Michael Robinson first encountered the mission of the American Youth Foundation as a National Leadership Conference participant from 2008 to 2011. As a member of the class Deeply Rooted, NLC had a profound impact on Robinson’s life, and he carried many lessons from that time into his adult life.
Though his career took him through retail and banking, Robinson never forgot the AYF and recently returned in a full-time capacity as Development Coordinator on the Advancement team. Here, he shares what NLC meant to him, why he came back to the AYF, and the best advice he ever received.
How did you hear about NLC and why did you decide to attend?
I first heard about NLC back in the ’90s when my older sister and cousin attended the International Leadership Conference. They still talk about their time in the mountains of New Hampshire and how it changed their lives. I just knew I had to get there some day.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from NLC?
One of the biggest takeaways for NLC is to look at life with a broader stroke to really seek to understand the world around you.
How has NLC impacted your life as an adult?
NLC gave me tools for my adult life. For example, it’s okay to walk into a space and be you, it’s okay to be different from others in the space. It also helped to create an inner safe space for me.
Why did you want to return to the AYF in a full-time capacity?
I returned to AYF because I want to make an impact and give back to the place that give me so much. It was the place where I learned it’s okay to be uncomfortable and to use that space for growth.
What are some of your primary responsibilities at Development Coordinator?
I’m responsible for working with donor and alumni information, including collection and processing of fundraising data, correspondence, reporting, supporting the St. Louis office, and running the buses to Miniwanca in the summer.
What is one of your favorite parts of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with volunteers and making new connections with the community at large.
Why is a development team so important to a nonprofit like the AYF?
The development team is important to nonprofit organizations because we’re the team fundraising and connecting with volunteers and supporters so we can all live out the mission of the AYF and sustain its future.
When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Enjoy time with family and friends, researching family history, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Life is uncomfortable, but not comfort-less. We need the uncomfortable to grow, but we need comfort.