The Urge to Share

In June 2019, I was in St. Paul, MN, leading the event team for an annual conference. The central theme for the Points of Light Conference was the Civic Century, recognizing the power and uniqueness of one's individual contribution toward positive change.

It was then when realized what it meant to be a ‘point of light’. In recent weeks, June 2020, I have been filled every possible emotion, rehashing current events, thinking about my children, my nieces and nephews, family, and friends. I know I am not alone. One morning I woke up thinking back to that week in a city I had never been, through a neighborhood or two that I had the opportunity to pass through, to the people near and far that I got to connect with.

During the conference we invited John Nolter from Peace of My Mind to engage attendees and ask the question, "How can we eliminate barriers of entry for people to get involved, lead, and lend support to the causes they care about?” the responses were simply amazing. Seeing people so passionate for change showed me that there is good in the world. I'm reminded of that today. I invite that positive emotion back today.

It's not often I participate in the event I'm managing because I'm busy behind the scenes. Not that I'm not comfortable being out front. I'm a doer, I like to get it done. I'll squeeze out a moment to take it all in, because happy people are a priority, just like the results.

When John pulled me aside and urged me to participate in the experience, I was hesitant. It took me a minute. Sure I knew the question we asked, sure I saw people answering it, but me, what would my voice contribute? Well, he asked again. "How can we eliminate barriers of entry for people to get involved, lead, and lend support to the causes they care about?” I stood back and said,

"Invite people to which you are not familiar to speak, and truly listen to their words, then act on what really matters, share the impact and keep going, each time inviting someone else."