HELLO!

I am not one to dwell on the past, excepting in cases where what I learned about myself or others reveals something useful for the present or future. This morning I was recalling a sobering moment, when I realized what motived and sustained me as a volunteer and at the same time, what caused me to wonder if it was time to reconsider my efforts and find another cause/organization to support. Decades ago, I was approached by a community leader and asked to do two things; 1) to serve on the Board of his preferred charity and 2) to volunteer on Saturday mornings, picking up donations from around the community. I could see this man was dedicated, passionate, and was doing everything he could to support this cause. I felt I could do my small part to help.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer and as a Board member for this organization. I could see the difference we were making in the community. I liked the staff members on the front lines engaging with persons in need and I felt the Board and the volunteers, very different people, were all pulling in the same direction. The latter point deserves more comment. I enjoy being part of organizations where the community is diverse, in backgrounds, philosophy and abilities. And yet, there is a common goal, which is service to a cause. I felt it in this organization.

Because of the fundraising by the community leader who inspired me and asked me to join this organization, there was a tidy surplus in the budget. What to do with it? The Board wanted to improve the quality of service, and what we were offering to the community. The staff wanted a new location. There was discussion. At one meeting a staff member, who had previously praised me as “a great volunteer” (another reason why I don’t accept compliments) lost their temper and began shouting, “You don’t understand all that we do, you owe it to us to build us something new.”

I should add that in various roles, as a volunteer, as a Board member, as a staff person, I do not need, I do not like, compliments or praise. I do praise others, but note how and why I do this, in aid of reinforcing the mission, the purpose of our work. If I praise person A for living out our mission, it makes them feel affirmed, but it also reminds the community why we do what we do. I also don’t need to “get my way”, I am perfectly happy to make my point, listen to others, and continue in service, despite things not going the way I had hoped. BUT…I do not like to be yelled at. And I do not like it when decisions are made, not about how best to live out our mission (there can be differences on how to do this) but rather for “our” benefit. When an organization becomes a closed club, where “membership has its privileges” I awaken to the reality I may need to “move on”. After that meeting, I went for a long walk and prayed. Did I feel like I was still, “making a difference”? My term of Board membership was due to expire next month. I told the chair I would not be reoffering, and I gave notice I would not be volunteering into the fall. I will say the community leader remained, continued to work hard for that organization. I deeply respected him and his commitment to continue.

Kim and I drove past one of the places I visited every Saturday as a volunteer. I really enjoyed my times there as a volunteer and as a Board member. I look back with nothing but satisfaction and gratitude. No resentment or ill will, in fact I never followed up on how that organization evolved. When I am disappointed, or when I am deeply satisfied, I try to bring my best to the work I offer. All that I ask, of myself and others, is that “we make a difference”. Peace, Kevin