Paying It Forward: Nobody Volunteered
Charles R. Swindoll wrote “There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.”
His story’s title, “Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.” Of these, who answers your calls to volunteer?
Volunteers come in more than one skillset, some with multiples: talent, testimonial, time, and/or treasure. Testimony from volunteers is powerful. For me, the first “shoulder to the flywheel” for motion. Testimony inspires a board to get first missions underway with like-minded folks participating.
Seeing a peer inspires others to share their abilities, adding momentum to your nonprofit. Many programs in our community rely upon peers to mentor and better others. Calls to mind a flock of geese together, then trading the lead to break the wind for the flock.
Thoughts, tuned for nonprofits from “Seven lessons from a flock of birds,” sourced from blog.DickersonBakker.com/seven-lessons-from-a-flock-of-birds.
We can fly farther and more efficiently together than we can alone.
It’s important for everyone to be able to see where we are going.
It requires a great deal more effort and energy to fly alone than it does to fly together.
Everyone’s job is easier if we respect the formation.
Honking is helpful.
Keep flying tirelessly until you reach your destination..
Individual birds sometimes come and go from a flock, but if the flock itself becomes scattered and isn’t able to get back together, it will never reach its destination
Last weeks’ “Defining our Future” workshop facilitator was Steve Sosland. He is vice chancellor for leader & culture development for the Texas Tech University System.
As we discussed leadership analogies from flocks of migrating birds, Steve shared, “As one bird tires and drops to rest, another joins the tired bird as wingman for help and support.”
More about this amazing experience from Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens in the near future.
Parents, students need their sleep, so State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness show their educational preparation to be the Texas 2036 Bicentennial workforce.
Who Volunteered when you asked? Ask them by name.
Jack Browne is a community volunteer and retired tech sales and marketing executive who worked 40 years at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing? Visit his website at www.newcollarcoach.com.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Jack Browne: Paying It Forward: Nobody Volunteered
