Hey Neighbor Team Looks Ahead at Thrivent’s Strategic Planning Retreat

Last month, the Hey Neighbor team spent the day at Thrivent’s “Looking Back to Look Forward” workshop, a guided planning and reflection session for mission-driven organizations. The experience offered intentional space to pause, step back from the busyness of day-to-day work, and thoughtfully consider where we have been and where we are headed.

With Thrivent facilitators leading the conversation, our team explored how each of our personal stories shapes our leadership, the relationships we build, and the way we show up in community. We reflected on meaningful moments from this past year, celebrated successes, and identified the values and motivations that fuel our work. The day also gave us time to reconnect with one another as humans, which is just as important to strong organizational leadership as any strategic planning tool.

From there, we looked ahead. Together, we envisioned what is possible for Hey Neighbor in the coming year and set priorities that support growth, clarity, and alignment. The day left all of us feeling more energized, more focused, and more connected to our mission of inspiring neighbors to create vibrant communities.

We are grateful to the Rocky Mountain Thrivent Member Network for offering this space. Strategic planning often moves too quickly, focused on tasks and timelines. This workshop reminded us that the most meaningful plans begin with reflection, shared understanding, and trust.

We came away with renewed motivation and a clearer path for moving forward. Our team is excited to bring this momentum into the months ahead and continue building stronger, more connected neighborhoods across Colorado Springs.