I am a nonfiction book lover. One of my favorite recent reads was Monica Guzman’s book “I Never Thought of It That Way.” The reason I love this book is because it challenges us all to just take a moment to pause and think the very vulnerable thought that you might not be 100 percent right about everything (or anything). 

And when we formulate an opinion about something, it’s usually a snap judgment based on the information we have at the moment. Humans spend a lot of time thinking that we’re right, but what if there were more than one way of being right? Or maybe being right is not as important as connecting with others and taking the time to actually understand someone else, even if you didn’t agree with them? 

Thinking about the world in terms of “yes, and” is a mindset and one that can be cultivated, learned and practiced. It leaves room for the opportunity to acknowledge agreement on something and build on that agreement. It leaves a door open to the fact that two people can be right at the same time. 

“Yes, and” is actually a very popular game in the world of improv as well. Why? Because it keeps the conversation going. It keeps a connection going. It opens doors to participation in the interaction. 

One “Yes, and” conversation happening in the community foundation realm has been around the question of “Are community foundations donor-centered, or community-centered?” The answer really is “Yes, and.” It has to be. 

The work of community foundations is to be in the middle between donors and the community to ensure that charitable gifts are maximized using the investment market, and then those dollars are contributed into the community in impactful and meaningful ways. We have to focus on the donors’ interests, intent and relationships, while simultaneously being of and for the community. We need to keep our doors open to both donors and the community to fulfill our mission. 

So, the next time that you’re in conversation with someone and you don’t really agree with them fully (the holidays are approaching, people!), try to find a point of agreement and say, “yes, and,” and add to that conversation. See where it takes you. 

For more information about the Wayne County Community Foundation, visit www.waynefoundation.org.

Ryanne Jennings is the president/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation in Wayne County, PA.