Sunday, March 28, 2010
Examine Your Eyesight
Take your focus off of how others see you... what other's think is not important, the only thing important is whether you can live with your actions, with your decisions, with the man/woman in the mirror...
Cease being obsessed with the need to impress your friends and foes... they're not really impressed with you anyway... don't you see, you're just a source of entertainment for them... good or bad it gives them something to talk about...
Keep your concern on the vision you see in the mirror.... don't stop doing what you need to do, what you know you have to do in order to get to where you want to be. If others start talking trash to discourage you from being what you were meant to be... use it as a catalyst to make you work harder to reach it. Don't stop because other people are afraid to go for it... this is your dream, your destiny, only you can live it...
Don't allow the approval of others to obstruct your view of you... no approval necessary... the Most High endowed you will all the gifts, talents, and skills you need to reach your potential... but He also gave you free will. It's up to you to reach that potential, you have your seal of approval from Him... no one else's is needed or necessary...
So I ask you: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Cease being obsessed with the need to impress your friends and foes... they're not really impressed with you anyway... don't you see, you're just a source of entertainment for them... good or bad it gives them something to talk about...
Keep your concern on the vision you see in the mirror.... don't stop doing what you need to do, what you know you have to do in order to get to where you want to be. If others start talking trash to discourage you from being what you were meant to be... use it as a catalyst to make you work harder to reach it. Don't stop because other people are afraid to go for it... this is your dream, your destiny, only you can live it...
Don't allow the approval of others to obstruct your view of you... no approval necessary... the Most High endowed you will all the gifts, talents, and skills you need to reach your potential... but He also gave you free will. It's up to you to reach that potential, you have your seal of approval from Him... no one else's is needed or necessary...
So I ask you: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thinking of Joining a Professional Association ?
Are you considering joing a professionial association and not sure how you might benefit? If you are, this post may help you decide. There are associations for just about every conceivable profession you can think of. There are many are local, online, statewide, regional, national and international available for you to join.
By joining an association, you increase your ability to tap into the synergistic group dynamic, which can lead you to personal and professional growth as well as create valuable life-long relationships and connections. Here are three vital reasons you should join:
Take a Proactive Role in Your Career:
Joining a professional association is a great way to take a proactive role in your own career development. You have an opportunity to search for jobs on job boards as well as post jobs when recruiting. Additionally, many association ahve panels of experts that you can contact for specific information about trainings or certifications classes that may be of interest to you. Today, with technology being as advance as it is you can download videos, podcasts and PowerPoint presentations and learn from the comfort of your own home at your convenience on your computer or iPod.
Expand Your Knowledge Base:
Most associations provide an in-depth amount of access to resource information in the form of white papers, articles, case studies, resource guides, and books authored by experts in your field. Also, there is typically a newsletter, magainze of major journal associated with your association that is provided as part of your membership services.
You also have the ability to stay informaed regarding the latest trends, best practices, and issues affecting your industry. In addition, many association proved a scholarship information, links to publications and give awards for excellence in the field. Regardless of the field you're in, it's always important to keep your skills up-to-date and broadening your knowledge by joining an association is a great way to accomplish this.
Build Your Network:
If you do nothing else but build your network by joining a professional association then this in and of itself is worth the price of admission! I don't have to tellyou haow important it is to cultivate professional relationships and contacts. Joining a professional association allows you to connect with a diverse set of like-minded folks who can support you on your journey to success.
Associations often sponsor numerous events throughout the year both social and educational, which provides its members with countless opportunities to meet other members, establish relationships that lead to job prospects, sales, and friendships.
You can also develop your leadership skills by serving as a volunteer, on a committee, or on the board. Its also a great place to share ideas, and brainstorm with others who are facing some of the same challenges in the industry/profession that you face.
Another major benefit of joining is that you have the opportunity to mento youth interested in going into your field or find your own mentor who can help take you to the next level in your career. Additionally, you may find opportunities to sharpen you public speaking and presentation skills by participating in forums, conferences and book clubs. Joining a professional association allows you to use your peears as sounding boards and often make some great friends who share similar interests. A final incentive is that some membership fees are tax deductable. So I ask you, is there a professional association out there that interests you?
By joining an association, you increase your ability to tap into the synergistic group dynamic, which can lead you to personal and professional growth as well as create valuable life-long relationships and connections. Here are three vital reasons you should join:
Take a Proactive Role in Your Career:
Joining a professional association is a great way to take a proactive role in your own career development. You have an opportunity to search for jobs on job boards as well as post jobs when recruiting. Additionally, many association ahve panels of experts that you can contact for specific information about trainings or certifications classes that may be of interest to you. Today, with technology being as advance as it is you can download videos, podcasts and PowerPoint presentations and learn from the comfort of your own home at your convenience on your computer or iPod.
Expand Your Knowledge Base:
Most associations provide an in-depth amount of access to resource information in the form of white papers, articles, case studies, resource guides, and books authored by experts in your field. Also, there is typically a newsletter, magainze of major journal associated with your association that is provided as part of your membership services.
You also have the ability to stay informaed regarding the latest trends, best practices, and issues affecting your industry. In addition, many association proved a scholarship information, links to publications and give awards for excellence in the field. Regardless of the field you're in, it's always important to keep your skills up-to-date and broadening your knowledge by joining an association is a great way to accomplish this.
Build Your Network:
If you do nothing else but build your network by joining a professional association then this in and of itself is worth the price of admission! I don't have to tellyou haow important it is to cultivate professional relationships and contacts. Joining a professional association allows you to connect with a diverse set of like-minded folks who can support you on your journey to success.
Associations often sponsor numerous events throughout the year both social and educational, which provides its members with countless opportunities to meet other members, establish relationships that lead to job prospects, sales, and friendships.
You can also develop your leadership skills by serving as a volunteer, on a committee, or on the board. Its also a great place to share ideas, and brainstorm with others who are facing some of the same challenges in the industry/profession that you face.
Another major benefit of joining is that you have the opportunity to mento youth interested in going into your field or find your own mentor who can help take you to the next level in your career. Additionally, you may find opportunities to sharpen you public speaking and presentation skills by participating in forums, conferences and book clubs. Joining a professional association allows you to use your peears as sounding boards and often make some great friends who share similar interests. A final incentive is that some membership fees are tax deductable. So I ask you, is there a professional association out there that interests you?
Monday, March 22, 2010
The $20 Bill (Story)
Source Unknown
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”
Hands started going up.
He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this.”
He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.
He then asked, “Who still wants it?”
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, “What if I do this?”
And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
“Now, who still wants it?”
Still the hands went into the air.
“My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20,” he said.
“Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless.”
“But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.”
“The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE. You are special - Don’t EVER forget it.”
Be Blessed!
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”
Hands started going up.
He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this.”
He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.
He then asked, “Who still wants it?”
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, “What if I do this?”
And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
“Now, who still wants it?”
Still the hands went into the air.
“My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20,” he said.
“Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless.”
“But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.”
“The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE. You are special - Don’t EVER forget it.”
Be Blessed!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
One Exists for Other People...
“One knows from daily life that one exists for other people...”
Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
Swiss physicist
So many of our GiveMore quotes are hidden within greater thoughts and passages. The quote above is pulled from the excerpt below from Einstein's essay, The World as I See It.
"How strange is the lot of us mortals! Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he sometimes thinks he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people -- first of all for those upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness is wholly dependent, and then for the many, unknown to us, to whose destinies we are bound by the ties of sympathy. A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving."
Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
Swiss physicist
So many of our GiveMore quotes are hidden within greater thoughts and passages. The quote above is pulled from the excerpt below from Einstein's essay, The World as I See It.
"How strange is the lot of us mortals! Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he sometimes thinks he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people -- first of all for those upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness is wholly dependent, and then for the many, unknown to us, to whose destinies we are bound by the ties of sympathy. A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving."
Knowledge is Not Power
We have all heard this saying before - "Knowledge is Power" that is total B.S. Knowledge in and of itself is not power. Using knowledge may be power, but just having knowledge and doing abosolutely nothing with it... is a waste. Be weary of those who espouse that knowledge is power because nine times out of ten, you are about to get hustled.
How many times have you known something and done nothing with it? Did it make you feel more powerful? Did it get you closer to your goals? Did it make you richer, better, more successful knowing it but doing nothing with it? I seriously doubt it.
If you know something and can't use it or implement it then what good is it doing you? The implementation of knowledge is power. Knowing how to apply it is useful... knowing it and not know how to use it is just plain stupid and a waste.
Just a random thought for today. Why because I hate it when people espouse platitudes that really don't make sense. Common sense is a valuable commodity that few of us possess. When people say things like "that's common sense" my normal reply is that "sense is not common to everybody" "if it were, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."
Does that make sense to you? Why assume that people know what your saying? Especially, when you're doing a lousy job of articulating what you mean. Say what you mean, in plain English or Spanish (if you speak Spanish instead), the point is don't try to sugar-coat it, make it sound more important than it is, or less offensive. Sometimes, you have to risk offending people, be politically incorrect if it means that they understand what you are saying. Sarcasam is lost on the truly stupid. Save your breath. Tell it like it IS!
How many times have you known something and done nothing with it? Did it make you feel more powerful? Did it get you closer to your goals? Did it make you richer, better, more successful knowing it but doing nothing with it? I seriously doubt it.
If you know something and can't use it or implement it then what good is it doing you? The implementation of knowledge is power. Knowing how to apply it is useful... knowing it and not know how to use it is just plain stupid and a waste.
Just a random thought for today. Why because I hate it when people espouse platitudes that really don't make sense. Common sense is a valuable commodity that few of us possess. When people say things like "that's common sense" my normal reply is that "sense is not common to everybody" "if it were, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."
Does that make sense to you? Why assume that people know what your saying? Especially, when you're doing a lousy job of articulating what you mean. Say what you mean, in plain English or Spanish (if you speak Spanish instead), the point is don't try to sugar-coat it, make it sound more important than it is, or less offensive. Sometimes, you have to risk offending people, be politically incorrect if it means that they understand what you are saying. Sarcasam is lost on the truly stupid. Save your breath. Tell it like it IS!
Stop the external referencing...
There is no one on this earth exactly like you... no one else has your unique combination of gifts, talents, strengths and limitations. When you were created a seed was planted but its up to you to drink in the knowledge and bask in the experiences... its up to you to be fertilized with the lessons that make us strong... and its up to you to use these blessings to create the life you were meant to live.
It is your responsibility to create that which you desire to manifest in your life... and that mean's knowing yourself and not trying to replicate another. Why would you want to squander the uniqueness of your special gifts to become a cheap carbon copy of something else? Don't seek approval from others or try to "fit in" in order to make yourself acceptable to others... because the fact is that you are perfect in your imperfection. Stand in your glory, take back your power!
You cannot be something you're not... and why would you want to be? The conditions of your life are always speaking to you... they are a reflection of the decisions you have made, the actions you have taken, the words you have spoken... So if you are not living the life you want to, then ask yourself... have I been true to myself or have I done what everyone else has done? Have I ignored what was right for me and tried to reinvent myself into someone else's image of what I should be, how I should act, how I should live?
Every moment we are changing internally and externally... new information is changing our internal landscape. Only you have control over your internal landscape... no one else. All that you need, you already have within, you just have to discover it for yourself, cultivate it, nurture it, and that means finding what works for you... not copying someone else or asking someone else's opinion of what you should be or do...
And so it is.... be Blessed
It is your responsibility to create that which you desire to manifest in your life... and that mean's knowing yourself and not trying to replicate another. Why would you want to squander the uniqueness of your special gifts to become a cheap carbon copy of something else? Don't seek approval from others or try to "fit in" in order to make yourself acceptable to others... because the fact is that you are perfect in your imperfection. Stand in your glory, take back your power!
You cannot be something you're not... and why would you want to be? The conditions of your life are always speaking to you... they are a reflection of the decisions you have made, the actions you have taken, the words you have spoken... So if you are not living the life you want to, then ask yourself... have I been true to myself or have I done what everyone else has done? Have I ignored what was right for me and tried to reinvent myself into someone else's image of what I should be, how I should act, how I should live?
Every moment we are changing internally and externally... new information is changing our internal landscape. Only you have control over your internal landscape... no one else. All that you need, you already have within, you just have to discover it for yourself, cultivate it, nurture it, and that means finding what works for you... not copying someone else or asking someone else's opinion of what you should be or do...
And so it is.... be Blessed
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Congratulations LPLI's Class of 2010
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulation the Latino Partnership Leadership Institute's Class of 2010 Unidos Sin Fronteras on their commencement ceremony which took place, Friday, March 19, 2010 at Concilio Ballroom.
I write commencement rather than graduation, the word commencement means a beginning; a start. This is the beginning of your journey into leadership... this is not the end of a program or a destination. You are now standing on the road to self-empowerment and hopefully on the road to creating a better Latino community.
They say that to those who much has been given, much is expected. My expectation of this year's class is that same as I have expected from every class that has ever participated in this leadership development experience... and that is for you to know take these rudimentary tools that you have been given, and continue to develop them and yourself and manifest positive change and progress in the Greater Philadelphia Latino community. Thereby, strengthening the community at-large.
I challenge you to be the class that has the next City councilperson, the next school principle, the next college Dean, the next Executive Director, the next entrepreneur, the next State representative, the next Mayor, the next Governor, the next block captain, the next child advocate, the next volunteer...
I urge you to clarify your priorities, to not get so caught up in the minutia of insignificant daily acts that you forget to the important things that need to be done in this community. To figure out that absolutely, positively must get done, what's most important and imperative - and do that first, regardless of how difficult or if it's the only thing you do. Because at the end of the day, that is what will move this community forward from mediocrity to greatness - that is what inspires people, that is what creates positive social change. And you have better believe that from this moment forward, your every accomplishment and failure will be kept in a scorecard... what do you want yours to say when all is said and done?
I write commencement rather than graduation, the word commencement means a beginning; a start. This is the beginning of your journey into leadership... this is not the end of a program or a destination. You are now standing on the road to self-empowerment and hopefully on the road to creating a better Latino community.
They say that to those who much has been given, much is expected. My expectation of this year's class is that same as I have expected from every class that has ever participated in this leadership development experience... and that is for you to know take these rudimentary tools that you have been given, and continue to develop them and yourself and manifest positive change and progress in the Greater Philadelphia Latino community. Thereby, strengthening the community at-large.
I challenge you to be the class that has the next City councilperson, the next school principle, the next college Dean, the next Executive Director, the next entrepreneur, the next State representative, the next Mayor, the next Governor, the next block captain, the next child advocate, the next volunteer...
I urge you to clarify your priorities, to not get so caught up in the minutia of insignificant daily acts that you forget to the important things that need to be done in this community. To figure out that absolutely, positively must get done, what's most important and imperative - and do that first, regardless of how difficult or if it's the only thing you do. Because at the end of the day, that is what will move this community forward from mediocrity to greatness - that is what inspires people, that is what creates positive social change. And you have better believe that from this moment forward, your every accomplishment and failure will be kept in a scorecard... what do you want yours to say when all is said and done?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Are you ready to eliminate excuses today?
How many times have you wanted to do something, to take a risk and you talked yourself out of it?
If you serious about changing your life, start by eliminating the excuses you tell yourself and others... Be Blessed
- I'm too old
- I'm too young
- I can't
- That will never work
- I don't have enough money
- I'm not smart enough
- It's too difficult
- It will take too long
- I don't have time to do it
If you serious about changing your life, start by eliminating the excuses you tell yourself and others... Be Blessed
Friday, March 12, 2010
Start the Day Right
Start each and every day off the right way... open yourself up to the blessings of the Universe! How many times have you gotten out of bed grumpy because the alarm went off and your still too tired to get up? Then the thought of going to work, just makes you drag. How many mornings do you turn on the television first thing to see the weather & traffic and instead hear horrific news about what's going on in the world?
Start your day right! Before you get out of bed, thank your God or the Universe for another glorious day! Start your day off with a positive quote to get you in the right frame of mind... take a few moments to inhale and exhale, relax your body, allow your mind to release all the clutter and chatter that distracts you from opening your consciousness to the blessings the day has in store just for you...
I guarantee that the more you practice this way of intentionally and consciously starting your day off open to your blessings... the more blessings you will notice you have to be grateful for! And so it is...
Be Blessed
Start your day right! Before you get out of bed, thank your God or the Universe for another glorious day! Start your day off with a positive quote to get you in the right frame of mind... take a few moments to inhale and exhale, relax your body, allow your mind to release all the clutter and chatter that distracts you from opening your consciousness to the blessings the day has in store just for you...
I guarantee that the more you practice this way of intentionally and consciously starting your day off open to your blessings... the more blessings you will notice you have to be grateful for! And so it is...
Be Blessed
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tapping the Power Within... ~ Iyanla Vanzant
Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women: 20th Anniverary Edition
I purchased the book Tapping the Power Within A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women by Iyanla Vanzant. Something she says that she read has really struck a cord with me so I would like to share it with you today...
The Light of God Surrounds Me
The Love of God Enfolds Me
The Power of God Protects Me
The Presence of God Watches Over Me
Right were I am, God Is....
And So It IS!
Be blessed by these worlds... repeat them to yourself so that you can begin to feel safe enough to begin your journey into "tapping the power within". May your journey be peace filled and joyful, injoy and enjoy! And so it is!
I purchased the book Tapping the Power Within A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women by Iyanla Vanzant. Something she says that she read has really struck a cord with me so I would like to share it with you today...The Light of God Surrounds Me
The Love of God Enfolds Me
The Power of God Protects Me
The Presence of God Watches Over Me
Right were I am, God Is....
And So It IS!
Be blessed by these worlds... repeat them to yourself so that you can begin to feel safe enough to begin your journey into "tapping the power within". May your journey be peace filled and joyful, injoy and enjoy! And so it is!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sweat the Small Stuff, Then Work Your Way Up
When I teach at conferences or as a guest speaker at seminars, often times people walk up to me afterwards and say that this is the kind of work they would like to be doing. This is their dream. So I ask them where have they taught or what's their area of expertise, and some share their experiences with me, so I encourage them to keep at it.
But most, respond rather embarrassed that they have never done this type of work before or that they've never done public speaking, or not yet, etc. "Then you need to start", I explain to them. You've got to start somewhere, start small and work your way up.
Leadership is the same in that sense. If you've never led before, you have to start somewhere. Try to influence one other person, from there build a team. Start with a cause that you all have in common or want to do something about. Start with what's necessary, start today, start now... the point is to start.
"Start doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible" ~ St. Francis of Assisi
But most, respond rather embarrassed that they have never done this type of work before or that they've never done public speaking, or not yet, etc. "Then you need to start", I explain to them. You've got to start somewhere, start small and work your way up.
Leadership is the same in that sense. If you've never led before, you have to start somewhere. Try to influence one other person, from there build a team. Start with a cause that you all have in common or want to do something about. Start with what's necessary, start today, start now... the point is to start.
"Start doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible" ~ St. Francis of Assisi
Friday, March 5, 2010
One Million Mentors Campaign To Save Our Kids Tour
OMM Tour: PHILADELPHIA, PA
ONE MILLION MENTORS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR KIDS TOUR
CITY
TIME: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
PANELISTS/SPEAKERS:
-Michael Baisden
-Others TBD
NATIONAL PARTNERS
-100 Black Men of America Inc.
-Boys & Girls Club
-National Cares Mentoring Movement
-Big Brothers Big Sisters
NATIONAL SPONSORS:
-Michael Baisden
-Census 2010
MAKE A DONATION
RSVP TO THIS EVENT
TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS EVENT
Its time to step up and save our kids
-Michael Baisden
Wednesday, 12 May, 2010
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
ONE MILLION MENTORS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR KIDS TOUR
CITY
TIME: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
PANELISTS/SPEAKERS:
-Michael Baisden
-Others TBD
NATIONAL PARTNERS
-100 Black Men of America Inc.
-Boys & Girls Club
-National Cares Mentoring Movement
-Big Brothers Big Sisters
NATIONAL SPONSORS:
-Michael Baisden
-Census 2010
MAKE A DONATION
RSVP TO THIS EVENT
TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS EVENT
Its time to step up and save our kids
-Michael Baisden
Wednesday, 12 May, 2010
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Be Generous - Give of Time
Most people think of generosity in terms of money, but you would also think of it in terms of your time. If there's a cause that is dear to your heart - find a way to give of your time as well as donate money. Many non-profit organizations and schools are starved for talented, innovative, resourceful people who want to share what they have learn with others who need it most.
About six years ago, I went on this "leadership journey" with a group of young Latino professionals, since graduating I've found that one of the things I loved most about the experience which I rediscovered was volunteering my time to my community. Over the years, I've always participated in letter writing campaigns and I've always given money to various causes, but I never had the "time" or so I thought to give of myself.
It's surprising how you find the time to do those things that are most important to you... and I felt great afterwards knowing that I helped make the world a better place. So when I hear friends and colleagues say they don't have time to volunteer I can't help but shake my head. Since starting my leadership development certificate with Latino Partnership Leadership Institute, I've held two jobs and have been a part-time student, I've found the time to be on three board, two committees, mentored three girls, get on the dean's list, get a promotion at work, and still spend time with my four kids and three grandkids... so really YOU don't have time? Did I mention, start my own blog???
If you want to see what's important to you, what are your priorities - look at how you spend your time! In leadership development one of the exercises to help "clarify your values" is to take a look at your calendar and see our you spend your time. Don't have one? Take out a piece of paper and write down all of the times you've done this week, for example went to work, went to school, studied for my mid-terms, had Friday night dinner with the kids, went to a community meeting, composed a new blog entry, etc.
I know some of you are saying, but I don't have any skills I can share - that's a bunch of hot air! Of course you have something to share, we all have something to share, never, ever, ever think that you have too little to give to others. If you can read this blog, you can read a book to a child, if you know how to type - you can help a non-profit type their newsletter, if you can answer a phone (and I'd be hard pressed to find somebody who can't answer a phone) you can volunteer to answer phones on a domestic violence or run-away hotline or for a PBS telethon.
The point is, you always have enough to share... so my question to you is: What are you waiting for?
About six years ago, I went on this "leadership journey" with a group of young Latino professionals, since graduating I've found that one of the things I loved most about the experience which I rediscovered was volunteering my time to my community. Over the years, I've always participated in letter writing campaigns and I've always given money to various causes, but I never had the "time" or so I thought to give of myself.
It's surprising how you find the time to do those things that are most important to you... and I felt great afterwards knowing that I helped make the world a better place. So when I hear friends and colleagues say they don't have time to volunteer I can't help but shake my head. Since starting my leadership development certificate with Latino Partnership Leadership Institute, I've held two jobs and have been a part-time student, I've found the time to be on three board, two committees, mentored three girls, get on the dean's list, get a promotion at work, and still spend time with my four kids and three grandkids... so really YOU don't have time? Did I mention, start my own blog???
If you want to see what's important to you, what are your priorities - look at how you spend your time! In leadership development one of the exercises to help "clarify your values" is to take a look at your calendar and see our you spend your time. Don't have one? Take out a piece of paper and write down all of the times you've done this week, for example went to work, went to school, studied for my mid-terms, had Friday night dinner with the kids, went to a community meeting, composed a new blog entry, etc.
I know some of you are saying, but I don't have any skills I can share - that's a bunch of hot air! Of course you have something to share, we all have something to share, never, ever, ever think that you have too little to give to others. If you can read this blog, you can read a book to a child, if you know how to type - you can help a non-profit type their newsletter, if you can answer a phone (and I'd be hard pressed to find somebody who can't answer a phone) you can volunteer to answer phones on a domestic violence or run-away hotline or for a PBS telethon.
The point is, you always have enough to share... so my question to you is: What are you waiting for?
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