Sharing information about important issues has never been easier or more convenient. We like, we share, we tweet, we Instagram, we hashtag absolutely everything. (#guilty) I must admit that I love it. It is amazing to be able to spread awareness about issues near and dear to my heart with a simple click of the finger. I confess that I get a hit of dopamine with every like, share and comment. We love feedback and there is nothing wrong with that.
As information becomes easier to share, I have noticed that the time and energy spent taking action on these issues we share about diminishes. Outraged, we post, we take in the response, and then we scroll on by to the next shiny thing that catches our attention. (Again, #guilty so no finger-wagging here)
I started with the HBAWC last fall and have come to know our board of directors and committee members quite well. These are people in our community who have full-time careers and demands of families and other commitments. If anyone has an excuse not to sit on the board of a local non-profit, it is these people. Yet, they do. Not only do they show up at meetings and events, they donate hours upon hours of their time to help an event like the Home Show come together. They sit on scholarship committees and agonize over how we can best encourage trades-minded kids. They dutifully attend early Land Use Council meetings to help determine the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to use our land.
The time and effort a non-profit’s board puts in to make sure that the organization’s mission is carried out and that the community is served is not exciting. There is nothing sexy about calling a meeting to order or seconding a motion to approve last month’s minutes, but it’s necessary. I would like to take this opportunity to offer a heartfelt thank you to the board of directors of the HBAWC. Your community is better because you are here.
We all want to make the world better, but most of us don’t know where to start. We are constantly bombarded with inspirational stories of people doing big things, and that is wonderful. Whatever issue sparks your passion, I suggest that you start by finding a local non-profit and apply to sit on their board. Build your character by putting in the hours and doing the work that no one will likely ever post about or Instagram, or maybe even think to say thank you. Make those connections with others who are passionate enough about an issue to donate their time. I don’t promise it will be exciting, but it will be worth it.
