A Little TLC Goes a Long Way

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’ve been tuned in to the gratitude of others and how the simple act of kindness can build deeper connections between an organization and its audience.

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for a very different kind of organization—one filled with inspiration and innovation—whose community of devoted members stretches across the United States, into Europe and beyond.

The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity (TLC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage creativity and innovation in teaching and learning. They are dedicated to ensuring that all learners develop the vision, confidence, knowledge and skills needed to move their own lives forward, and to use their talents, strengths and energy to move their communities and the world to a better place.

WOW...that’s a tall order! But to the many writers, artists, teachers, scientists, students, and business people I spoke with at this event, TLC’s mission is attainable. One woman I met couldn’t say enough about how grateful she was to be a part of this dynamic community. Now a retired teacher, she still volunteers at her local school in Tennessee helping special needs students. She said she is drawn to TLC’s approach of purposeful, life-long learning and is a huge advocate for the organization.
 
At the heart of this center are twin brothers, Peter H. and Paul Reynolds. Peter is an accomplished writer, storyteller and illustrator. His best-selling books about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit include The Dot, Ish and So Few of Me (Candlewick Press). Paul is a professor, strategic marketer and entrepreneur who has built several successful media companies that serve both children and adults.

With over two decades of work dedicated to helping others, it only seems fitting that the TLC Center is Peter and Paul’s next venture. Backed by a group of visionary educators, policy makers, and community leaders, the center offers workshops, retreats and professional development programs to inspire and nurture innovation and creativity in educators and school leaders. They also design, develop and evaluate new media, tools and initiatives to foster authentic, engaged learning wherever it occurs. With an ever-growing group of devoted supporters and friends, this center will surely be a flagship organization that others will want to emulate.

Later that evening, I spotted Peter surrounded by a group of supporters, each clutching The Dot book in their arms. I watched as he took the time to speak with each of them as he signed their books and drew a little notation of inspiration. One woman looked up at me and smiled, saying, “We’re his biggest fans!”

Those words spoke volumes and mirrored the feeling of everyone I met that evening. TLC is a place where inspiration, innovation and a vibrant community come together...where people unite around the belief that together they can move the world to a better place. How great is that?


Become a Part of TLC’s Community!
To learn more about The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity and to become a supporter of this creative and dynamic community, browse their website at: www.reynoldstlc.org