Politics, the Bears, and volunteerism

Funny things go through my head at the most inconvenient times.  Tonight, for instance.  In the middle of a crazy basketball game I begin pondering if I am going to blog tonight, and if so...what about!?

I decided that I might give people choices of what I would blog on next, which I probably will in the future.  But this evening, when they were 'unveiling' the attendance at the Missouri State Men's game I began to ponder about the fans.  In addition, at half time I had heard a couple men saying that JQH Arena was a nice place, but there are not near enough fans to justify it.  Interesting.

Then, to make my thought process worse, I began to think about the New Hampshire primary and the 2012 election in general.  Add one more thing to that mix: work.  CASA, my organization that I hold very close and dear to my heart.

Put those all together and you get: Politics, the Bears, and volunteerism.  Trust me, it all comes together...I promise.

So, we have an arena built for over 11,000 screaming fans, but on a fairly normal evening in the middle of January, we can only bring in 6,009 people.  Seriously, many people say they are avid "Bear's fans" but where are those people?  Yes, it can cost to go to a game, and I am sure there were circumstances that people had to tend to, but you get the overall idea.

Then, we have a primary election held in a small state, New Hampshire, that held a vote tonight.  A vote which is only available to United States citizens through the hard work of men and women throughout the years.  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr, and the list goes on.  These people gave of their time and effort to secure a place in our country for all of our voices to be heard.  Yet, when it comes time to raise our voice - cast our vote - where is our fellow countryman or countrywoman.  Was there really something more important?  Was the vote REALLY a done deal before the voting began.  I beg to differ.  In fact, I can only imagine the results if ALL people voted...but then again, it is a choice, not a mandatory obligation.  So, I only assume that the voice of the few or a plurality is acceptable to the whole.  Many people claim to have a 'horse in the race.'  Yet, when it comes time to do something about that horse, many let others make their decisions for them.  Case in point.  The Iowa Caucuses had a scant 8 votes between 1st and 2nd.  8 votes.  That means if less people than I can count on my two hands would have cast their vote for the 2nd place candidate, it would have ended out differently.  8 votes.  Oh, and I won't even get into Florida 2000.  Just imagine if everyone had cast their vote then...what a difference that could have made.

Now, take CASA for example.  We provide an organization that supports, in our most effective and efficient way we know how, volunteers who advocate on behalf of the hundreds and hundreds of abused and neglected children here in our own backyard.  We, as a community, are heartbroken and appalled by the statistics.  However, when it comes to taking the initiative and making that difference ourselves we 'can count on those special people' to do it.  I cannot for one second point the finger at someone else without saying I have done the same thing.  I have sat on my derrière and said how horrible things are and have said 'bless their hearts' to those who were making the difference.  I guess the difference is that I became employed in the non-profit world and saw the difference those 'bless their heart' people were making.  Why did it take me becoming a paid staff in this world to become aware of my hypocrisy?  I don't really know the answer to that.  I tithed at church, I gave to the mailers that asked for money, but volunteering?   I really didn't have time.

Now, working my 40+ hours a week, I find myself spending more time volunteering for other organizations and working harder to promote my own.  Even an hour a week, away from my desk and away from my home makes a difference in the lives of others.

I guess my point is...Whether it be a 'would-be' fan at a ball game, a 'registered voter' or a 'good intentioned' person, we all find ourselves sitting on our hands sometimes.

What a difference would be made if we all made it out to support our team, put a check in the box, or make some time for some kids!

I am so thankful for those fans who show up faithfully to the games...the boys and girls appreciate it more than they could ever say (or probably ever realize)...the candidates will say what a difference those who cast their votes made that day, even when they lose...and because of a volunteer, a donor, or an advocate, a child or person in need knows that they matter.

It makes a difference.  The momentum in a game, the laws that are passed, and the lives that are saved and changed cannot be discounted.  Those results are because someone cared enough to get off their hands, stand up for their beliefs and, as a result, MADE A DIFFERENCE!

Thank you to each of you who make a difference.  Not a thank you from me, but a thank you from everyone who's lives are affected by the fact you did something.

Have a wonderful evening everyone.

Peace,