Dear Up with People Community,
Up with People has been part of my life for a long time. I first experienced it as a student (cast 87B) and later as a road staff member, and in every role, it shaped how I see the world and the people in it. When I think about Up with People, I don’t just think about where we went. I think about the people we met, the connections we formed, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Those experiences stayed with me. The friendships, the music, the shared challenges, and the moments when people from very different backgrounds came together with openness and care showed me what is possible when people lead with intention and empathy. Those lessons shaped who I am and still guide how I see the world today.
That spirit is exactly why the Up with People Foundation matters so much today. We are living in a time that can feel divided and uncertain, and many people are longing for connection and belonging. The Foundation exists to keep the UWP spirit alive and to support people and projects around the world that bring communities together and uplift one another.
As I step into the role of Chair of the Board, my focus in the near term is on building a strong and thoughtful foundation. That means continuing to put the right structures and committees in place and creating the solid ground we need to grow sustainably. At its heart, the Foundation is both a fundraising and fundgiving organization. Our role is to raise resources with care and intention and to thoughtfully direct those funds to projects that reflect the values of Up with People. Building a strong strategy allows us to be responsive and responsible, and ensures that the support we provide is meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with our mission.
To me, success means supporting real projects around the world while strengthening connections rooted in shared values. It is a growing web of care and collaboration that reflects what Up with People has always stood for.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Tim Andersen, our previous Chair. Under his leadership, the Foundation was formed, important changes were navigated, and a strong vision for the future took shape. His dedication, care, and steady guidance have been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today, and I am thankful for the path he helped lay.
I am honored to take on this role and to help carry the mission and spirit of Up with People forward. Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to believe in the power of people coming together.
With gratitude,
Terry Cekola
Chair of the Board, Up with People Foundation