As Catholic Charities looks toward the future, we’re also thinking about the next generation of people called to serve. In this month’s message, CEO Kaleen Deatherage reflects on why emerging leaders matter — not just as future board members or professionals, but as vital voices bringing fresh energy, perspective and compassion to the work of building stronger communities.
One of the greatest gifts of working in nonprofit and community-based organizations for many years is getting to witness how leadership develops over time.
Sometimes it begins with a volunteer shift. Sometimes with a fundraiser, a service project or a mentor who simply invited someone to get involved. More often than not, it begins with people who care deeply about their communities and want to be part of something meaningful.
That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about the launch of Catholic Charities of Oregon’s Emerging Leaders Board.
This isn’t simply about building another committee or volunteer group. It’s about helping cultivate a culture of service, connection and community leadership that can continue for decades to come.
Service creates belonging
One of the things I’ve learned throughout my career — and through my volunteer work, including my current role on the National Executive Board of Scouting America — is that people are often transformed when they are given meaningful opportunities to contribute.
Service helps people feel connected to something larger than themselves. It creates relationships across generations and experiences. It builds empathy, confidence and purpose. It reminds us that communities become stronger when people actively invest in one another.
We need more spaces where emerging leaders can explore what community involvement looks like in practice — not just in theory.
That matters not only for organizations like Catholic Charities, but for the long-term health of our communities overall.
Younger perspectives strengthen organizations
I also believe strongly that younger voices bring tremendous value to nonprofit organizations.
Emerging professionals often bring fresh ideas, new energy and different perspectives about communication, outreach, volunteerism, and community engagement. They ask important questions. They challenge assumptions. They help organizations continue evolving to meet the needs of changing communities.
That perspective is incredibly valuable.
At Catholic Charities, our mission calls us to walk alongside people experiencing poverty, displacement and hardship with dignity and compassion. To do that well, we need leaders and supporters from many generations and lived experiences at the table.
The Emerging Leaders Board is one way to help create those opportunities for connection, learning, and shared purpose.
I’m hopeful this initiative will not only help support the work of Catholic Charities today, but also inspire long-term civic engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy for years to come.
Because when people discover the power of service early in life, those experiences often stay with them forever.
With gratitude,
Kaleen Deatherage/CEO
(The first meeting of the ELB is set for June 11. To learn more and/or attend, email communications@ccoregon.org)