We were lucky to catch up with Tory Keit recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tory, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Our program, Dad Vibes Crew at the Oasis Community Foundation, serves an often underserved community: fathers, particularly single dads. Our initiative, Dad Vibes Crew at the Oasis Community Foundation, specifically addresses the often overlooked needs of fathers, particularly single dads. Take the story of John, a single father juggling work and parenting. Like many in his situation, John felt isolated, with few avenues for support or guidance. When he joined Dad Vibes Crew, he discovered a lifeline—a community of fathers sharing similar struggles. Our program offers more than camaraderie; it provides essential resources, from financial advice to parenting tips, and partners with institutions like Allison Schools for educational opportunities. Through Dad Vibes Crew, we don’t just acknowledge fathers; we actively uplift them, reshaping the narrative of fatherhood and fostering a supportive environment where every dad, regardless of his circumstances, finds a network of support and empowerment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Tory Keit, the Chief Executive Officer of the Oasis Community Foundation. My journey into this role began with a vision shared by a few individuals, which led to the formation of our foundation in 2018 in Marietta. The Oasis Community Foundation is more than just an organization; it’s a testament to the power of collective effort and shared vision dedicated to realizing the potential of every individual within our community. My background is quite diverse. I am an American writer, artist, poet, and the author of “Letters Back Home.” My journey began with a passion for spoken word, allowing me to express the importance of love, life, and community through my poetry and other literary works. These experiences have shaped my leadership and community service approach, blending creativity with a solid commitment to social causes.
As the CEO, I oversee a team of volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds. All are united in our mission to support educational and community initiatives. We believe in making a lasting impact in our local community, and this is evident in the synergy between our devoted board, dynamic staff, dedicated volunteers, and the generosity of our partners and donors.
Our unwavering dedication to serving and uplifting the community sets us apart, mainly through initiatives like Dad Vibes Crew, which supports and empowers fathers, reshaping the narrative of fatherhood. I am most proud of the positive change we’ve been able to effect and the strong community bonds we’ve fostered.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, our work at the Oasis Community Foundation is driven by a profound belief in the potential of every individual and a commitment to nurturing that potential. Whether through our educational programs, community initiatives, or targeted projects like Dad Vibes Crew, our goal is always to create a more supportive, empowered, and connected society.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building our social media presence for the Oasis Community Foundation and initiatives like Dad Vibes Crew was a strategic and heartfelt process. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide that we followed, which can be helpful for those starting:

1. Identify Your Core Message: Start by clearly defining what your brand stands for. For us, it was about empowering fathers and building community support.
2. Know Your Audience: Understand who you’re speaking to. This helps in creating content that resonates. We focused on content that spoke directly to fathers and their experiences.
3. Create Engaging Content: Develop content that is both informative and relatable. Use real stories, tips, or insights that add value to your audience.
4. Engage with Your Audience: Interaction is vital. Respond to comments, participate in relevant discussions, and encourage your audience to share their stories. This fosters a sense of community.
5. Maintain consistency: Keep a consistent posting schedule. Consistency in your messaging and frequency keeps your audience engaged and helps build trust.
6. Use Visuals Effectively: Incorporate images, videos, and infographics. Visuals are more engaging and can help convey your message more effectively.
7. Analyze and Adapt: Regularly review your social media metrics to understand what is working and what isn’t. Then, be ready to adapt your strategy based on these insights.
8. Be Patient and Persistent: Building a social media presence takes time. Be patient and stay committed to your strategy.

This process, rooted in authenticity and engagement, has helped us grow our audience and build a connected and supportive online community. Remember, staying true to your brand’s essence and values while continually engaging with and learning from your audience is critical.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale, especially in a community-focused organization like the Oasis Community Foundation, requires empathy, clear communication, and shared vision. Here are some key strategies I’ve found effective:

1. Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Regular meetings, open-door policies, and transparent communication are vital.
2. Recognize and Appreciate Efforts: Acknowledge your team’s hard work and achievements. Recognition can be as simple as a thank-you note or as formal as an employee-of-the-month program.
3. Empower Your Team: Give team members autonomy and authority over their work. Empowerment boosts confidence and encourages initiative.
4. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage your team to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. This can include flexible working hours, mental health days, and supporting remote work when possible.
5. Invest in Team Development: Offer opportunities for professional growth, such as training sessions, workshops, or conferences. This not only improves skills but also shows your investment in their future.
6. Build a Shared Vision: Ensure every team member understands and connects with the organization’s goals and values. A shared vision creates a sense of purpose and belonging.
7. Encourage Team Bonding: Organize team-building activities or casual get-togethers. These can help build trust and improve collaboration.
8. Be a Supportive Leader: Lead by example and be approachable. Show empathy, listen actively, and offer support when needed.
9. Address Issues Promptly: Don’t let conflicts or problems linger. Address them as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating.
10. Celebrate Successes: Celebrate milestones and successes together. This can be as grand as a party or as simple as a team lunch.

Remember, a team that feels valued, heard, and connected will likely be motivated and maintain high morale. As a leader, your attitude and actions set the tone for the entire team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theoasiscommunity.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasiscommunityfoundation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOasisCommunityFoundation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oasis-community-foundation