Letter from SE™ International Chief of Staff, Sonja Cole – April 4, 2022

For a week, the SEI staff and board of directors came together in person. Together, we found new clarity, new connections, and ongoing healing. As a relational organization, we understand deeply what happens when we come together in person—the resonance is palpable, and the collective nervous system finds new ways to connect, laugh, and work.

The time together was, in a word, rejuvenating. While it is impossible to capture every moment of insight, the overarching theme was one of profound clarity. Each department dedicated time to soul-searching questions: Who are we? To what are we aligned? By defining our organizational and departmental visions and values, we have emerged with a structured three-year picture and a concrete one-year plan for how to get there. This internal alignment ensures that SEI is moving forward with the stability and intention necessary to continue serving our global community.

We also spent some time working to address the issues that have arisen since the launch of the new online portal. Our time together provided the essential container to address these difficulties with transparency and heart. We didn’t just talk about the work; we did the work. We also made time to laugh and connect on deeper levels, leading to ongoing healing the organization continues to need.

SEI’s vision remains steadfast: to transform lives through healing trauma. As SE continues to grow in a world that needs it more than ever, we are bubbling with new ideas—from innovative programs to global structures for community engagement.

We returned to our desks a little bit behind on emails, perhaps, but infinitely richer in spirit. What we know for sure is that we are better together. Keep an eye out as these seeds of connection begin to bloom; we cannot wait to share what’s next with you.

Rebecca Stahl

SEI Co-Executive Director