Improvements to MEND part 4: fostering connection and belonging

In our fourth article about the March 2024 survey, we’re touching on the request for connection and belonging that surfaced in the results.

Our survey results highlighted MEND's strong alignment with core values while revealing that connection and belonging represent areas of both current strength and future opportunity.

Several respondents expressed interest in more regular gatherings across different programs to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of organizational belonging. Multiple participants specifically requested additional social events.

To nurture growing connections within our community, MEND is enhancing several initiatives:

• Our annual volunteer barbecue, which brings together volunteers from all programs for a catered dinner with live music, creating valuable cross-program relationships

• We've begun organizing smaller, more intimate gatherings between staff and volunteers of our different programs to build the community connections many seek

• We continue to cultivate an environment that welcomes diversity and embraces differences, regardless of background. We're committed to creating spaces where community members feel comfortable openly discussing their unique perspectives