February is tough. In "normal" times (anyone remember what "normal" felt like?), February is tough. As we approach a year of living with the pandemic, it's just that much more so. The holidays are behind us, the New Year's renewal/resolution spirit has evaporated, tax season is upon us and that blasted groundhog settled in for six more weeks of winter! As I write this message, the forecast is calling for a Winter Storm Warning with 3-6 inches of snow! Last month I shared that there are #betterdaysahead and while I still believe that to be true (have you noticed it's staying lighter, later?), February is tough.

All the more reason to lean into leadership and share your love of fellow leaders, mentors, classmates. We will make it to springtime together (and perhaps meetup for outside happy hour by the waterfront when we hit above 60 degrees?), but in the meantime, I invite you to consider the top five ways to #shareyourlove of Leadership and warm up the dreary month of February!

1. Call a LAA colleague and check-in: Whether you graduated from the first Flagship Class in 1994, the most recent NLA class in 2020, or anywhere in between, take a moment to reach out to one of your classmates and check-in. How have they fared in this year of unprecedented challenge? Are there initiatives you or we can amplify to help them in the coming year? A moment of connection will go a long way to warming up the weeks ahead. Click here to find your colleagues in the LAA Online Community.
2. Update your profile at leadershipaa.org: Did you know there's whole online community available to LAA graduates? Why not take a moment to take your place among fellow graduates - update your contact information, upload a photo, connect your social accounts and add volunteer activities and other additional information to your profile. Need help navigating the online resource? Join us for LAA101 or contact us today to make the most of the online community.
3. Like and share with us on Social: Have you liked us on Facebook? Do you follow us on Twitter? Are you with us on LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube? You certainly don't have to be everywhere we are, but if you find yourself on any of these social platforms, be sure to connect with us there and take a moment to #feelthelove for #community #leaders making a difference in Anne Arundel County. 
4. Upgrade to Annual or Lifetime Membership: LAA Membership supports Anne Arundel County's Leadership ecosystem - funding the NLA program to inspire, develop and connect our grassroots leaders, expanding Alumni Development events and creating new and innovative ways to serve our community leaders. If you are a graduate but not yet a member, you can upgrade to Annual Membership for less than $10/ month. Already a member? Never think of renewal again with an investment in Lifetime Membership. Click here to explore all of the options.
5. Make a Donation: Already with us for life? Consider making a tax deductible donation of any amount to the General Fund or the Flagship Scholarship Fund to enable more emerging leaders in Anne Arundel County to participate in upcoming Flagship and Neighborhood Leadership Academy classes! Click here for more information and to donate today.

Do you have other ideas for how to #showyourlove for Leadership this month? Share them in the comments below.

One thing is certain - whether you're trying to get through a year of pandemic or a dreary February, leaders need other leaders to inspire us, support us and cheer us on to lead another day! That's what LAA is all about! #inspire #develop #connect #uncommonaccess #uncommonconnections