Archive for August, 2011

Join the Live United tribe.

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Low lights flickered off the scarfs and pictures on the wall as group of belly dancers weaved onto the stage. The dancers took turns choosing what motions the entire group would do. First, one dancer would step forward to lead. The rest of the dancers mimic her motions, supporting her through dance. This leader would then step back and another dancer would come up to replace her. All dancers had the opportunity to be in the spot light and the transfer of “power” took place seamlessly on the stage.

This style of dance is referred to as “tribal dance.” The word “tribal” really supported the image I was witnessing on the stage. Each dancer supported the others through movement. It was a communal experience and one which communities of all types could learn from.

Within the realm of volunteerism, too few people step up to take that lead role.  But within a volunteer community, you are not alone. Those around you do not want you to fail. There is a wide support network to help you as you help others.

Think of how much we could accomplish if we all took our chance in the spotlight. You could grow as an individual and also help the community grow as a whole.

Locally, there are plenty of opportunities to take that role. If you want to start small, two or three hours would help Running Start for School distribute backpacks to students August 23, 24, and 25.  With a larger leap, you could apply to the Emerging Leaders in Giving as a Design Team members. Take the volunteer pledge.

Together, we can help support each other and our community. Join the Live United tribe.

You Have Super Powers

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

As a kid, did you ever want to be Superman with the ability to fly? Or Batman, a regular guy who had all sorts of cool skills and gadgets? My personal favorites were Wonder Woman and the Flash; I loved that both had the power of speed.

Some days, as we go from one life crisis to another, it seems like super powers would be a great addition to our lives. We get caught up in a mental cycle telling ourselves we are too busy or not important enough to really make a difference. Having super powers would solve all that.

But with these excuses, we sell ourselves short.  You don’t need Bruce Wayne’s money or Superman’s fame.  Simple, everyday moments can be enough to make a big difference in someone else’s life.

We have super powers; each and every one of else.

A friend of mine posted on Facebook about a recent trip through drive-thru with two lanes. He and another car both started to pull forward at the same time. He stopped and let the other car go first. When he reached the window to pay, he found out the other car had paid his bill. That story sprouted wings and not only made his day better, it made mine and a lot of other people’s days a bit brighter.

You never know how far your actions will go. From the person who takes a coffee to a co-worker who is having a bad day to the neighbor who helps out when daycare falls through. No matter how small a gesture we make, we have the super power of making a difference in the lives around us.

How’s that for super powers? You can read about the difference one person can make on Danielle Teal’s blog Bethe1. You can learn how to make a difference in a child’s life through mentoring. Help out a neighbor. Read a book to a child.  Join the Olmsted County United Way and the  local community at the Stuff the Bus Finale and Running with Angels Benefit this Saturday at the Wicked Moose.

There are so many ways, so many places we can fit our skills and talents. If only we would take the time.

That’s the Challenge – Who will you use your super powers on? Who’s life will you make a difference in TODAY?