Graduations are always grand events, filled with celebration.

Trevor and I love nothing better than to put our work under the microscope, and figure out, “How can we make this even better next time?”  This time, I planned a surprise.  Let me give you some background… Because Trevor is an accomplished actor, he and I developed a skit on “how not to network”, which we have now integrated into the workshop.  Since Trevor got the chance to express his passion, I thought it only fair to incorporate one of mine.  Here’s a hint…  “Hello.  My name is Linda Folster, and I am a salsa-holic!”  I called my expert-salsa dancing friend, Amir, and we started out the graduation ceremony with a salsa demonstration. My excuse for doing this was, “In the spirit of no longer doing things you don’t enjoy, don’t do well, and are not proud of – using your Dependable Strengths instead should extend to all areas of your life!”  Rhythm and movement are a few more of my Dependable Strengths that I love to express.  Despite a few technical glitches with the music, and having to do our spins on the carpet – it went surprisingly well.  Deb and Val surfaced from the Dress for Success office to watch.  We had a blast!  Thank you so much, Amir!

Once again, we made each participant don a graduation cap while I read out the “description” section of her Dependable Strengths report – to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance.  Trevor baked amazing cheesecake for the event (fat free, of course!)

On our last day together, this ending marked a new beginning for these women. They gathered together to plan subsequent meetings to sustain the momentum (which are still going on weeks later).  In the past few weeks, some have remained in contact with me.  I love to hear their updates.  From what I am hearing, it seems that important decisions are being made, and there is a quality of peacefulness that’s new.  This seems to accompany an ongoing pondering of what was learned, and what is possible when we believe in ourselves…

Here are some of the great photos from our celebration together:

So what was the same? The power of Dependable Strengths to transform was evident by Day 2.  In the sharing of “Good Experiences”, the long faces we had seen a day earlier had begun to relax – smiles and laughter replaced them.  Friendships and mutual respect began to develop quickly, as is always the case when sharing Good Experiences.  The program is so cleverly structured to allow space for personal reflection plus peer feedback and support.  The latter component is so powerful – we are so hard on ourselves.  Others almost always see us more positively than we see ourselves.  Here’s how it felt for a few of our participants:

“Who cares about my weaknesses – I’m dynamite!”

“I learned, or had confirmed, that acknowledging my strengths is very empowering.  The collective experience of the group shows that overcoming anything is possible.  I found a new supportive community.”

One of the other things we noted, yet again, was these women’s depth of engagement and effort spent on creating their Dependable Strengths Reports.  They brought each draft to us with such pride – bursting to hear our feedback.  Trevor and I love to read these.  Reading them is like watching an inspiring movie where the writer is the heroine.  You somehow feel you know this person, in the space of one page.  These reports are as heart-warming as the women who wrote them.

Another re-occurring phenomenon we saw with this group was the degree of risk-taking – in their self-disclosures, in trying out new ways of thinking, and in making new contacts in an unconventional way.  There’s no going back once you’ve seen what’s on the other side.

It is a privilege for Trevor and I to witness the blossoming of self-esteem among our participants.  This is why we do this work.  This is why I brought Dependable Strengths to Canada.

Years ago, I was asked by a girlfriend of mine to donate some suits to Dress for Success. She had been the happy recipient of a suit and was impressed by the cause.  Though I donated, I didn’t fully understand what Dress for Success was all about.

I  experienced some very hard times myself when I was in my 20’s, having undergone a story all-too-similar to those of many DFS clients.  Those memories never leave a person, and hopefully make us better for the experience.

I learned more about DFS when I was working as an employment counsellor (we were a referring agency).  I was intrigued, and vowed that I’d one day get involved.  I recently began volunteering as a personal shopper and I absolutely love it!  It is so rewarding to witness the physical and emotional transformation of these inspiring women as they get that spark back when they look in the mirror.  It is key to be able to visualize yourself in the job you’re interviewing for.  When you feel good about yourself, you can’t hide it!  DFS gives women this much-needed self-esteem boost.

On February 26th, 27th, 28th and March 5th & 6th, Trevor and I will be doing a Dependable Strengths Articulation Process® Workshop for the Vancouver Chapter of Dress for Success.

Dress for Success is an amazing organization that I am thrilled to be associated with.   Here is what they are all about:

The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help our clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work.

Since 1997, Dress for Success has served almost 450,000 women around the world. Each year we reach more than 40,000 women in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

On her initial visit a woman receives a suit appropriate for the industry in which she is interviewing and, if available, accessories. After a woman finds a job she returns to Dress for Success for additional clothing that can be mixed and matched to make several outfits, providing her with the foundation for a professional wardrobe.

While we may be best known for providing suits to women, it is our employment retention programs that are the cornerstone of the organization. Soon after Dress for Success was founded we came to recognize that finding work is only one step in a woman’s journey towards economic independence; remaining employed and building a rewarding career are essential if a woman is to become self-sufficient.

If you want more information, please visit the Dress for Success Website.

Here’s information on the Vancouver Chapter.

Here’s what you can do to help:  Volunteer Donations

In my next post I’ll tell you about my experiences with Dress for Success.