If you get, give. If you learn, teach. These words by Maya Angelou have always exemplified the work of the Community Investment Network (CIN). For over 15 years, CIN giving circles have leveraged their TIME, TALENT, TREASURE, AND TESTIMONY to move communities of color forward by strengthening them and dismantling systemic oppression. Our work, which is rooted in love and anchored by giving, was once only an idea and has spread across the nation to create meaningful change. 

As we prepare for our 2019 Conference, Revering the Past, Honoring the Present, and Powering Our Future, I reflect on the many shoulders that our organization stands on. Our Opening Plenary Session will feature our matriarch, Linetta Gilbert, and founder, Darryl Lester, both are trailblazers and visionaries of our network. Their session will explain the birth of our network and the potential they saw in young professionals of color in the deep south years ago. I hope each conference attendee will use their examples as a model of how to give and teach in a manner that inspires others to give intentionally and strategically.

I look forward to seeing you during our convening on October 3-5, 2019 in Houston, TX, for a time of gratitude, reflection, learning, growing, teaching, and reaching. Because of the wisdom, insight, and knowledge of Linetta Gilbert, Darryl Lester, and countless others, CIN is not only celebrating our 15th year of giving but paying it forward.

Community Investment Network