Thursday, November 19, 2015

Paying It Forward (Originally for Greenville Pulse)

The night of the first 2015 Pulse Social at Dave and Buster’s, the snow was falling. Having driven in snow for the first time last year, I’m justifiably unconfident in my winter driving abilities. But, I had signed up to volunteer at this social and let’s be honest, I never willingly miss a chance to socialize (especially with the great people in Pulse). I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dave and Buster’s and kept checking the snow throughout the night while procrastinating leaving the great atmosphere at the social. 
When I finally left, I chose the shorter route home along the back roads instead of the longer way on the main roads. I realized a little over a mile from home that I had made the wrong choice. I wasn’t concerned about getting home, as it wasn’t too late. Walking one mile (in a warm coat, thankfully) felt like almost nothing after having tackled a marathon, but I still felt silly for getting myself into a less-than-ideal situation. As I pulled off the road, gathered the essentials from my car and prepared to walk home, eight strangers appeared within sixty seconds asking how they could help. I accepted a ride home with two neighbors on their way to pick up their children. We chatted a little on the drive down the road and I thanked them profusely for their kindness. As they dropped me off, I was so encouraged by their parting words: “Pay it forward.” 
Yes, their kind act kept them from picking up their kids for a few minutes and added several miles to their drive, but I will remember their kindness (especially when snow comes again). That evening was an excellent reminder that everyone has the ability to make the world a little better. There are so many options: just choose an opportunity and do your best.
As busy young professionals, it is particularly important to be intentional about helping others and serving the community. In September, former Pulse Chair Berri Hicks, Pulse PaceSetters mentor and county council member Jim Burns, Founder of LeadHer Greenville Jessica Sharp, Pulse PaceSetters mentor and Family Effect Director of Community Engagement Scott Dishman and Project Host Soup Kitchen Director Sally Green shared about responsible volunteerism with participants in the Pulse PaceSetters. 

Some of the best takeaways from the evening were:
• "We rise by lifting others." -Jim Burns
• “Time becomes your most precious resource: be nit-picky on how you use it.” -Jim Burns
• “Be the best you can be at your job, but don't stop there.” -Jim Burns
• “Each nonprofit has to be led by the governing board that has to be the boss. Board members need to be strategic, use critical thinking and do work like expand the quality of the organization's work and choose great executive directors.” -Scott Dishman
• "The more you say yes, the more you get asked." -Jessica Sharp • “Be honest with yourself.” -Jim Burns
• "Talk about your passions...and what you're involved in: the more you talk about what you're doing, the more awareness you're spreading." -Berri Hicks
• “Make your own business plan.” -Berri Hicks
• “Find something that doesn't feel like work because it will be done on your evenings and weekends.” -Scott Dishman
• “Be involved in organizations and boards that you're really excited about.” -Jessica Sharp
• “If the warm-fuzzies aren’t motivating enough for you, do it for your career.” -Berri Hicks
• “Expose yourself to a lot: engage in five different causes in the next twelve months. Do a tour, meet with the executive director or volunteer coordinator, volunteer once. Four of those things probably won't be your thing, but one of those things might lead you to something that will be.” -Scott Dishman
So, think about it and perhaps consult with others about the best option, then spend some of your time, talent or treasure to make our community a little better. As my PaceSetters mentors Scott Dishman and Irv Welling say, “Don’t be one of those people who seriously thinks about it for ten years and never does anything.” So much of our personal success, the things that make Greenville a wonderful place to live and work, and the distinct character of our community are because of the choices of many before us to invest in spaces, initiatives, people, and causes. It may be as simple as taking five minutes to drive someone home.

What does paying it forward look like for you?
• Check out the variety of options with Hands on Greenville (search by location, opportunity, agency or event) or Volunteer Match.
• Mentor elementary, middle or high school students (Mentor Upstate is a great way to get connected) or share job advice with college students (check with your alma mater).
• Support an organization doing great things like Project Host. They typically have the lowest stock in the summer and frequently need canned diced or crushed tomatoes and canned fruit. You can also order catering to support their culinary school or attend a monthly community dinner.
• Offer personal and/or professional support to a new employee, a student from your alma mater, a new neighbor or a fellow Pulse member.
• Apply to serve on a county board or commission. The next application window is in January for positions starting in March.
• Surprise your friend or coworker by paying for their meal or bringing them coffee.
• Participate in Pulse Connects projects: help your community for a few hours at a time while enjoying the company of fellow Pulse members. 
• Write a card (or email): thank someone for their friendship or help, or just let someone know why they are awesome—everyone could use a reminder sometimes!
• Give a micro loan through Kiva.org. $25 can make a big difference! You’ll even get paid back over time.
• Do a random act of kindness. Following inspiration from Pinterest, I sought to do 22 random acts of kindness on my 22nd birthday: It was one of my most joy-filled days.