Page 3 - April JSF Report

SHARING OUR STORY
Ioften tell the story of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation to current or potential grantees. The narrative includes our history, values, mission, and strategy. The hope is that the narrative sheds light on the
potential intersection of JSF and the audience. Sharing how Ted Sr. went back to school to improve his opportunity at UPS or how our program areas serve specific people groups can help the audience better understand who we are—and what matters to us. They are often encouraged by the generosity of our Founders and inspired by the fruition of the American dream. I love to share our story. It encourages and inspires me, too.
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to tell the Foundation’s story through a different lens. This time, the audience was not potential grantees, but individual candidates for the JSF team. I interviewed multiple candidates for the positions of Financial Controller, Communications Specialist, Indigenous Consultant, Board Consultant and a prospective Director. The narrative I shared included all the elements of a grantee engagement, but it moved beyond that. These folks were interested in the people and culture of the organization today. They wanted to understand whom they might be working for and with. Sharing the qualities and characteristics of the JSF team was good for me. I thought it might be good for you to hear it too.
I was grateful to share that we tend to be good listeners and demonstrate a genuine interest in others. Humility is modeled through hospitality, tolerance, and authentic respect. We recognize there is always much for us to learn from our grantees and others. There is a healthy curiosity that brings energy to our meetings and discussions. While we each may hold strong political or spiritual views, we are neither a political nor religious organization. Instead, we cross those lines - working together to enable real change in real communities. We are independent thinkers and team players. We do not seek credit or attention - not individually or collectively. We are gracious in the naming of programs and endowments we fund - prioritizing the pragmatic and what best serves students.
We all steward this organization and the special opportunity for service made possible by Ted and Vivian Johnson. It’s a blessing to share the story of both the work and people of JSF.
Robert A. Krause
Page 1 HORIZONS