To work in community is to engage in something much larger than oneself, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have a front-row seat to that process here in the Tahoe/Truckee area. In my role as the program director at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, I’ve been given the unique opportunity to collaborate with individuals across different sectors, agencies, and professions within our community.
Whether I’m collaborating with executive administrators from our schools, hospitals, and ski resorts, or partnering with elected officials, health workers, and others who dedicate themselves to service, I am constantly reminded of the heart and soul that makes this place so special — it’s the people who work tirelessly in service of others and our community.
While the challenges we face can sometimes feel overwhelming, I find hope in the spirit of collaboration nurtured over decades by our community leaders who support one another, elevate issues, and put aside agendas to do what is best for the people and natural environment of Tahoe/Truckee.
It’s in how people show up for each other, whether during tough times, in bad storms, or for neighbors in need. It’s in trusted neighbors who help guide us through the challenging moments. I’ve seen board members do the work, showing up to community equity and belonging training, watched youth use their voices to shape the future for themselves and their families, and witnessed our elected officials wrestle with how to create lasting change for generations to come.
Here in Tahoe/Truckee, we embody this spirit with the Give Back Tahoe Giving Season. From Dec. 3 to 31, 65 local nonprofits unite to raise funds and awareness for the vital work they do on a single platform, givebacktahoe.org. This is a chance for our entire community — those who live here year-round as well as our workforce, homeowners, and visitors — to celebrate the power of collective giving.
Since 2014, hundreds of people who love this place have come together to donate what feels meaningful to them to dozens of nonprofits, and this will have added up to nearly $4 million by the time this article is published. These funds have helped deliver food to families in need, unlock higher education through scholarships, and support programs that protect our alpine environment, make the outdoors accessible for all of us, and enrich our community through the arts and music. This has been possible thanks to all of us showing up together.
What’s inspiring is that, despite challenges, there are opportunities to get involved and make a difference, whether it be volunteering at a favorite nonprofit, attending a community meeting, or simply making space for others to share their experiences — every act helps strengthen our community.
As individuals, we may feel small in the face of big challenges, but together we can create something larger than ourselves. In this shared effort, we have the potential to influence change, no matter how big or small, and leave a lasting impact on the future of Tahoe/Truckee.
~ Prior to joining the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation in 2020, Kristina Kind worked extensively with youth-focused nonprofits in Lake Tahoe and in the Bay Area. She is committed to galvanizing the community’s resources to better support children. Kristina leads the foundation’s housing work and the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee. In her free time, she skis, hikes, and camps.
