Justice Walks March 2026

Author

Abby Anderson
March 24, 2026

An image with a light green/blue background and black type and sketches. In the middle it says “Courage, in the form of trees.” Surrounding that are images and short poems as follows: Tree courage: remaining rooted and grounded; while still allowing room; for change to move through Scattered tree courage: even through the distance; we share the same ground Rows of tree courage: one day after another; patterns form; momentum builds Bent tree courage: changing shape; after everything; ...and still here Fallen tree courage: still a part of what was, what is, and what will be, memory, presence, continuity Sapling courage: feeling everything more; and yet still; growing here Forest courage: within all that is dense and layered; still finding a way to be here

Courage is a big concept.

We often put it in one small box, labeled as one thing that shows up in one way.

That limits who and what gets to be labeled “courageous.”

Morgan Harper Nichols is one of my favorite artists/thinkers. This piece, demonstrating “Courage, in the Form of Trees,” reminded me of something I needed to hear: courage takes many different forms; across our life cycle; in relation to our environment; dependent upon what’s needed.

Nichols defines “Tree courage: remaining rooted and grounded; while still allowing room; for change to move through.” That’s the season I’m in now - exploring how to deepen and trust in my roots and groundedness while actively embracing change and growth.

Is there are particular type of tree courage Nichols illustrates that resonates with you?

Why?

I’d love to hear about it…

Abby

Learning Resources/Opportunities

Jenora Ledbetter, a Black woman wearing jeans and a fuchsia top, sits smiling on a white couch in a white room. This image is in a circle within a lavender box. The word podcast is in script at the top with The Purple Elephant typed below. In the bottom left corner there is a small square image of a smiling, white woman with freckles, long brown hair, and wearing a blue top with white flowers. The purple elephant logo and lines that look like sound waves are to the right of that photo with the words: with special guest Abby Anderson.

Jenora Ledbetter, recently hosted me as a guest on her podcast, The Purple Elephant, to explore this question: “What happens when leadership becomes a performance instead of an integration of the whole person?”

We talked about:

• The leadership mask many executives feel pressured to wear
• Where the idea of “professional distance” actually comes from
• Why leaders hide parts of themselves to maintain authority
• How our identities and positionality shape our leadership
• The difference between leading from fear versus alignment
• Why leadership disconnection eventually shows up in organizational culture

I love talking with Jenora. I’m grateful she has a platform to share this conversations with all of you.

Listen and see what you think!

If you want to hear more episodes of Jenora’s podcast, you’ll find them here.

Fairfield County Community Foundation logo with the name in dark gray capital letters stacked on the right with a blue burst of lines similar to a shaft of wheat on the left. A solid blue line runs horizontally under both with the words "Together We Thrive"

Speaking of collaborations with Jenora Ledbetter, I’m excited to announce that The Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence is launching a new Leadership Without Compromise program co-facilitated by me and Jenora under the umbrella of their Susan M Ross Executive Leadership Fund.

If you’re a woman leading a nonprofit in Fairfield County, consider applying to be part of this FREE, 6-month learning cohort before April 13.

Program details and the link to the application are below:

Honoring Susan M. Ross by Investing in Women’s Leadership

Leadership Without Compromise Program is a foundation-sponsored leadership cohort designed to support women leaders working in nonprofits across Fairfield County. This program honors Susan M. Ross’s legacy by investing in women not only as individuals, but as stabilizing forces within their organizations and communities.

Why This Program Matters

The Leadership Without Compromise Program offers a proactive and supportive space where leaders can:

  • Name the fears quietly influencing decision-making, especially around funding, scrutiny, and organizational risk

  • Rebuild trust and alignment between leadership, staff, and boards

  • Repair communication breakdowns to reduce assumptions and reactive dynamics

  • Strengthen organizational culture so mission and values remain intact under pressure

Program Structure

  • 6-month program

  • Monthly 90-minute virtual group sessions focused on leadership clarity, emotional grounding, and peer connection

  • One individualized coaching session per month to apply insights directly to your organization

Facilitators

Jenora Ledbetter – Founder & CEO of The Self Care Network LLC. Jenora is an expert in organizational development, leadership alignment, and crisis management. She helps leaders identify and address the “purple elephants”—the unspoken issues quietly disrupting clarity, cohesion, and performance—and supports them in leading with confidence and integrity.

Abby Anderson – Abby works with leaders to integrate equity and belonging into their leadership practice. Through individualized coaching, facilitation, and practical tools, she helps leaders reflect, process challenges, and strengthen their organizations.

Important Dates

  • Applications due: April 13

  • Optional virtual interviews: April 23–24 (30 minutes)

  • Cohort decisions announced: May 1

  • Virtual program kickoff: May 12, 12:00–1:30 PM

Application

Taking Care of Our Feet

A square with a light pink background reads “Green flags for people in your life,” at the top. There are nine green flags in three rows of three. One of the following indicators is under each flag: Their presence is calming, they respect your opinion, they make you laugh, they listen without judgment, they are supportive, they respect your needs, they honor your boundaries, they make an effort, they make you feel valued. The image is attributed to @higherheart.consciousness

Credit to Dr. Manahil Riaz @higherheart.consciousness

Who are the green flag people in our lives? Do they know that we see them as green flag people?

How can we strive to be green flag people to those around us?

(To make the implicit, explicit - green flag behavior = cultivating belonging) 😉 

Feedback from a leadership cohort member:

“In doing this work I have changed. Because I have changed, that means I show up in all of the spaces I’m in differently - at work, at home, with my kids, with my friends. This work isn’t a checklist, it’s a shift in mindset.”

Looking for more resources, recommendations, and tools for your journey? Upgrade to a paid subscription for either $10/month or “Name My One-Time Gift.”

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