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Colin Kirkman, Board Leadership Portfolio

Background:

I am originally from Atlanta, GA. After graduating from Grinnell College in Iowa with a BA in American Studies, I lived in Minneapolis, MN before returning to Atlanta in 2007. I have worked in direct service, training, and management roles in social service for over 20 years, with an emphasis on education, empowerment, and helping underserved populations. I am currently the Training Coordinator with CFI, a non-profit psychiatric rehabilitation center in downtown Atlanta. In addition to developing and conducting trainings for CFI, I have contracted with the state of Georgia to develop trainings for Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, and collaborated on statewide trainings in Psychiatric Rehabilitiation and recovery from mental illness. Other areas of regular practice include mission/vision/values clarification, facilitating focus groups, and offering Relapse Prevention classes for the greater metro area.

What attracted you to The Mountain?

As a life-long UU growing up in the Southeast, my family has been involved with The Mountain for most of my life. Despite great experiences here as a child and teenager, I had not been active at The Mountain for many years. When my parents re-connected with Mountain programs, Board work and volunteering, I gradually got re-involved. Having had the chance to go to camp with my mother, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to briefly overlap with my father as a Trustee and give something back to this community.

What would you like to accomplish in your Board role?

I value the warmth and community found at The Mountain, and want to help perpetuate the opportunity for all age groups to enjoy what The Mountain has to offer. It's wonderful to see the wide spectrum of groups that choose to spend meaningful time at The Mountain. I'd like to play a part in sustaining The Mountain's unique sense of place.

About your family:

I married Tony Carollo in February of 2009, and we live very happily in Midtown Atlanta. Tony is a personal chef who began his own business, Global Chef, after 17 years in the restaurant industry. We spend most of our time at home food gardening, volunteering, cooking, and entertaining friends.

What do you find most important in life?

It's been wonderful reconnecting with The Mountain. My UU youth experiences were a defining element in my life, and the UU Principles are very much a part of my orientation to the world. I think many of the catalysts for positive action in the world begin with authentic relationships, and The Mountain makes inclusive, participatory experiences available to everyone.