Jennie Arbogash’s parents struggled to make ends meet. And yet, she was raised in a generous family and community.
“Even when we had very little when I was young, my mom still drove seniors to doctor’s appointments,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here today without the childhood priest who put money in my backpack so my family could afford to eat.”
These values stuck with her, and inform how she lives today. As the Executive Director of Social Venture Partners Boulder County, Jennie works with civically engaged donors who want to improve their communities. She also donates money to causes she cares about, including the Community Foundation, which she has named in her will.
“I don’t feel like you have to have had a challenging childhood to feel like you want to pay it forward,” she said. “You don’t have to go through it, so long as you witness it.”
She recalls a trip she took to South Africa with a nonprofit group. Everyone was middle-class, educated and successful. But two of the participants were black, and they were treated far worse than everyone else. It was a profound experience for her and her travelling companions.
“Are you willing to go to that uncomfortable place and struggle with this reality?” she asks. “Whether we like it or not, this is the reality for many in our community. How can we be present for that?”
One of the most important things we can do in community is to step outside our comfort zone, and show up at events and activities that we may not feel relate to us, she said. In this way we will educate ourselves and transcend simple, theoretical perspectives. We can learn how to be good allies and advocates for those different than ourselves.
Since the 2016 election, Jennie has noticed a distinct change in how people are getting involved in our community:
First, people who have never considered being active in a political party or running for office are getting involved.
Second, a lot of people are trying to figure out a way to have civil conversations with people who have perspectives different from their own.
Third, people are trying to take action to make sure underprivileged people have a voice.
Finally, people are volunteering more.
“I’ve noticed a change regardless of political proclivity, race or age,” she said.
