When I created Invoking The Pause in 2007, the heart of the program was two-fold: to provide a "Pause" - an intentional break from our daily routines in a place of natural beauty, and to encourage collaboration among two or more people - to reflect upon and think more deeply about some aspect of the climate challenges we are confronting. 

I was hopeful that this "gift of time"  would spur innovative ideas across a variety of disciplines - ranging from the arts to sciences, and education to technology, among others.  In recent years, we have expanded our "pause" each fall to include a collective group gathering of grant partners and allies from business, education, and non-profit worlds.

ITP is a small grants organization, and we believe innovation oftentimes occurs in the margins.  I accept risk and a level of uncertainty to incubate new ideas and approaches.  Over the past 10+ years, we have seen a range of projects, some of which have grown to be funded by larger organizations.  Now, the time for accelerating new strategies, engaging in collective actions, and building cross-sector networks addressing climate challenge issues is more important than ever before.  Our "strategic pauses" are one small step in advancing new strategies.

Beyond hope and fear, there is a clarity of knowing that this is our work to do, no matter what.  And it is my role with ITP to help this consciousness take root, so that each of us remembers and recognizes our power to make a difference.

I welcome your participation with us on this journey...

  "Take A Piece of My Heart" by Maggie Kaplan