A Word from the Chair

For the past three years I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the A.L. Mailman Family Foundation. While some may consider this a leadership role, in fact, in our Foundation, I am the facilitator of a consensual process, as each board member is looked to for their individual perspective and expertise. No grant or funding direction is approved until every member is convinced of its merit and comfortable with its selection. Twenty-five years ago my mother sat in this position. Moved by her vision, developed long before the Foundation’s inception, my siblings and I pursued related studies. Today we remain a family foundation, and much of our board work is informed by our professional experiences outside of the Foundation.

While fervently sharing her vision for early childhood, my mother also insisted on open discussion and mutual respect. By her example, she inspired her children to become leaders and advocates of the causes we believed in. She encouraged us to become personally involved with our grantmaking and to share our insights and experiences. In so doing, she laid the groundwork for our consensual decision-making process.

My sister Betty became the second Chair of the Foundation. With her talents for in-depth analysis and sensitivity to all aspects of an issue, she challenged us to set coherent strategies that would keep our grantmaking focused and transparent. She encouraged us to expand our knowledge and outreach by sponsoring state-wide initiatives and strategic retreats.

My interests lie in looking at systems and policies, and promoting the inclusion of infants and toddlers in education reform. Given our limited resources, I believe the best way to reach individual children is through the systems that impact them. At the same time, we must continue to learn from those who work directly with parents and children.

My mother’s wish that the Foundation maintain its mission on behalf of young children is fully embraced by the Trustees in my generation. Our challenge will be to continue our historical intent and consensual process while expanding our board circle to encompass a broader set of perspectives. Welcoming the next generation to the Board is our opportunity to inspire and be inspired. It is our responsibility to enable each new member to find their own leadership and advocate roles, and to develop their own unique strengths and interests. In the process we all will be revitalized and enriched.

Patti Lieberman

August 2006