By Lauren McShea

Think WE, not just me.

The Satell Institute is a beautiful expression of collaboration between businesses and their partner nonprofits who, together, make the city a dynamic city and wonderful place to live. 

While businesses in many cities make philanthropic gifts, that Satell Institute creates a forum where we can see how those gifts, taken together, are a strong force for positive change. There are no dues, membership fees, or in fact any obligation to the organization itself. Corporate members commit to giving a gift of at least $100,000 over 4 years to a non-profit of their choice. They give directly to their partner organization, creating the close relationships with the nonprofit, building bridges so inspiration and expertise can flow both ways. Collectively, since its inception, the Satell membership has given more than $160 Million to support community service organizations. That’s community pride. And that’s power to uplift, develop, and foster success.

Ed Satell, the founder and chairman of the Satell Institute, has a message for all involved, “Think WE, not just me.” Michael Barron, a founding member of Satell and friend and advisor to Inner Strength, helped grow Satell from a glimmer of a good ideal into a widely respected organization, whose annual event draws an impressive gathering of almost 400 of the city’s leading executives in one room.

Michael, who can personally attest to the power of mindful presence for himself and his family, invited us to become a member. Pat Croce, our friend in Zen, generously sponsored our membership, and this past week we were represented at the semi-annual event. 

It was moving to see Philadelphia’s business leaders come together in collaboration, optimism, and vision about the present and the future. Don Smolenski, President of the Philadelphia Eagles, shared how he focuses on community within all aspects of the Eagles organization (Go Birds!) and how it extends outward. 

When I think about the kids in our classrooms and how much they love their Eagles, I think about how important it is to instill the value of community —to instill the WE—our collective good: our collective purpose and love for each other. We are grateful to have a seat at this table of leaders who can help shape an open and welcoming environment for the kids who may someday soon enter their workforce. Here at Inner Strength, we know how lucky we are to have these kids as our future; they have so much to give the world.