Flow, Strategy & Clearing the Way
- Sandhya Atkinson
- Jun 9
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
 It’s early summer here in Southwest Colorado, and it started off with me—mud-splattered and smiling—digging out the irrigation ditch for our community pasture. Before the water could flow, I had to clear a thick layer of silt and mud from the intake pipe. It was a messy, hands-on reminder of something we often see in our strategy and facilitation work: when the flow is blocked, we have to go back to the source. The big ditch (our systems), the smaller pipes (our people, projects, and processes), and the gentle slope of the mesa (our shared direction)—it all has to work together. And when something’s stuck, we dig in. We're not afraid to get in the dirt with you and help you figure it out. There’s a certain joy in getting the pipes just right and watching the water flow where it’s needed. That’s the feeling we hope to bring to our client work too—clearing the path so your organization’s energy and resources can move with purpose. If you’ve been noticing a few “clogs” in your work lately, know that you’re not alone. It takes time, tending, and support—and that’s what we’re here for.As a rural business ourselves, we understand the unique challenges and rich opportunities that come with serving rural communities. This kind of work, this kind of care, isn’t a side note for us—it’s personal. We’re always here for the deep digging.  |
Our Team in Action |
 In May, we paused for a Sagebrush Happy Hour—one of those simple, grounding moments to reconnect as a team. New introductions were made, stories were swapped, and we were reminded once again that while our work is rooted in community, it’s also sustained by the relationships we cultivate with one another.  This spring, we’ve also been honored to support Children’s Kiva Montessori School in Cortez, CO with something special: the Kiva Playground Project. It is a community-designed playground project where students, teachers, families, and local partners all have had a hand in shaping what play could look and feel like. At the heart of this project is the Kiva Playground Planning Team—a dedicated group of school leaders, educators, parents and community members who led a truly participatory design process. From the earliest conversations to the final feedback sessions, they created space for students, families, and the broader community to shape a playground design that reflects their shared vision of play, belonging, and connection.  We feel honored to have supported the Kiva team behind the scenes, with special thanks to our incredible facilitators Kyler Grandkoski and Arlina Yazzie. Kyler and Arlina brought steady, inclusive support throughout the journey—helping to co-design survey tools, hold thoughtful listening spaces, and translate community input into tangible next steps. Their care and clarity were essential in ensuring that every voice—from the youngest students to the broader community—was heard and valued. Big shout out to the Kiva Planning Team, school leadership, students, families, and everyone who participated. This project has reminded us how joyful and powerful co-creation can be, and we're hopeful the school will receive the funding to build the playground in due time. It’s not just about building a playground—it’s about building belonging, trust, and spaces that reflect the people who use them. |
Sagebrush Partner of the Month |
 We’re so excited to welcome Lisa Snyder to the Sagebrush team! Lisa is a strategic grant professional with over 15 years of experience helping organizations not just get funding but build the systems and storytelling needed to truly sustain it. Through her consultancy, HighPoint Advisory, Lisa has supported nonprofits, educational institutions, and community initiatives across the country with everything from grant writing to post-award compliance and reporting. She brings both a sharp eye for strategy and a deep understanding of how overwhelming grant management can feel—especially for stretched teams doing mission-driven work. At a time when federal funding streams are shifting and uncertain, Lisa’s work helps organizations stay grounded and proactive. Whether you’re looking to diversify your funding portfolio, tighten your compliance systems, or just need someone to help track the details you don’t have time for, we’re thrilled to now offer this kind of support through Sagebrush. If you’re navigating grant funding or wondering what’s next, we’d love to connect you with Lisa. She’s not just a consultant—she’s a true thought partner who brings steadiness, clarity, and heart to every collaboration. |
Opportunities to Stay Connected |
We’re excited to uplift a few offerings from our very own Sagebrush Partners—trainers, facilitators, and collaborators who continue to inspire us with their wisdom and community-rooted work. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice, recharge, or connect with fellow changemakers, we hope something here speaks to you. 🌱 Wisdom Keepers: A Gathering & Summit (Hosted by our Sagebrush Partner Christine Fonner) 📆 Sept 19–20, 2025 | Sky Ute Resort, Southern Ute lands A two-day summit for women and people of marginalized genders who are ready to co-create a new leadership paradigm—rooted in care, shared power, and collective visioning. This is more than an event—it’s the beginning of a movement. 👉🏻 Learn more and register here 🌱 Free Trainings from Resilient Colorado (Offered by our Sagebrush Partner, Doty Shepard at Resilient Colorado) a. Compassion Without Fatigue 📆 June 24 | Register in advance Explore the differences between burnout, secondary trauma, and moral injury and learn how to care for others without depleting yourself. 👉🏻 Click here to register b. Working with Difficult Emotions 📆 June 26 | Register in advance Grounded tools and reflections for navigating emotional complexity. 👉🏻 Click here to register 🌱 Executive Director Connection Circle
(Facilitated by our Sagebrush Partner, Adrea Bogle)
We’re continuing to host a monthly space for Executive Directors in service and community-centered organizations in La Plata County. This is a space to connect, share celebrations and challenges, and support each other in a peer-centered environment.
📥 To learn more, reach out to Adrea: adrea@luminarycc.com | (970) 769-2171 And let us know if you'd like to participate in a similar group in your County! 🌱 Trainings from the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado a. Board & Staff Training 📆 June 17 & 18, 2025 Join board members and staff from across the region for two days of capacity- building workshops designed to support strong leadership and governance. b. HR Power Hour (Featuring Sagebrush Partners Jennifer Bassignani & Dave Albrechta) 📆 Tuesdays at 12 PM | September 9 – October 14, 2025 | Zoom 💵 $10/session or $50 for the full 6-part series Colorado has rolled out many new employment policies in the last two years and this virtual training series will help ensure your organization is informed and compliant. Topics include employment law, onboarding, preventing workplace conflict, required policies, staff contracts, and building a culture of feedback. 👉🏻 Learn more & Register here 🌱 Community Resource Center (CRC) Upcoming Events CRC offers a variety of professional development opportunities for nonprofits and community organizations across Colorado. It’s a great resource to keep on your radar. 👉🏻 View upcoming CRC trainings We’re proud to work alongside these brilliant partners and honored to share their offerings with you. If you end up attending or have something to share in return, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep building this together. |
What's Inspiring Us |
This month, we’re reflecting on flow, strategy, and the (sometimes messy) process of clearing the way—whether it’s clogged irrigation pipes or organizational roadblocks. Here are a few resources that have been grounding and guiding us: 💧 “Thinking in Systems” by Donella Meadows A classic that reminds us flow doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed. This book helps us recognize where systems get stuck and how small, strategic shifts can have big ripple effects. 🌊 A Personal Practice: Walk the Ditch Line We’ve been reminding ourselves that sometimes clarity comes not from spreadsheets or slide decks—but from stepping outside, tracing the literal flow of water, and noticing where things are moving freely... and where they need some tending. It’s amazing what surfaces when we slow down enough to listen. As we move into the heart of summer, we’re holding onto the lessons from the ditch: that flow takes effort, intention, and care. Sometimes we have to pause, dig deep, and get a little muddy to restore movement. Whether you're mapping out a new direction, tending to a stuck process, or simply trying to realign with what matters most—we hope this season brings you clarity, courage, and just the right amount of flow. We’re so grateful to be in community with you. |
Let's Keep the Flow Going |
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If your team is navigating a transition, seeking clarity, or just feeling the need to pause and recalibrate, we’d love to support you.
📥 Or just reply to this email—we’d love to hear what you’re working on.
Until next time, wishing you clear water, good company, and a well-positioned pipe or two.
With care,Sandhya + the Sagebrush Team
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