spring that are smaller and more intimate, including project tours, panel discussions, and volunteer opportunities. These settings naturally create space for more meaningful, one-on-one conversations and make it easier to build relationships over time. For many members, these smaller gatherings are where connections really take root. At the same time, building a welcoming and inclusive community is something we all share responsibility for—especially those of us who have been part of CREW Boston for a while. I’d ask our long-time members to be intentional about the role you can play. That might look like scanning the networking room before a luncheon to see if there is anyone standing alone and introducing yourself. It might mean inviting someone new to join you at a lunch table. It might include making a few thoughtful introduction during the networking portion of our luncheon. It might be as simple as following up after an event or offering to meet someone beforehand so they don’t have to walk in alone next time. These small gestures can have a lasting impact, and more importantly, they reflect the values of our CREW Boston community. As a Board, and within our committees, we’re also thinking about how to bring some of the ease and intimacy of our smaller gatherings into our larger programs. In the coming months, we’ll be piloting a few ideas at our luncheon events aimed at making it easier to connect—whether that’s opening the doors to the dining room even earlier at luncheons for easier conversation, designating certain tables for segment-specific members of the broader CRE community, or coming up with creative name tags that provide easier entries into conversation, we’re thinking about the ways that we can help break down the room into more approachable spaces. CREW Boston is, at its core, a community. And like any strong community, it’s built not just through programming, but through the ways we show up for one another. Thank you, as always, for your engagement, your honesty, and your willingness to keep making this organization stronger and more welcoming for everyone. Warm regards, Kate Moran Carter President, CREW Boston
