The Gift of Gratitude
Often referred to as a superpower, gratitude is known to change everything. The benefits of gratitude affect every area of our lives including strengthening our emotional well-being, improving health and helping build strong relationships. It should come as no surprise that gratitude serves as an important pillar for compassionate leadership.
In an organization or group, gratitude is a key to high morale. When we express gratitude to our team members, we create a culture of safety, trust and mutual respect. Members feel empowered to innovate and collaborate. Leaders who celebrate the contributions and gifts of all members foster an environment that encourages initiative, learning and growth.
Regardless of position within a team, an environment of gratitude allows all members to feel valued which boosts morale and enhances overall productivity. Leaders who practice gratitude can then identify opportunities, recognize learning and growth to become more adaptive to the demands of an ever-changing world.
In anticipation of Thanksgiving when we pause to celebrate with our loved ones and give thanks for our abundances, let us reflect on everything for which we are grateful and extend compassion to everyone around us.
Here are a few ways you can express gratitude today:
• Write a note of thanks to someone who has helped you
• Begin a gratitude journal, reflecting on what you are grateful for
•Lead your group by example, offering sincere thanks to those who make a difference
• Start a conversation about how gratitude is essential to compassionate leadership within your organization
• Consider becoming a member of the ATLF Ambassador program AntonioTsialasFoundation.org/ambassadors
• Urge your Senators to vote YES on S.2901/Stop Campus Hazing Act StopHazing.org/policy/action/
• Support our efforts and donate to ATLF to fund education, outreach and scholarship programs AntonioTsialasFoundation.org.
We are grateful to all who are taking steps to lead with compassion and prevent hazing. Thank you!
ATLF Ambassadors’ Corner
As a second year ambassador, I am very grateful for the continued opportunity to learn from such motivating leaders who inspire and demonstrate the true meaning of compassion and leadership.
I have gained valuable insight about hazing prevention and how to be an effective and supportive leader also in difficult situations. My involvement continues to help improve my communication and teamwork skills.
Garrett Fox - ATLF Ambassador
Past events October 2024
ATLF Hazing Prevention Round Table
This year during National Hazing Awareness Week, many spent part of their evening on October 2, to virtually attend the ATLF Hazing Prevention Round Table held online at 7 p.m.
Dozens of participants joined this informative session and learned how to identify warning signs of hazing and act as compassionate leaders. They also heard from national experts how to help change on campus culture followed by the opportunity to pose questions and engage in talks.
Attendees provided positive feedback and reported benefitting from understanding the responsibilities of leaders, legal implications and various related laws, how to help a friend and the number of people affected by hazing.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners Jill Maurer from the Gordie Center, Meredith Stewart from StopHazing.org as well as Carol Goraczco and David Bianchi from Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain for contributing to the success of the ATLF Hazing Prevention Round Table.. We also thank Leslie Lanahan, Gordie’s mother, who touched our hearts when celebrating Gordie’s life and legacy with us, and thoughtfully engaging in the discussion. Thank you to members of our board of directors and ambassadors for their support and valuable contributions.
You give us hope for the future! Together, we lead with love and compassion!
CLEARING the way to compassionate leadership: Becoming an Upstander at South Miami Middle School
We were so inspired by our session with students at South Miami Middle School! ATLF ambassador Christopher and Flavia presented "Clearing the Way to Compassionate Leadership—Becoming an Upstander." The students' participation was incredible, and their learning and next steps made us excited for the future.
Big thank you to Ms. Izaguirre and Ms. Pena, and the South Miami Middle School administration who spread so much love and compassion!!!
If you are interested in booking a presentation at your school, please email info@AntonioTsialasFoundation.com. We have a terrific variety of programs for middle school, high school and college.
CLEARING the way to compassionate leadership through active listening at
Ransom Everglades
In October, we were grateful to collaborate with the counseling office at Ransom Everglades to start our Compassionate leadership program with the Sophomore class.
During our first meeting, we explored active listening as a catalyst for our compassionate leadership. It was a pleasure connecting with the students and holding space for our shared grief and pain, while practicing active listening and compassion.
We practiced listening skills by creating stories in small groups. This amazing group of compassionate leaders is poised to improve the world. Thank you to ATLF ambassador Christopher for heading up this initiative at RE and to Mrs. Perez-Gonzalez and Mr. Adatto for their support and collaboration.
Thank you!
October 24, 2024, marked the fifth anniversary of Antonio's passing. Thank you for your kind messages, memories, and stories. Together, supporters donated $1,500 to mark this difficult anniversary by funding ATLF education and outreach programs. Visit AntonioTsialasFoundation.org to learn more. Thank you for leading with love and compassion!
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