2006 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
How do you
feel when you receive a request from a charitable organization that begins
with the personal story of someone who desperately needs their help? The
story may be gut wrenching or tragic, or it might eventually have a happy
ending. It is followed by a plea for help, hoping that you are
sufficiently moved to contribute to the cause.
Such
requests usually leave me feeling impatient. I tend to want more
information about the organization itself – who they are, some of their
history, exactly what kind of assistance they provide, etc. Certainly when
we evaluate grant applications for the Foundation, all these factors are
rightly taken into account as we focus on much more than our emotional
responses to those in need. And, admittedly, after hearing enough stories
they sometimes start to sound alike and one is tempted to stop listening
to them.
But … what if
we are part of the story? What if the story is not finished yet and
has a part in it open for us?
Our emotional
response to another’s story may be exactly the thing that moves us to
compassion, to study the need further and find a way to help. We listen to
the victims of natural disasters, for example, and are moved to support
local efforts to rescue, feed, and shelter them. We listen to the stories
of the terminally ill and support the volunteers who give them and their
families care and peace. We hear the stories of kids caught up in lengthy
court proceedings through no fault of their own, and give them gifts that
show them they are loved and supported. Without listening to the stories,
we would remain unaware and uninvolved.
We are all
called to listen and respond to such stories, not just emotionally but
intelligently, responsibly and constructively. By listening we begin the
work of finding solutions. We validate others’ achievements and help
strengthen their foundations for continued success.
Recently the
development director of a local nonprofit was updating his organization’s
web site. Apparently the web designer was concerned about the number of
personal testimonials and success stories on the site and had suggested
that most of them be taken out. “How can I do that?!” the director asked
me. “This is what we are all about. We have to tell our story!”
And listening
to the story can be the first step in making the happy ending a reality.
Sincerely,
 |
Therese Starr
Director |
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