☀️ July News from Proud Coaching + Consulting
What Summer is Teaching Me About Community
Summer is in full swing here in New Mexico—blue skies, cool mornings, and that familiar high desert heat.
This Fourth of July, I spent the week at Ghost Ranch Family Week with nearly 50 families of all kinds. Together, we hiked, had art and outdoor adventures, shared meals, and ‘alloparented’ a joyful (and increasingly feral!) group of 100 kids.
In a time when so many of us feel isolated or divided, experiences like this feel especially precious. It reminded me just how rare—and vital—it is to gather with intention, to build community not through grand gestures but through daily connection, shared care, and laughter.
🤝 The Power of Collaboration
This month, I’ve had the privilege of working with two inspiring community networks. One is a local group of Santa Fe based community educators revisiting their shared goals; the other, a grassroots coalition of early childhood development providers here in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.
What struck me most was their willingness to step beyond individual agendas and into a space of shared service. True collaboration requires courage, clarity, and care—and these groups modeled all three.
If you’re part of a collaborative space or thinking of building one, here are a few practices I see working well:
Top Tips for Meaningful Collaboration
1. Align on Purpose Early
Co-create a shared vision—not just shared tasks—to build unity from the start.
2. Clarify Roles and Power
Be clear about responsibilities and decision-making. Name power dynamics and redistribute where possible.
3. Center Community Voice
Engage community members as co-creators, not just beneficiaries.
4. Prioritize Trust and Relationships
Time together matters. Shared meals and check-ins build the foundation collaboration needs.
5. Reflect and Adapt Together
Pause often. Ask what’s working, what’s stuck, and what needs to shift.
🤝 Updates from Proud Coaching + Consulting
Proud Coaching + Consulting is open for new clients, here in New Mexico and internationally. How can we help you this summer season? We offer:
- Executive and leadership coaching
- Meeting and retreat facilitation
- Team coaching
- Strategic Planning
- Team building, retreat and off-sites at Ghost Ranch and other locations
We’d love to hear from you – reach out on email (ashley@proudconsulting.net) or set up a consultation directly: https://calendly.com/proudcoachingandconsulting/proud-coaching-and-consulting-45-minute-consultation
Wishing you moments of connection, collaboration, and clarity this season.
Warmly,
Ashley
Proud Coaching + Consulting