Friday, October 23, 2020
The City Club 2020 Annual Report
There’s probably no word we’ve used more often lately than resilience. In 2019 and the beginning of 2020, we’d use that word in conversation about our democracy and our economy. Resilience would come up again and again in forums about education and children’s health, as well as government institutions. But by April, when we spoke of resilience,we were speaking of what it will take to get through the pandemic, the economic shutdown, the disruption to our lives and everything that followed.
This year, we learned just how much resilience we have—as individuals, as a community, and as an institution still resolutely devoted to our mission to create conversations of consequence that help democracy thrive.
You showed your resilience by joining us online for virtual forums, learning this new mode of engagement alongside us, showing up for forums again and again, and, importantly, supporting us in our most successful spring fundraising effort ever.
Of course, there was a time before all of that. When we heard from White House aide and former Clevelander Ja’Ron Smith about Opportunity Zones, or when Senator Sherrod Brown was interviewed by his wife Connie Schultz about his book, Desk 88. Or when we gathered on Public Square or at the Happy Dog or for the State of the Schools or in Fairfax for a Ride and Learn session. It was those conversations − and so many forums like them − that strengthened those “bonds of affection” that have sustained us through this time.
As we look back and look ahead, we do so knowing we are resilient. Through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and every economic, social, and political disruption that shaped the last one hundred years, we’ve been here, thanks to you.
In our creed, we talk about being “a product of the people, a cross section of their community—weak as they are weak, and strong in their strength.” After this year, we know the meaning of that line more deeply than ever before. We are not just strong in your strength; we are resilient in your resilience.
With gratitude,
Dan Moulthrop, CEO
Robyn Minter Smyers, President, Board of Directors
View the 2020 Annual Report here.
Watch the 2020 Annual Meeting here:
