4.9 Message from "The Link" - You Play a Role
You Play a Role in this community, your neighborhood, your church, your household, your work place, etc.
Yeah, I know you know that. Not a new concept.
I was appointed leader of 1 of 3 committees of various social service and non-profit leaders yesterday whose task has been to improve the meeting of basic needs, improving delivery of service, and improving the communication landscape in which we all communicate to each other and to clients/recipients. I am leading the “basic needs" group.
I’m honored and fired up about taking charge of this group and coming up with a strategy that meets a need that isn’t being met or strengthening the structures of the basic needs delivery. I feel really inadequately skilled or experienced to lead this group but I hope the right people come to the table.
I didn’t ask to be leader. I was actually appointed based on my work with NeighborLink. The fact is, NeighborLink is exposed to any kind of need. Need is determined based on what each individual feels they need at any given time. It’s all regulated by our volunteers and coaches who step into the needs they feel are able to be met and are the most pressing.
I tell you this story because I have a role to play whether I want to play it or not. I know I talk an awful lot about how important it is for us all to be courageous and bold in our outward action towards our community, but it’s true.
I truly believe that all basic needs, (food, shelter, transportation), can be met at any given time if we all play our role. I also believe that playing that role everyday, all day, isn’t necessary. If we all pitched in to assist one person with the resources we have at any given time, the pressure on social services would be reduced.
Could you spare food from your fridge/cupboards on any given week to a neighbor? How about sweeping the curb of your neighbor to your left and to your right when you do your own? It’s the little things and the small efforts that when combined make the biggest change.
But, you all know that. Consider this an encouragement. A big thank you to all you leaders and ordinary people out there that take a step out of yourselves everyday to do things like this. Continue that compassion and generosity to others.
You are changing lives.
Andrew
Your “Courageous" Director
