Volunteer to Grow

What is not obvious is the growth that comes from being a volunteer.

Got a nice compliment from a friend after our 7^th annual Chilifest. Was tired and cleanup was wrapping, so time to go. Paul said he really appreciated how I volunteer because I do so much.

Admit being a little embarrassed in front of the other volunteers. What I did that night was not that important. Helped set up tables, got people registered and to their table, made coffee, carried things, got ice and cooked hot dogs for the kids. Nothing other people don’t do.

Dawns later, was important talking with contestants, guests, kids and volunteers to make sure everyone had a good time. Probably what stood out.

Been volunteering for a long time. Giving blood, helping organize, grunt work, picking up trash, taking money, making name tags, inviting speakers, introducing people, and making (small) donations. Not special.

However have grown from young self-centered to thinking about others. Have gone from doing it myself to being part of a community. Went from shy to social. Met great people and continue to meet community & business leaders. Even considered a leader by others. Not intentional, just happened.

How to do it? Just show up, and be willing to do something. Am willing to wash dishes or serve anyone. Act like a host/hostess. Do something you haven’t done before. Be awkward. Let someone show you. Kids can be the best teachers.

Volunteers are not experts and don’t do this everyday. Nor do the people being helped expect perfection. We joke about things being messed up, because you get the help you pay for.

The best thing is not to do something and then leave. The most important thing you can do is meet people and let them know you care. Growth comes from caring.

"Embrace fear, insecurity and uncertainty as the doorways of opportunity that they are." 

- Jenny Blake, author “Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One”

All Lives Matter

It has been a rough week. None of these make sense. Take a deep breathe:

Philando Castile should not have died in Minnesota. A man announcing he has a permit is unlikely ever to threaten a police officer with his gun. To get a permit he has to prove his law-abiding status. Why was the officer so afraid? All because a light was burnt out?

Alton Sterling was selling home made CDs outside a store where he had been selling for years. There was a complaint about him. Why would a unlicensed business be penalized more than a fine? The most he should have gotten was a ticket. Not two police wrestling him to the ground and then shooting him. He did not deserve to die.

The Dallas police were there to protect a peaceful protest. How did a lone shooter choose to kill 5, wound 7 others plus 2 civilians? He did not surrender and wanted to die fighting the police to kill more. Why Dallas police officers? 

The Dallas police have an enviable record of community policing, deescalating situations, training officers, and crime rates Chicago and Washington DC would be jealous of in a vibrant international city. They did not deserve to die.

Lets not forget the most killings this week: Suicides take twice as many lives than all other gun incidents combined.

Nor let us forget the homeless people attacked and killed in San Diego while they slept.

Banning guns will not stop crime nor suicides. If anything crime rates go up. Dallas has a high number of permit holders, and the crime rate has gone down in the years since the law was changed to allow anyone with a clean record who takes safety training a permit. 

What we need to remember is most people are good. We count on our police to deal with difficult people, drunk or high, the mentally ill, and normal civilians. Bad cops exist like bad people exist in any organization. But by and large most people should be treated with respect.

We have to become We again. You may have different views, vote for different candidates, go to different churches or no church, have different ethnicities, grew up in other countries, dress different, or like different music. Under the skin we are all people who bleed the same, hurt when we lose loved ones, and love our children.

Greet your neighbors and strangers on the street. Show respect and care. It is time to make communities, not enemies. It starts with us.

Authentic and Care

 

Politicians are struggling understanding this year’s election. Why are Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders so popular? Current/former governors, senators and party leaders are struggling with revolts against the party. Why are Donald and Bernie leading polls and party insiders?

Tucker Carlson explains Donald Trumps attraction in a poignant funny article “Donald Trump is Shocking, Vulgar and Right”.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/01/donald-trump-is-shocking-vulgar-and-right-213572?paginate=false#superLatest

Tucker’s point is the political establishment is busy being correct in what they say , and we know what is good for you. But who is looking out for us, the average voters?

Donald and Bernie are authentic people shaking up politics as usual. It is not having the correct political position for the group you are visiting. Donald and Bernie care about being great together. Note Governor Jesse Ventura did this successfully in Minnesota.

What does this mean for your business? Market and advertise your company not as professional businesses that are smarter. Be a real people who are looking out for your customer. People buy from friends. They can tell if you care.

Have worked in manufacturing engineering successfully because people can tell am not out there to blame people for the problem. Am there to help fix what is wrong. Provide tools, documents and training as required.

The result is people tell me the truth what they see, and work with me to make their work better.

So are what are you selling for your business? Low prices? Better product? Professional services? Instead show you care.