Today, I mourn. I grieve. I ache for those lives senselessly taken.
My sadness goes further than Orlando.; deeper than the LGBT community.
I cry for America.
Today’s horrific tragedy is not a political issue. It is not a 2nd Amendment issue. It is not a lifestyle issue. This is an American issue; it is a human issue.
This could have happened at a mall, or a preschool, or a church, or an office, or a public pool, or any gathering of peaceful people living under the umbrella of freedom that we all treasure.
Yet we allow hateful speech to become part of our everyday news. We allow shootings to be so commonplace that it’s not until a ‘mass shooting’ takes place that we take notice. We allow violence to prevail; racism to be tolerated; rapes to be justified; inaction to be considered progress; and individuals to be grouped together and marginalized as lesser in our society.
Today, I mourn. For those who lost a friend or loved one in Orlando, words will never adequately express my sympathies. Despite the anger we feel, we must resolve to work together to better our society, to further our common goals and interests. We must remember that all lives are created equal, and that we are endowed with certain unalienable Rights; that among them are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Today, we must continue to look forward, and pledge not revenge, not divisiveness, but collaboration. Despite our differences, we remain strongest when we are united. Whether this evil is foreign or domestic, there is no room in our world for intolerance or inaction. Every life holds value, and our Rights must never be abridged. Today we must stand together again as the United States of America.
Author: Scott Saxe
We Will Never Forget
Let us never forget to honor the lives that have been lost with our commitment to the ideals that founded this Nation.
We will never forget.
Four simple words that evoke strong emotions on this day.
We will never forget the shock and horror of seeing planes crash into our buildings, and hearing of the one that crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
We will never forget the lives that were lost; those on the planes, in the buildings, and those first responders who risked all to save others.
We will never forget the fear that engulfed us; the worry and wonder of what is next.
We will never forget … but we have.
We’ve forgotten what it is like to be American.
We’ve forgotten compassion and concern for our fellow citizens.
We’ve forgotten that our actions, or inaction, have global consequences.
We’ve forgotten that lives matter, all of them, and that community is important to those lives.
America held its collective breath 14 years ago and watched the world change before our eyes.
We came together as one. One nation, indivisible. The patriotism was strong, as was our humanity.
Today, we are the most divided since the Civil War. How did we forget what we swore not to?
How did we forget that the people of this great nation are what makes America strong, and that government derives its just power from the governed?
How did we forget that while we are individual states, we are United States?
On that day, did anyone care if the people running from the buildings were black or white? Republican or Democrat? Gay or straight? We held each other close, and clung to the beliefs that we were attacked for who we are; for our freedoms, for our democracy. Yet those are the very things we’ve sacrificed and forgotten since then. We debate our inalienable rights. We distrust and disrespect each other. We gave up freedoms for greed.
Are we safer today than on that bright September morning 14 years ago?
Have we focused our attentions on the underlying causes and in strategically protecting this Nation?
It saddens me deeply to see us turn our backs on our fellow citizens. It is frightening to think that our first responders, once so vaunted, are now disrespected and hunted. Sadly, many are not the heroes we placed on pedestals. It is disturbing beyond words the lack of respect that pervades the land, and is so ingrained in Washington. It is a sad reflection of who we are becoming to see us turn our backs on each other, especially those in need, whether here in the United States or across the globe.
While we can take solace that Bin Laden is dead and al-Qaeda all but dismantled, new, stronger threats have emerged. Ones doing greater damage than we ever imagined or expected. Persecution, anti-Semitism, genocide and destruction are on the rise across the globe, and we forget. We forget that our shores are not unreachable by those who wish to do us harm. While we debate each other, they grow stronger. While Washington is locked in ideological gridlock, the world marches on.
Today, I ask you to remember.
I ask you to remember those we lost, and remember all those who gave selflessly to help others.
I ask you to remember not just where you were, but to remember your thoughts.
I ask you to remember not just what you felt, but remember why you felt it.
I ask you to remember the fear when the buildings fell, and remember the pride of seeing the American flag raised over the rubble.
I ask you to remember your concern; for yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors.
I ask you to remember that we all have equal rights, individually, and remember that we have a responsibility to ourselves and each other.
I ask you to remember what makes us great, to think about how we can be even better, and to remember that at the polls next year.
I ask you to truly never forget.
Today is a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
I mourn the victims of those terrible attacks, and I mourn the America I love.
Let us never forget to honor the lives that have been lost with our commitment to the ideals that founded this Nation.
Respect and Responsibility
When did we lose all respect for each other?
I’ve never affiliated with one political party or another, but I have always respected the process, and believe in our Constitution and Rights. I vote for responsible candidates (is that even possible anymore?!), ones that put the People first, not ones that are strictly tied to party lines.
The levels of hatred and animosity in today’s campaigns are not just disturbing, but frightening.
If we cannot have consideration for one another, respect different opinions, cultures and ideas, I’m afraid we’ve lost what it means to be American.
I urge all the candidates, supporters, and everyone else to remember your Pledge, remember your Declaration, remember your Constitution. A house divided cannot stand.
July 4, 2015
“The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,”
Much more than just words on a page. They are ideas, ideals and rights.
It is not just about the birth of this great Nation, it is about how we accomplished it.
“The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,”
So starts one of the most important documents in our history.
Much more than just words on a page. They are ideas, ideals and rights.
It is not just about the birth of this great Nation, it is about how we accomplished it.
We didn’t just become free, we desired freedom. We didn’t just fight to be free, we declared our intentions. We aired our grievances, and laid the foundations for our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and way of life.
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Each person signing this document was committing an act of Treason against Great Britain, an action punishable by death. With this Declaration, and the actions that followed, the thirteen colonies would forever be free.
While each colony may have been different, we stood as ‘one people’.
Our differences make us unique, but our beliefs unite us.
We are united in our commitment that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
A new Nation was formed with a new government: “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
‘Just powers from the consent of the governed.’ Perhaps some of the most important and sometimes overlooked words in the Declaration. Our government only has certain powers. Those powers are granted by the people. We cannot forget that the government doesn’t give us rights, they are ours.
Liberty and Freedom are still important tenets of our lives. Every day, brave men and women put on uniforms and risk their life defending our beliefs. They don’t fight for our government, they fight for our People. Every day, I’m thankful for all who work tirelessly to protect and defend our freedoms.
We remain a diverse people; it is one of the things that makes these United States great. We will always have our differences, but we must always bring with them respect. Respect for other opinions, other cultures, and other ideas. Our rights come responsibilities, to ourselves and to each other.
As we celebrate today, remember the reason, remember the risk, and remember the sacrifice.
Above all else, remember our rights and that the protection of those rights is the responsibility of the government. We must continue to ensure that the People, and our Rights, come first.
After 239 years, we’re still learning, but with continued trust and respect, this government of the People, by the People and for the People, shall not perish from this Earth.
Happy Birthday, America.
Making the Most of your Network
The fact that you’re reading this shows that my network is working.
We are connected through one of the social media sites, either directly or indirectly. If directly, we likely have a relationship of some sort in the ‘real world’.
Building and cultivating a network isn’t about how many ‘friends’ or ‘connections’ you have, it’s about truly building relationships. This cannot simply be done with the press of a button. The word ‘work’ is key when building your network.
Being connected isn’t just about you and building your numbers. It’s about both parties, and sometimes it’s about a 3rd party. Cultivating connections takes time and effort. It also takes maintenance. While it is great to have a contact that you can benefit from, it’s just as good to have a contact that someone ELSE can benefit from.
A good network is not static; it is living, breathing, and dynamic. The thing to remember is not the number of connections, it’s the people behind those numbers. People change jobs, volunteer for different organizations, relocate, marry, and connect with others. Keeping up with the moving parts within your network takes dedication. Utilizing that network to benefit others is a key trait of a successful connector.
Sure, you can build a giant network of numbers, but unless it is effective, it’s just a collection of names.
I prefer to look at my network not as the whole, but as the people it is comprised of. It is about who I’m connected to, and HOW we’re connected. Why did we invite each other? What do we have in common? Who else in my network can benefit from this?
I use my network for several things. It is a great resource for volunteers, donors, and potential Board Members for the non-profit organizations that I’m affiliated with. I use my network to build my business, and to help others grow theirs. I also use my network to help people find new jobs or connect with new organizations. I maintain my network by bringing these people together socially. Sending an email may be an efficient way to communicate during a busy workday, but spending time getting to know people is what makes it all work. Finally, my network uses me. This is the best part about having an active network, it’s not just yours, it’s ours. I’m not just cultivating a network, I’m a member of it.
I am always meeting new people, and open to new connections. When I do, it’s not about ‘what can this person do for me’, but ‘how can I, my network, and this person benefit from one another’. Sometimes, maybe most times, the answer isn’t immediately apparent. The willingness to take time, to learn, to relate, and to help is what makes it all worthwhile.
So don’t hesitate to connect with someone new. Just be sure to do it for all the right reasons.
You’ll reap the rewards of putting work into your network.
I Support Community Volunteer Engagement – Getting it Right
Doing it Right – Volunteer Engagement
For many non-profits, engaging volunteers is a difficult task. Sure, there are opportunities to be involved, but true engagement remains elusive. One organization I know is doing it right.
I am fortunate to be involved with I Support Community. Through them, I had two incredible experiences last month. The first came from meeting another volunteer, the other from being moved by a video story they produced.
I spent time with Hope and Promise, which offers equine therapy to our veterans who have had difficulties adjusting back to civilian life or have suffered injury while in service to our country. Their program brings a group of veterans together for a week of bonding and therapeutic healing. Hope and Promise feeds, houses and treats these incredible men and women. All expenses are paid, so no veteran has to worry about the cost of care. The facility they operate out of is peaceful and serene, and has all the amenities required to connect the veterans to the horses that assist in their recovery.
I met Alaire Merritt, one of their Board Members, though I Support Community. Alaire took me on a tour of the Hope and Promise facilities, introduced me to other members of the organization, and showed me all the ways they are helping our veterans. After a week of equine therapies, the team members all sign a piece of wood that becomes part of the fence around the farm. One can’t help but be moved by what they write, and what an incredible impact this organization has on these men and women. It was truly an honor to be there, and experience what Hope and Promise has to offer.
Another moving experience through I Support Community came while watching the videos they produced for Special Spaces of Chicagoland. Special Spaces does room makeovers for terminally ill children. Having been involved in the cancer community for so long, I was touched by what they do for these children and their families. While the videos were incredibly moving, what happened next I will never forget.
I was invited by Kelly Knox, the Director of Special Spaces, to witness firsthand what they do, and came out to one of their makeovers. I had the privilege of being part of the team that renovated the room of Marshall, a 10 year old boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Marshall is a huge Chicago Bulls fan. Kelly and her team of talented and dedicated volunteers transformed Marshall’s room into a total Bulls experience, complete with autographed jerseys, a Bulls bed, locker and custom mural featuring Michael Jordan dunking a ball. To top it off, it looks like the ball is being dropped into an actual hoop on Marshall’s wall. The wood floor below has official NBA court decals. Every detail has been thought of to immerse Marshall in his beloved Bulls.
Through what can only be described as controlled chaos, the team worked tirelessly throughout the day on the transformation. That afternoon, when Marshall arrived home, we waited in his room to surprise him. The expression on his face when he came through the door will remain with me forever.
Through sharing video stories and offering networking and volunteer opportunities, I Support Community is engaging the community around these incredible organizations. This isn’t just a simple call to donate, it is a learning experience for everyone from kids to adults. Engaging children helps create an ongoing culture of support. The depth of information creates not only awareness, but an opportunity to engage the community on multiple levels.
I Support Community has a great model for volunteer engagement. In developing programs and opportunities for others, they have created support for themselves, as well.
It is not enough just to remember, we must honor the memory.
It is not just today, but every day, that we should honor those who serve, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This country was founded on the belief that all men are created equal. That each of us have certain unalienable Rights: including Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Founding Fathers were so determined to protect these rights, not only did they declare their independence, they pledged mutually to each other their Lives, Fortunes and sacred Honor.
It seems a foreign concept to most people today, except for a distinct few. Among those few are those who have answered the call to service. It is not just today, but every day, that we should honor those who serve, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Today, we pay our respects to those who have died in service to our Country.
Those who gave their lives, so we may have ours.
Those who believed, above all, that preservation of our rights … our freedoms … is worth not only fighting for, but dying for.
So today, Memorial Day, is not just a day for picnics and beaches. It does not just mark the unofficial start of summer. It is a day of remembrance, of honor, of respect.
It is a day that should be held high for all of us. The foundations of the very lives we live today are built upon those who gave to preserve our freedoms. It is not enough just to remember, we must honor the memory.
We cannot allow the memories of those who fought with such valor to be tarnished by those who don’t respect the sacrifice. We cannot call ourselves free if the very people we elect to represent us are holding us hostage to political play.
Today, and every day, we must hold accountable those in power. We must remind them of why we declared our independence and what our principles are. We hold these truths to be self-evident. We are a nation of the People, by the People, and for the People.
Today, I pause and pay my respects to those who have given all in service to this great Nation.
I thank you for the lives you’ve given. You gave yours…and gave me mine to live. It is incredibly humbling to recognize the sacrifice and put it into perspective. One life, for many. I sleep soundly under the blanket of freedom that you have provided.
Freedom and Liberty aren’t just ideas, they are the basis of our existence. Words cannot convey the appreciation for those who have defended those principles to this day.
For all who serve in defense and support of our Constitution, I thank you.
In memory of your fallen brothers and sisters, I join you in mourning, in remembering, in honoring their service and sacrifice. I pledge to continue to hold dear the ideals, the rights, the freedoms, they gave their lives for.
May god bless each and every one of you, and may god continue to bless the United States of America.
We need more than an American Dream, we must have an American Plan.
I long for an America that doesn’t exist.
An America where all law-abiding citizens are treated equally and respectfully, regardless of age, race, religion, skin color, wealth or income, sexual preference, gender, or any of the many diverse things that make us unique.
An America where those who break the law are given due process in a judicial system that is fair and swift. Where we can rehabilitate those who have transgressed our laws and provide a path towards rejoining society.
An America where we look out for each other; care for our injured, our sick, our weak, our young and our elderly. Where health is not a hope, but a basic right, and where no one should struggle for the care they need and deserve.
An America that truly believes in education. Where our children, and their children, can grow and learn and compete on a global scale. Where we encourage learning and reward those who teach and teach well.
An America where no one goes hungry. Where we don’t subsidize farmers to not grow crops, or where we export foods before we utilize them for ourselves. Where those who work can afford to put food on their table, and where those who can’t are cared for.
An America where we can feel safe and secure in our homes, our jobs, our schools, our parks, and in our streets. Where police have the tools and staff to protect and serve, and where our military has the intelligence and the might to keep us safe.
We need more than an American Dream, we must have an American Plan.
I long for an America that can exist. Let us be united in making it happen.