Dear Next Up Community,
After three years – including countless hours of phone banking, fundraising, advocating for this organization at every opportunity, crying when it’s hard, laughing when it’s joyous – it’s so hard to say goodbye. Being part of this organization has truly been the adventure of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to have gotten to work with such an incredible team of leaders, doers, thinkers, activists.
We’ve positioned ourselves in a strong place for a leadership transition with a healthy financial outlook and organizational culture, the most badass team, and bold, visionary, multi-year plans. We’ve shifted the organization from all white club to BIPOC led, from cash poor to stable and scaling, passed paid postage for ballots, and launched fights to abolish felony disenfranchisement and lower the voting age.
I am so confident in our strength, collective power, and clarity of vision moving forward, and I’m ready to make room for the next generation of leadership. Leaving is bittersweet. However, I’ll remain a lifelong fan and donor to Next Up and I hope that you will too.
Job wise, I’m heading to the National Network of Abortion Funds where I’m joining the leadership team and launching a new department that will strengthen abortion funds. My heart! <3
In the coming days, the Next Up Board will announce the details of our forthcoming Executive Director search. They’ll be looking for a leader who can take Next Up to the next level. As we prepare to welcome our new ED together, I have three favors to ask you that will help keep up the power and momentum we’ve built:
- Help us spread the word far and wide about the open ED role – job post coming soon.
- Make a gift that’s meaningful to you, or – even better – start a monthly recurring donation so the organization and the new ED feel the love all year round!
- Join us at the Farewell party on March 13th at 11 am, on Zoom – not only because I want to see your face, but so you can hear from the powerful leaders keeping the organization moving forward!
You’re the best,
Samantha Gladu
Executive Director of Next Up & Next Up Action Fund