Things we learned in 2020… possibly the worst year ever

December 28 2020

We’re nearing the end of the year, and just as many others do, we are reflecting back of the year to see how far we have come, what we have learned and how we have grown. This year… well, this reflection feels a little bit different. 2020 was filled with so much fear, uncertainty, and isolation. But, a lot of good came out of the adversity. That is what we’re talking about today on the YW Blog.

Here are some of the things that we learned during the worst year ever:

Niagara is the best place to live

Okay, so, maybe this isn’t something we learned so much as it is something that was reaffirmed. But it is worth mentioning – Niagara is the best place to live. Our community surrounded us with hope during some of the darkest times we have seen in over a decade. Despite our uncertainty, we knew we would pull through because of all of our supporters letting us know they wouldn’t let us fall down.

Not only that, but each and every member of this community is doing their part to make Niagara safer and healthier during the pandemic. YOU are wearing a mask, washing your hands, keep a safe physical distance. YOU are supporting small businesses and non-profits during challenging times. YOU are making sure no one is truly alone. Niagara is the best place to live… because of YOU.

A sense of community is important (and CAN be achieved virtually)

This one is a specific nod to the first-ever virtual Niagara Leadership Summit for Women 2020 held in October. Months into the pandemic, we were all feeling the notorious “Zoom Fatigue” like never before, but we knew our community needed a (virtual) space to rally together. NLSW 2020 was another area where we were full of uncertainty. Would people show up? Would people be too burnt out? Could a virtual summit create the same sense of community as our in-person event?

Not only did you show up, not only did you engage, not only did you connect… but we had one of the best Leadership Summits yet! Our hearts were filled with gratitude as we watched attendees actively participate in over 15 workshops, seminars, and panel discussions hosted by 20+ speakers. Together, we became empowered in our leadership and our ability to lift others up into leadership roles. Together, we reignited the sense of community we had been missing for 6 longs months. Together, we pledge to be compassionate, dedicated, innovative leaders as we navigate through these unprecedented times.

Niagara is a community of allies – and they had our back

We weren’t sure what to expect when the COVID-19 pandemic reached Canada and Niagara, but we could tell we were in for some hard times. Through every curve ball thrown at us, we always had an ally who could support us and see us through the instability. When we needed fresh produce to provide healthy meals, community partners like The Soup Kitchen stepped in. When we needed PPE to keep shelter guests and staff safe, foundations and granters like United Way and the Niagara Community Foundation made their opportunities known. When we needed to shelter high-risk guests and individuals who may have been exposed to COVID, the Niagara Region created a safe space.

For these long ten months, it has been a team effort to navigate the strangest times. There are so many more people, community groups, and organizations – more than we can count – that have advocated and supported Niagara’s most vulnerable. And we are beyond grateful for you.

While 2020 was nothing like we imagined (or ever could have anticipated), getting this far is nothing short of a miracle. We’re grateful to take a moment during the blur of the holidays to reflect not on the challenges and trials of 2020, but of the good we have seen in the community in spite of it. While we miss our community like crazy during the lockdown, we know that we will come out of these times stronger and better than ever. We cannot wait to see you in 2021!