Thankless?

I took advantage of the beautiful fall weather in Chicagoland over the Thanksgiving break to clean up my backyard. My neighbor had the same idea and we struck up a conversation. He asked me (as my mother used to ask me too) "what exactly do I do for work"?

I shared with him I’m part of a team that helps non-profits realize their full potential through a variety of consulting solutions including fundraising. He responded, "Oh.... fundraising. That's a thankless job!" We shared other small talk and went back to our yard duties.

Thankless job? That stuck with me as I raked. I started to rake faster and frankly became a bit defensive. It’s not a thankless job at all! I looked up hoping to correct him, but he was gone.

Fundraising has its challenges, but it also brings rich meaning and purpose to a career.

Through our fundraising efforts …

• We help feed the hungry
• We help shelter the homeless
• We help teach kids
• We help heal the abused 
• We help seniors feel loved
• We help provide scholarships for young people eager to learn
• We help protect green spaces
• We help create spaces for connection
• We help provide hope in a year of tragedy and uncertainty
• We help the voiceless be heard
• We help communities thrive

What does this list look like for you? What makes all the hard work worth it?

As we finish 2020 – let me lift up each of you who have had the courage to ask. The courage to tell your better story. The courage to pivot and set big, hairy, audacious goals. The courage to make the world a better place for all!

Finish strong my friends.

Photo by Craig Tidball on Unsplash