At No Barriers, we talk a lot about Rope Teams. It is a metaphor that connects the way that climbers travel across glaciated terrain and up a mountain to the importance of the people that we surround ourselves with, not just on an adventure, but especially through the goals and challenges of our daily lives.
Inspired by transformational experiences in the mountains, No Barriers employs the Rope Team concept in its many Veteran, Caregiver, and Youth programs by encouraging participants to surround themselves with folks who are committed to supporting their journey towards living a No Barriers Life.
This video I’m sharing today is from our 2022 No Barriers Summit. My friend Melissa Simpson joined me on the main stage, stood up from her wheelchair, gripped her walker, and with one foot in front of the other, strode courageously across the platform to fulfill her 2022 No Barriers Pledge, “to walk.”
The auditorium roared with cheers from friends and strangers. It was a beautiful expression of what ‘No Barriers’ means and a milestone in her journey to live more independently with cerebral palsy. It was a Reach for Melissa and at the same time, a testament to the power of the Rope Teams who helped her work up to this point.
As a part of Melissa’s Rope Team, I’ve helped her climb mountains in her GRIT Freedom Chair and heard so many of her amazing stories about traveling to film festivals nationwide to screen From My Window, an award-winning documentary of which she is the star. Now, she is also is member of her local gym, volunteers at a sports med clinic, and has even become a No Barriers Ambassador – returning to us her gift to give to others. She is a force and I feel blessed to continue to “see” her ascend so high from where she started.
Who Will Help You?
We like to think that we can do it all on our own and few things in life are as difficult as recognizing the need for others and also putting in the work it takes to find and develop the people around you.
It takes real courage as you entrust others with your Vision. There is a vulnerability in sharing your dreams and aspirations and even more so the values you choose to project into the world. So, this holiday season, I hope that you can take some time to think about living by your values and not just your objectives. Take heart in sharing with others and remember that the first step in building your Rope Team is being a good teammate!
Colorado Gives Day
Built with Universal Accessible Design, the campus offers creative learning experiences that empower youth, caregivers, Veterans, and individuals with seen and unseen challenges to become their best selves by offering a roadmap that helps participants break through barriers, shift mindsets, and give back to the community. It is a one-of-a-kind, one-step-away-from-wilderness camp and with your support more folks can enjoy it in 2023 and beyond.
Campus Company Volunteer Days
Is your company interested in volunteering with No Barriers in 2023? Check out this example of a volunteer day on campus and contact info@nobarrierusa.org to get going today.
Shop to Give
Make the most of your holiday shopping with AmazonSmile.
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support No Barriers USA every time you shop, and it’s free to use. Visit smile.amazon.com or activate it in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones.
When you shop with AmazonSmile, you will find the exact same selection, prices, and shopping experience as on Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to No Barriers. Just search for No Barriers USA when selecting your charitable organization. We also have a No Barriers wish list for the Mountain Campus.
More Ways to Support
There are several simple ways to give to No Barriers:
- TEXT NoBarriersUSA to 41444
- Click here to donate securely online
- Matching Gifts double (2x) your impact
- Donate stock and lower your capital gains
- Donor advised funds get immediate tax breaks
Thank you and keep reaching,
Erik
