A culture of YES, AND
A culture of YES, AND rather than YES, BUT - 4FIVE + Athlete Collective One Year On…
By Deb Kempe, 4Five+ President
Just a little over a year ago, the 4FIVE+ Athlete Collective was formed, initially in response to a pair of 45 + femmes seeking to own their “athletic age”, and flourish in their “athletic space”.
Others too were thinking and feeling similarly. The pandemic, the stories of navigating life changes, of still performing and wanting to continue to perform, of wanting to learn, collaborate and inspire others to do the same. A group of women who were challenging what it was to age and perform, and who had a desire to promote learning, connections, social, and sporting opportunities for others.
The vehicle to do this: the bike. Road, CX, MTB, TT, eBIKE.
On the surface, 4F appeared to be a small, female cycling club. Maybe a fair assumption initially, but surprisingly - even to us - it has become much more.
A committee was formed, ideas were shared, Facebook and INSTA were alight, logos created, KIT designed and bought, events were entered, social rides ridden where the conversations were rich and deep, podcasts subscribed to, workshops shared, bank accounts opened, not-for-profit status established, research opportunities pursued, grants applied for and won. Membership grew along with Facebook followers, an inaugural 45 + ToMR team formed and successfully competed, a series of successful collaborations with both corporates and clubs. And yet, it was the positive feedback from our members and friends that was all we needed to “keep her lit”.
A ‘YES, AND” rather than a “YES, BUT” culture characterizes our discussions, and continues to be our “vibe”. It enables us to promote, support, and inspire the health and fitness of our target demographic, as well as our 4F supporters and friends.
Sam Bolton, “I want to introduce women to the Track” Yes And…
Jodi Earnshaw, “I’ve got a great contact for a presenter on Nutrition for Women” Yes And…
Vanessa Johnson “I want to hold a women’s only Crit race and provide a Crèche” Yes And…
Sarah Hunter “A supported ride and a workshop for SEvEn” Yes AND…
“Unconditional acceptance is not the same as unequivocal agreement. There is still room left for healthy, respectful contention.”
“Yes, And” is a philosophy that allows people, ideas, collaborations and groups to FLOURISH. We hope to continue to do just that.
“Hell, yeah!”
Pics: Mark Uzii, Vanessa Johnson, Kate Godde
For a ride down memory lane, check out the wonderful pictures and videos on INSTA
