The fundamental purpose of centers of commerce and business operations is profitable enterprise, not a primary concern for the public good.  Hence, while we may have many good corporate citizens, answers to community issues and social concerns are not likely to source from the for profit sector.

What about our public sector...our governments?  From observation and personal impact, I have come to believe complex social solutions and true community engagement does not fare well in the hands of our governments and the antagonistic nature of politics.

I believe the nonprofit sector is where the solutions to our social challenges will be found and community opportunities emerge.  In their persistent and creative ways, in those tiny incremental improvements that evolve into giant leaps, and in the leadership built through education, awareness, and skill building on local nonprofit boards of directors, our community nonprofits enrich our lives and improve our futures. 

The call to serve comes to people from different centers of passion…a desire to improve one’s community or build a better profession, hope for a more secure future or better world for our children, the love of animals, compassion for the poor, fear for the environment, a yearning for cures to the causes of disease and human afflictions, the longing for peace, or the opportunity to share what is kind and beautiful and inspiring with others.

That call is special, and those that hear it and step forward deserve and need the best support and encouragement possible, along with an understanding and strength of character that knows in this effort, the Vision and Mission of the organization must come first and above all else.

My mission, and our team’s mission, is to do everything possible to help our nonprofit sector succeed...one volunteer, one board member, one educational program, one rescued dog, one walk-a-thon or marathon, one donation, one bequest by will or trust, one day at a time, every day.

-Melissa