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Friends,

As we start a brand-new decade, let it begin with hope and intention. As Gloria Steinem has shared, “Hope is a form of planning”. For me, this new year signifies a fresh start and a time for digging deeper into the values I live and lead by – integrity, enthusiasm, and embodied strength. As Interim CEO of this fabulous Tides network, the new year signifies charging ahead with purpose and perspective, and modeling courage as we craft our agenda. Now more than ever, we need to make thoughtful decisions and take bold actions that align with our convictions. 2020 will be a critical year as we move our broader community forward; 2020 will be a critical year as we determine which direction we will move in as a nation. Most importantly, when the dust settles a year from now, we need to be absolutely certain that we did all we could do to create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

At Tides, we intend to strengthen the conviction of our DNA as a vocal leader on timely philanthropic issues as we raise up the movement-building work being done in the name of shared prosperity and inclusive social justice. Since stepping in as Interim CEO six months ago, I’ve been humbled by the resilience and powerful work of the Tides family — our partners, our network of leaders and changemakers, our board, and our staff — all who make our work possible. This year, particularly as we approach a pivotal local and national election season, our partners’ efforts to promote sustainable equity and transform economic power are more important than ever.

This year, Tides continues to dare change by elevating three major campaigns: the Women’s Environmental Leadership Fund (WE LEAD), Healthy Democracy Fund, and Immigrants United Collaborative. These bold efforts seek to push the needle on urgent national and global issues while lifting up the pertinent voices that need to be heard. As with any collaborative work, however, we can’t do it alone. At Tides, we continue to rely on our historic partnerships with Pledge 1% and donor communities to help ensure that giving back is a fundamental and core philanthropic philosophy and practice. These relationships will continue to thrive in order to achieve our best results, together.

I’m also proud to say that Tides is stronger and more diverse and inclusive today than it has ever been. With 55% of staff identifying as people of color and a board composed of 50% people of color, Tides Network is a leader in our field. We lead by example - modeling healthy discourse, sharing resources, and living with conviction, both within our professional and volunteer teams, and alongside our partners. We intend to bond together in times of fear and disruption and continue to co-create welcoming communities and smart strategic work while living our values day in and day out. And, we are eager to welcome a new CEO this spring who will embody these traits and who will guide Tides into the future with continued passion and conviction.

This is a challenging time when we all must step up and engage in the practice of civil society, not just critique by the sidelines. I am a coach by training, and my experience as a coach dictates that there is no excuse for sitting idle when there’s hard work to be done, or new skills to learn. I always say: “Ask for the ball.” With that urgent approach guiding us all, and through our new campaigns and initiatives, in 2020, I invite us all to play an even more active and vocal philanthropic role in advocating for a healthy democracy and in creating a world that will thrive for generations to come. I’m honored to work alongside each and every one of you everyday to fuel the movements that will make it happen.

Onward,

Tuti Scott

Tides, 1012 Torney Ave., San Francisco, CA 94129, United States, 415.561.6400

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