July 2023 Newsletter

Updated on July 13, 2023

Feature Image: Inaugural Spark Retreat 2023, Breckenridge, Colorado

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world.
Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. 

—Margaret Mead

We’ve referenced this quote before – it’s one of our favorites, for good reason. Two weeks ago, Rent Responsibly had the honor of hosting our inaugural Spark Retreat, an annual gathering of STR alliance leaders from around the country that’s been years in the making. We welcomed 11 leaders to a pair of vacation rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado, for three days of connection, learning, and growth.

Among the countless takeaways we have yet to fully process, a few stand out:

• There is nothing more powerful than connecting with other people. The more communities and leadership teams can do this, the stronger our efforts become.
• Personality assessments may not be the world’s most scientific analyses, but they do offer an insightful window into ourselves, our peers, and the composition of a team. We used 16Personalities in our workshops and, interestingly, only one attendee was classified as the Advocate personality!
• Similarly, it doesn’t matter whether you manage hundreds of properties or own and host just one, perhaps even none at all – advocacy leadership is for everyone.
• Alliances, though volunteer-based, can and should implement business practices. From leadership recruitment and development to member journey management, applying the tenets of good business can lead to nonprofit success.
• Collaboration amplifies impact: By joining forces, sharing insights, and supporting each other’s initiatives, we amplify our advocacy efforts and create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our individual organizations. 
• Likewise, despite the unique challenges faced by each destination, leaders have more in common than you may realize. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, we cross-pollinate strategies and tactics that transcend geographic boundaries. 
• Self-care is essential for effective leadership. Taking time to prioritize our well-being allows us to show up as our best selves, maintain resilience, and lead with clarity and compassion. 
• Advocacy IS fun when you let it be!

Above all, we were reminded that Margaret Mead’s words ring true now more than ever: a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Spark attendees and their peers are doing just that.

From this retreat, Rent Responsibly will be adding to the already deep library new robust resources for alliances and advocates created by the country’s best leaders themselves. Some of these will be available exclusively to our STR Community Builders alliance leader network. If you’re a current or aspiring alliance leader, join for free here to access them!

Sincerely, 

Alexa Nota, COO & Co-Founder
Dana Lubner, Director of Community Development

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