Can We Talk? Announcing the 10,000 Conversations Initiative!

Have you heard? VNSNY just launched a new, enterprise-wide communications initiative, 10,000 Conversations: A Culture of Connection.

The goal is for every VNSNY employee to have at least two networking conversations with a colleague in another department by the end of this year. “Just two 15-minute conversations—that’s all it takes,” says Ted Traver, Direct Response Manager for VNSNY’s Development Department, who was part of the group that designed the initiative. “If everyone participates, we can achieve 10,000 conversations across VNSNY!”

By helping people learn about areas of VNSNY outside their own department, adds Ted, these conversations will bring the organization closer together and promote collaboration. For a tip sheet and information on how to find a conversation partner, visit this 10,000 Conversations information page on the VNSNY Intranet. The page includes a “10,000 Conversations Log” where you can track who you spoke with and share what you learned. Department supervisors can also help staff members set up conversations.

(To read about some networking conversations that have already taken place, click here.)

The original idea for 10,000 Conversations came from the 2018 graduates of VNSNY’s ACE Leadership Program, which includes staff members from all parts of the organization. “Our final group projects were all about improving communication between different parts of VNSNY,” recalls Shannon Whittington, Director of VNSNY’s Gender Affirmation Program and another member of the 2018 ACE class. “After we graduated from the program last June, we were determined to make our ideas a reality!”

To help spread the word about 10,000 Conversations, Shannon teamed with Class of 2019 ACE participant Amery Moultry and other ACE colleagues to make a music video about the initiative. To see the video, click on the link below. (That’s Shannon herself singing the 10,000 Conversations theme song!)