Grassroots? Organic? What? - Message From the 3.12 Link

Have you wondered what I’ve been talking about when I say things like, “grassroots" or “organic" when I write about NeighborLink? I hope to explain a little bit about it today.

Those two words can be confusing when relating them to an organization but they are a strong part of any organization, or could be. Here are Wikipedia’s definitions of both.

Grassroots: A grassroots movement is one driven by the constituents of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it is natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures.

Organic: One which is flexible and has a flat structure. Grows naturally

Well, we’re not a political organization nor are we growing any food which can be commonly held for either business subscribing to these terms, but both of these terms describe NeighborLink really well.

We are a grassroots organization because we’re made up of a community of people that associate with NL because we all choose to either contribute to it or complete tasks for it. Some give projects and some take projects. This all happens with very little effort and very little resources. Just solid and clear communications and easy access.

This also describes us as being “organic." We can’t get much flatter because we only have one employee and we have very, very few barriers to participate. Those being access to the internet, and that’s about it. We’re also organic because our growth only comes through those who know about NL and tell their network of relationships. Word of mouth at it’s best. We also only grow as people choose to interact with our organization.

Why am I telling you about this? Why does it matter to you? It matters because I want you to know that the organization is all about YOU. It’s all about you and me responding to the call to be obedient to that calling inside of each of us that is pushing us to respond to the needs of people around us. For some of us, it’s the Holy Spirit of God calling us to be obedient to His teachings and for others it’s that feeling inside of you that lets you know when things aren’t quite right and you feel responsible to participate in making it right.

Knowing these terms is also important because we need you. We need you to talk about NL, serve with us, participate with us, and help us grow.

Being grassroots and organic allows each of us to offer up just a little bit of our resources to accomplish great things. Someone offers the seeds, some the water, some tend to it, and some get the fruits. One thing is true, we’ll all take turns in the growth cycle of the organization.

There are exciting things going right now and I’m ready for Spring. Thanks for being friends with me at NeighborLink.

Andrew
Your “Courageous" Director