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At last count there were 131 people coming to work each day in the twenty-seven organizations housed in the eleven buildings
on our 2.6 acre site. Numbers aren't everything. For example, we like having colleagues nearby to talk about the work we do
and the challenges we face. We also like it that out of those conversations a fresh idea for a new joint project might emerge.
Or maybe we both need a part-time financial person and being next door it would be easy to share one.
Then there are
the basics like, Does everyone really need to invest and maintain a huge sort and staple duplicating machine when we are steps
away? Probably not.
Thinking about it, we find ourselves awash in words: colleagues, collaboration, community, and
even campus. For we are a campus-like setting for nonprofit organizations. And that brings with it a whole new set of opportunities
beyond the good and important work we do in our individual organizations and beyond in the larger Columbus community. That
good work extends out to the central Ohio community to enhance the quality of daycare, education, services for international
visitors, creative writing experiences for children and youth, health care for Ohio citizens, entrepreneurial opportunities
for people with disabilities, the preservation of the history and built environment of Columbus and much more.
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Some like being part of planning the summer progressive lunch which in fact does progress around the block to three different
buildings. Those who like landscape and historic preservation are invited to participate on our master plan committee, and
the visual arts people help to decide, hang, and celebrate three yearly openings in our Vorys Gallery and Conference
Room. (Did we mention that room will end up being your favorite place for your board and committees to meet?)
Then
there's the Jefferson Grant Awards. Each year, four to six people who work on the block are given small grants for some special
project or opportunity for a conference or professional development experience. The request for proposals goes out each year
on Valentine's Day because we do cherish the people and work that are here, and the award reception is on the always sunny
first day of May.
So many good things that of all these words, community may just be the best to describe it all.
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