Mr. Rogers once shared that when he was a boy and saw frightening things on the news, his mother reminded him: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” As positive forces in our communities, these words carry special meaning when disaster strikes. Tornados, floods, wildfires, or mudslides remind us how important it is to come together as helpers. The platforms, networks, and connections we’ve built can make all the difference — and the best way to help is to be prepared.
Preparation means that once the smoke clears, we can act quickly to save lives, livelihoods, and property. While national agencies like FEMA and DHS have large-scale contingency plans, it’s equally vital to have plans tailored to Jackson and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re leading the charge, supporting however you can, or simply creating safe spaces, here are some resources to guide your plan of action:
Inspiration for Your Plan
Stay alert, stay informed, and know before you go.
Lead: Trained responder? Contact Teton County Emergency Management at 307-732-8200 or your local rescue unit.
Follow: Join CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) to assist under trained leadership.
Make Space: Not trained? Step back, let professionals work, and support in other ways:
Donate funds or supplies, or volunteer through VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).
Use community pages and social networks to spread updates about safe spaces, resources, or relief funds.
Most importantly, secure yourself and your family first. Once your needs are met, you’ll be in the best position to help others. Our community’s strength lies in compassion and connection — and together, we can be the helpers.
Are you a government entity or community non-profit that wants to get an emergency messaging plan in place before a disaster strikes?Contact Transcend Ideas to create a comprehensive plan that ensures your resources reach the community when it counts.
Winter is right around the corner, and we’re excited for the winter season in Grand Teton National Park and all of the recreation activities that will be available within the next month!
Living and working in a seasonal community as we do means a year-round array of activities. But even the most hardworking among us can experience burnout. Before marching into the next busy season, here are a few habits you can instill to combat stress:
Regularly practicing mindfulness can renew your sense of gratitude for all the good things in yourself and your life.
Engaging in low-impact, brief exercise can release the natural benefits of endorphins in both your mind and body. A bike ride on Teton Park Road, an Emily’s Pond walk with your dog, or a nice push up the King.
Taking time to laugh with those closest to you — it is the best medicine after all. Check out Laff Staff for a community venue locals love to laugh at.
It’s important to take time for ourselves. Self-care is healthcare; doing our best to keep our stressors low goes a long way in keeping us at our best. We get more energy, a stronger immune system, more empathy and patience. It makes us more reliant for whatever comes our way.
Take some time today to take care of yourself!
This seasonal swing doesn’t have to overwhelm your business, either. Before the busy summer season begins, letTranscend Ideas show you how your business can greet the broader summertime audience by amplifying your message and reach through creative, refreshed content.
Let’s be real, non-profits keep the sky from falling. They provide essential support to communities all over the country and worldwide. These organizations support causes that matter broadly, ranging from housing and food insecurity, domestic violence, animal welfare, child welfare, mental health advocacy, education, wildlife and land conservation, art, music, and many more. These public servants care about the community they serve. The Transcend Ideas team recognizes their important work and wanted to spotlight our personal favorite non-profits and why we support their efforts.
JoJo holds sustainability and environmental causes close to her heart. She recognizes this work seems more vital now than ever. One organization she deeply admires is the Teton Valley Community Recycling(TVCR), based in Teton Valley, Idaho. TVCR is a passionate advocate for waste diversion, recycling, and reuse efforts that directly benefit the local community. One of their most inspiring initiatives is Pierre’s Pedal Project, which gives discarded bikes a second chance. The team repairs and restores these bikes, offering them to community members at a low cost—or completely free for kids! It’s an incredible way to make biking more accessible while promoting reuse.
Another nonprofit she greatly respects is the Animal Adoption Center based in Jackson, WY. Their dedication to finding forever homes for animals is truly inspiring. Beyond adoptions, they also focus heavily on spay and neuter services, particularly in areas that don’t have easy access to pet care support. By providing these services at no cost, they help ensure that pet care is accessible to everyone.
Rachael shares where she feels most passionate about Teton Valley, ID, particularly because her grandpa helped build one of the main bridges in Ashton, Idaho years ago and she loves everything supporting the surrounding Yellowstone/Grand Teton region. The Education Foundation of Teton Valleyis a big priority for her, especially in small communities, and directing critical funds where most needed in school districts.
Friends of the Valley of the Tetons Library is another local Teton Valley organization that stands out, with Rachael’s experience working at North Logan Community Library in Logan, UT for seven years. Working there opened up how she saw the world in a whole new way. Thanks to libraries everywhere that open our hearts and minds through literacy.
Lastly, Rachael used to play the violin, guitar, and piano. Teton Valley Chamber Music Festival is another organization she feels strongly as she believes early music education is a strong indicator of future success.
Brennan cares deeply about Hole Food Rescue. Their efforts in the Jackson Hole community simultaneously reduce local food waste and help cultivate greater food security in Teton County. After volunteering with the organization for several years, she witnessed firsthand just how much food was diverted from landfills and how many people were positively impacted by having access to more healthy food for their families. Brennan finds their mission incredibly inspirational because it directly improves the environmental, economic, and social well-being of our community.
Heather wears her heart on her sleeve and loves to support the community she serves in her local region within Teton Valley, ID, and Jackson, WY. She’s lived in this area for the past 15 years and with so many deep roots in the non-profit sector, she’s driven to help support nonprofits. Teton Arts tugs on her heartstrings. With art being a prominent part of her life, creating art has always helped ground her life’s journey and her 7.5 year old son also loves making art. Teton Arts’ mission is to make art education accessible, affordable, and fun for the entire community.
Another cause Heather greatly admires is Dog is My Copilotbased in Jackson, WY. This organization has transported, rescued, and housed 1,000 dogs nationwide per month. Dr. Peter Rork started this organization after the tragic and sudden passing of his wife in 2012. Peter needed a purpose and teamed up with Judy Zimet, combining their passions as animal lovers and Peter’s passion for flying, and the organization was born.
Sandy Hook Promise is an organization that dedicates itself to educating and empowering youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. This organization began in direct response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut mass shooting taking the lives of twenty children and six adults.
How Transcend Ideas supports non-profits
Transcend Ideas’s passion for non-profits extends into the marketing we provide, as a majority of our clients are non-profit organizations. We understand the formula for storytelling, cultivating community, and inspiring partnerships and donations to support their work. We happily offer a non-profit discount for our work and donate to organizations that our team cares about. Are you with a non-profit organization or business that could use some help with your marketing and branding? Let’s get coffee and discuss your how we can help amplify your meaningful message.
Join this free in-person workshop, we hope you’ll find it informative and an inspiring discussion. Heather will share helpful storytelling tips and available resources that you can use now as you prepare to inspire, engage, and motivate donors to actively participate in the Giving Period ahead of the Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s 18th Annual Tin Cup Challenge.
“Now more than ever, our non-profits need our support… there is an evident shift in funding priorities and spending hesitancy is on the rise. Despite the hurdles of today’s economic climate, there is a surge of energy surrounding the support of non-profit organizations that impact the community. I’m delighted to be a part of this philanthropic energy ahead of this year’s Tin Cup Challenge and can’t wait to ignite more with attendees of the Pocket Talk: “From Connections to Contributions on May 7th!”
Heather DeVine
Build Connection with Community
Nonprofits should consider the following when building a connection with community members and donors:
Authentic approach to storytelling with supportive graphics and videos to keep it dynamic and expand your reach
Identify your theme to wrap your “ask” around (ie. anniversary, impact/program focus, expansion)
State your case – tell the donors what/whom you are impacting and why it’s important
Set specific fundraising goals & give them voice to your donors
Identify donors: ask for an increase in the amount they donated last year
Pledge card – commitment made, making it tangible and real for both the org and the donor
Offer donation increments that will impact your org and the community
Highlight the important programs these non-profits do (maybe the ones that are not as well known, or at the forefront of the org). These could be small and simple.
Some examples include:
Hole Food Rescue (HFR) in partnership with Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling (ISWR): during the Tuesday Food for the Community Event at the Grove, put on by HFR, ISWR provides free residential composting for anyone who brings their food waste to the event. It’s a small but really cool way that 2 orgs come together to help with food distribution and food waste in the community. I also don’t know if a ton of people know about this.
The Animal Adoption Center (AAC): Highlighting the Spay and Neuter events that they do in nearby Reservation communities. Yes, they adopt out cats and dogs, but they’re also helping the bigger picture by providing necessary care to communities that do not have access to such things readily available.
Teton Valley Community Recycling (TVCR): I feel a lot of people in the community know about Pierre’s Pedal Project (PPP), but they may not know that kids can go in and get free bikes, or that adults can buy bikes for cheap- creating a sustainable way to commute to work or just an affordable and accessible way to get outside.
Be strategic with your messaging – use multiple platforms, outlets to share your story (e.g. social media, newsletter, mailer, direct email, formalize letter, paid advertising, peer-to-peer campaigns – a personalized ask, yard signs)
“It really comes down to how we work together to support local nonprofits in our community. Year after year, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley works with local businesses, individuals, and volunteers, developing and nurturing a culture of giving that empowers local nonprofits that provide critical services to the people in the valley. Now more than ever, our non-profits need our support. With this new administration, there is an evident shift in funding priorities and spending hesitancy is on the rise.” Heather adds, “Despite the hurdles of today’s economic climate, there is a surge of energy surrounding the support of non-profit organizations that impact the community. I’m delighted to be a part of this philanthropic energy ahead of this year’s Tin Cup Challenge and can’t wait to ignite more with attendees of the Pocket Talk: “From Connections to Contributions on May 7th!”
I knew Empathy was a trait that helped better more relationships in all aspects of life. I’ve seen the difference it makes in mine. When the pandemic hit in 2020-21 I felt disconnection and I needed a periodic check-in with my team. A “how are you?” rather than diving right into work stuff became critical. I personally wanted my colleagues to care about me as I cared for them and their well-being.
Forbes recognizes the positive impact of empathy on innovation and retention. Studies show that empathetic leaders create engaged and productive teams. By considering others’ thoughts and feelings, leaders can connect on a deeper level, foster trust, and inspire empathy in return. This leads to a more compassionate and successful work environment.
“Leaders don’t have to be experts in mental health in order to demonstrate they care and are paying attention. It’s enough to check in, ask questions and take cues from the employee about how much they want to share.”
Stress is a pervasive state and data suggests it is an affect by the pandemic and the ways our lives have been turned upside down.*
Empathy by the Numbers
42% of people have experienced a decline in mental health
67% of people are experiencing increases in stress while 57% have increased anxiety, and 54% are emotionally exhausted, 53% of people are sad, 50% are irritable, 28% are having trouble concentrating, 20% are taking longer to finish tasks, 15% are having trouble thinking and 20% are challenging to juggle their responsibilities
61% of employees reported with empathy leaders were able to be innovative, compared to 13% of employees with less empathic leaders
76% of people who experienced empathy from their leaders reported they were engaged, compared to 32% who experienced less empathy
57% of white women and 62% of women of color said they were unlikely to think of leaving their companies when they felt their life circumstances were respected and valued by their companies
As a leader in the community I know how important it is to engage in empathy. From the receiving end it feels good to be seen and heard. On a Board of Directors we engage in similar behavior with a check-in before we begin to discuss anything on the agenda. If any of us are feeling low or drained, the camera doesn’t need to be on when we meet virtually and if they need to leave early we honor that with understanding and compassion for one another.
I’m a cheerleader for empathy marketing. When we engage with our audience in a way that they need and want, you are likely to be more engaged with us.
It’s clear that empathy should be a trait intertwined with leadership. It starts with caring about your team, and your community.
Cognitive empathy – Consider someone elses’ thoughts (“If I were in his/her position, what would I be thinking right now?”)
Emotional empathy – Consider someone elses’ feelings (“Being in his/her position would make me feel ___”)
Empathy is the most important leadership skill because it enables leaders to connect with their team members on a deeper level. Strong leaders understand and share the feelings and perspectives of their employees. They can make more informed decisions and create a supportive work environment. By demonstrating empathy, leaders foster trust, enhance collaboration, and inspire loyalty among their team. Ultimately, this drives higher levels of productivity and success.
Empathy fosters more empathy.
Transcend Ideas provides marketing and branding for businesses and nonprofits nationwide. Located in the Tetons in Jackson, WY / Victor, ID area.
