Cheers to Yaala by Sarah Bartley

To Be Of Use

sbartley5 — 2020-08-31 14:09:46 UTC

The work of the world is common as mud.

Famous

sbartley5 — 2020-08-31 14:11:46 UTC

I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous,

or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular,

but because it never forgot what it could do.

Yaala, I will miss you a lot! It's been a joy working with you and I appreciate the calm and warm demeanor you brought to the work. I'm happy for you that you will be able to follow your bliss on the campaign trail. Good luck in Iowa! And please stay in touch.

2020-08-31 16:23:52 UTC

Gail

Yaala!

2020-08-31 21:45:00 UTC

Thanks for being a friend and an awesome co-worker. Looking forward to many more walks through Camberville and hearing about your accomplishments in the world of politics. And ALWAYS happy to talk about our feelings and inviting them to the table ;) !! xo, Sam

"The secret of making something work in your lives is, first of all, the deep desire to make it work: then the faith and belief that it can work: then to hold that clear definite vision in your consciousness and see it working out step by step, without one thought of doubt or disbelief." Eileen Caddy, writer.

2020-09-01 01:09:48 UTC

Lauren

Yaala!

2020-09-01 01:13:18 UTC

You will have a story to tell the next generation when they ask "What did you DO when the country was literally burning to the ground with the social and economic stressors of the pandemic coupled with the devastating effects of racism and white supremacy tearing through our communities and schools and institutions....?". You, Yaala, will have an answer to that question. You are so bold and brave and I honor your decision to my core. Bravo - your light will always shine brightly. Tears in my eyes and hope in my heart - - - Lauren

Paddle like hell

2020-09-01 01:48:08 UTC

Yaala -- Korean folks like to talk about ducks swimming in a pond. They look so poised and effortless from afar, and yet underneath the surface, they work tirelessly to keep paddling in the right direction... This metaphor reminds me of you, and your humble yet passionate and purposeful leadership. I'm so glad that our paths crossed! Sending you all the best in this new adventure.
- Danielle

Oh gosh, Yaala what to even say?! I'm going to miss you immeasurably!! I'll never forget our first friendship meeting, and I am so grateful that our paths crossed and we got this time to work together (hopefully not the last time!). You are going to be such an excellent organizer. Your ability to connect with others and create space for people to be their whole selves is so powerful and I'm so excited for you to bring your gifts to this important fight. Truly, I feel relaxed knowing you're on the case in Iowa. Work wives forever!!!! love, Allie

2020-09-01 14:51:24 UTC

2020-09-01 18:55:00 UTC

Yaala!
From the very first day, you were so kind, gentle, and friendly to me. We sparked a connection so quickly when you first arrived to United Way. Although we haven't worked closely together during your time here, I have come to appreciate your kind spirit and humble dedication to supporting communities. Thanks for being a friendly face to talk to--you will be missed! Wishing you nothing but positivity and prosperity in your future endeavors.
-Louis

Goodbye to Tolerance

sbartley5 — 2020-09-01 21:01:51 UTC

We shan’t meet again—

unless you leap it, leaving

behind you the cherished

worms of your dispassion

Making Peace

sbartley5 — 2020-09-01 21:04:50 UTC

But peace, like a poem,

is not there ahead of itself,

can’t be imagined before it is made,

can’t be known except

in the words of its making,

grammar of justice,

syntax of mutual aid.

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." - Desmond Tutu

2020-09-03 13:44:17 UTC

Yaala, you are so smart, thoughtful, kind, graceful, and absolutely determined to bend the world around us toward justice. I light up and literally feel my shoulders sink away from my ears when I see you in Zoom meetings and I'm going to miss working with you like crazy. I'm so sad to see you leave us, but even more so, I'm hoping that you absolutely crush it at your new job.

Much love,
Ellen

You are INCREDIBLE!

kshea17 — 2020-09-03 13:48:55 UTC

Yaala I'm so happy for you as you head into your next chapter. I made a collage (lol) of a poem by @morganharpernichols that made me think of you and the courage and skills you already possess. Thank you for always being there in all sorts of ways--I will truly miss you at UW and I'm so grateful to have you in my network of friends. You are incredible don't ever forget it!!! Much Love, Kate Shea

Poetry Book Recommendation

kshea17 — 2020-09-03 16:06:43 UTC

Love, Kate

Poetry Book Recommendation

kshea17 — 2020-09-03 16:08:23 UTC

Love, Sam

New heights!

2020-09-03 17:39:18 UTC

Yaala! I'm so excited to hear about your new adventure!! This is such a critial time in our country's history, and I already feel better knowing that you are joining such an important effort to make sure we elect leaders who will effect progressive change and undo the hateful destruction being perpetuated by the current administration. It was a wonderful opportunity to work with you on the coaches community of practice, and I wish you all the best!! Also it looks like folks are sharing poetry and such, so I also wanted to share a piece of writing that has been an inspiration to me in these times. - Kaitlyn Bean

zbrown32 — 2020-09-03 19:41:21 UTC

Best of luck in your new role Yaala! I know you will have such a positive impact on all those you come across.
-Zach

Yaala!!!!!!

2020-09-03 20:05:42 UTC

Yaala we are gonna miss you so much!! Thanks for being so sweet to me when I joined United Way, always being awesome, and for the black turtleneck poetry energy.

Ur gonna change the world!!! So excited for you!!!
-Amanda

YAALA!

2020-09-03 20:06:37 UTC

The first and the foremost
Is that you will be missed.
But where you're going
Makes us less pissed.
Because the world needs you
Now more than ever
So fly awesome teammate
Go make this place better!
There is no one else
Who could do this critical work
Iowa's in good hands
You're their best perk!
Your United Way fam
Is cheering you on
We're in your corner
Even though you're gone.
And you're not really gone!
You're still our neighbor and friend
We're here for you,
It's not the end!
Now let's go get 'em
Flip this Senate seat
Let's help the good guys win
and get the bad guys beat.
Xoxo,
Emily

2020-09-03 20:29:02 UTC

Yaala, I'm going to miss you SO MUCH! You are such an absolute joy to work with and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am so excited to hear about your next journey and wish you so much luck!
<3 Katie

Yaala!

2020-09-03 20:33:36 UTC

We met for the first time at the visions training last year, and it was so nice to get to know you so early on at UW. It has been such a pleasure to work with you. I will miss my debreif buddy- from Tim's quirks to office hour headaches- you always had such a way of supporting me through it all and I thank you so much. Best of luck!!

Also, a poem!

2020-09-03 20:33:36 UTC

This is by Emma Lazarus!!! She wrote the poem that's on the statue of liberty and has a book of poetry that muses on being a jewish-american woman!!!! this one is called "Work"

Yet life is not a vision nor a prayer,
But stubborn work; she may not shun her task.
After the first compassion, none will spare
Her portion and her work achieved, to ask.
She pleads for respite,—she will come ere long
When, resting by the roadside, she is strong.
Nay, for the hurrying throng of passers-by
Will crush her with their onward-rolling stream.
Much must be done before the brief light die;
She may not loiter, rapt in the vain dream.
With unused trembling hands, and faltering feet,
She staggers forth, her lot assigned to meet.
But when she fills her days with duties done,
Strange vigor comes, she is restored to health.
New aims, new interests rise with each new sun,
And life still holds for her unbounded wealth.
All that seemed hard and toilsome now proves small,
And naught may daunt her,—she hath strength for all.

-Amanda

Best of luck to the best!!

2020-09-03 21:13:41 UTC

Yaala! You will be SO missed and I feel so, so lucky to know you. I admire so much about you and this career move just adds to the list. Thank you for brightening my day every time I saw you. The instagram/magazine account below sends out little affirmations, and so many of them remind me of you :) Be well and stay in touch! -Kelsey

Rumi quotes for your new journey

2020-09-04 15:00:47 UTC

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
“Don’t you know yet? It is your light that lights the worlds.”
Yaala,

It’s been a pleasure working with you on the coaches community of practice! I’m so appreciative of the warmth, insight, and reflection you bring to your work. The campaign is fortunate to be getting you! I wish you much success and happiness. - Martha