We all have different gifts, so we all have different ways of saying to the world who we are.
– Fred Rogers, American television host (1928-2003)

This ExchangeEveryDay is shared by Erin Glenn, Managing Editor of Exchange.

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to gather in person with some of my dear Exchange colleagues that I have worked with remotely for months or years. I knew it would be a great experience, but I underestimated the joy I’d find, simply being in their physical presence. I also remembered, powerfully, how working together in person can lend itself to ease, synergy, and flow. While we do our best in zoom meetings to create a space that invites authenticity and comfort, I found that the fact of being at the table together allowed us to generate ideas, dreams, conversations, and energy with a different strength and fullness. There is power in our physical presence together, sharing thoughts, ideas, challenges, and commitments. I was so inspired by my colleagues and delighted in the fun and also the depth of working together face-to-face. Hearing their voices more closely, seeing them talk, laugh, and listen to each other — seeing their faces in three dimensions — was uplifting to me. Planning and strategizing together was a joy.

While our time in person together will support our return to working remotely, Zoom fatigue is real, and it’s something to be aware of as we do our work. How can we support ourselves, as we work remotely? How can we make sure we are enjoying the spark of human connection in our work, no matter the place?

On behalf of the Exchange team, we look forward to sharing the productive fruits of our work with you, over the coming months. From community engagement to storytelling, from writing to playing, we are energized as we reach out to the wider Exchange community and beyond. There is so much good work being done, around tables everywhere. May we all have the opportunity — or MAKE the opportunity — to show up and be with people who will listen and laugh with us in person. And may we continue our good work at a distance, remembering our shared humanness and keeping it at the center of what we do.

With gratitude for the Exchange community past, present and future — and the vision and passion that carries us forward together in support of early care and education.