I joined a board today for a non-for-profit website that deals with helping people with emotional and mental issues. I had been looking to get involved and flattered that they thought it would be a great fit.
Now, as I read that back I just realized it might come across as me trying to brag about doing something philanthropic. Nah. I’m one of the least philanthropic people you’ll meet. I’m self-motivated and rarely do much to assist others. In short – I’m a typical American.
So, please don’t think this is a bragging session. That’s not what I’m doing here. I’ll tell you when I need to brag. I actually do one big philanthropic thing that I can’t wait to brag about one of these days when my self-esteem is super low. You’ll be really impressed and want to have my baby.
Just to be clear, I was also kidding there.
I went on a Google Hangout which was me and the heads of the various boards so we could meet. They were all very nice , and, like many boards, needed more volunteers. After all of the introductions I talked about myself and what I thought I could add to the organization.
I also did something that surprised even me. I chose not to over-commit. I actually did the responsible thing and chose the easiest and most direct introductory position in the group. “Easiest” not because it’s actually easy work; it’s actually busy work and will require a few hours a week.
Here’s a corollary example. Every month or two I volunteer a few hours to wash dishes at a shelter two blocks from me. The organization that runs this group has thousands of groups across Chicago. I chose this one, not because I have a lot of passion for the homeless, but because it’s two blocks from me. I can walk over, put on the apron and hair net, scrub pans, and leave. I have virtually no interaction with the people there. It’s not one of those volunteer jobs where you walk away going, “I just made a HUGE difference.” You just washed and rinsed. Not sexy, but necessary.
As a creative type I wanted to jump in with each department head and say, “Here’s how you take you online organization to the next level! I have all the solutions!” I easily came up with several strategies to assist their growth. But, this is a pattern for me that is in line with my spazziness, but not responsible. Here’s how it goes.
- I think I know everything
- I offers “solutions” to everyone’s problems
- I have no time to implement
- I miss the deadlines
This is one of my big challenges. I have a horrible perspective on time. I’m never sure how much I have, how long things are going to take, and how to schedule it in advance. My toughest job at work is not ability, but scheduling. My goal for 2013 is to have my workday planned in advanced.
So, in this instance I just said, “Well, let me start small. I have a job, the website, podcast, etc. and I don’t want to let you guys down. Trust me I want to do more, but I’d rather just pick up the mop for now.”
This is how low my self-esteem is at this point in the post. I actually contemplated changing the entire thing to, “I took a small paying gig…” so that you wouldn’t think this was a veiled attempt at bragging.
I’m feeling insecure tonight for some reason. So, I’m going to go drown it in some gyro meat because that appeals to me. That’ll fix my fear!
Gyro meat really does cure a lot of life’s ills. Just ask around.
Julie DeNeen says:
LOL…I’m laughing at your inner dialogue. I’ve had similar 😛
D.J. Paris says:
Yes, but my inner dialogue also says, “Well at least you’re blonde which makes you better than everyone.” Does yours do that, too?
Dyanne @ I Want Backsies says:
Here’s what I know about not-for-profits: all they really want from their board members are either money or work. They don’t give a rip for your ideas. They have their own. They were probably so excited that you were willing to wash pots and pans that they wet themselves.
(I have a pic of myself cleaning up tornado crap that is very similar to yours. Except I was wearing a pink cowboy hat. Don’t ask me why.)
Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom says:
…oohhh…so you’re gonna Paul Ryan every month. Need me to bring a camera? ‘Cause we need to document the Paris “do” accentuated by a hairnet. You’re a good egg, DJ. That’s an excellent thing to do. Always remember the wise words of a woman from yesteryear…”You’re soaking in it.”
Emelie says:
Hey, man, good for you! When I used to do more (and by “more”, I mean “any”) volunteer work, I realized that some of the more important people are the ones who are doing the small things. You should brag.
Deana says:
I only found you a short time ago but I’ve emailed myself links to a zillion of your past posts.
Don’t feel insecure, Sweetie. I’m sure I’m not the only one, but your silly, funny and hopefully truthful ramblings have been making my day. I’m severely depressed and humor is my lifeline and your blogs truly help.
You SHOULD be proud of yourself because, as you noted, most people don’t do squat. At least you are doing something and that, in itself is something to be proud of. Kudos to you for giving a damn……….about the people you are helping, even if one of them is yourself.
Kate Hall says:
Seriously, I want to know your plan to take the on-line organization to the next level. I want that organization to be my blog – it’s a charity-case in itself. What are the secrets to your success? How, in the heck, did you get 40k Twitter followers? I know you’re good, just wondering if there’s stuff besides that, that I can do.
And I used to be the worst at over-committing. Awful. Now I do nothing. Thank goodness I have the excuse of staying at home with my kids. But sometimes, I think I overuse that excuse. But right now, I’m not feeling any guilt over it, so I think I’m ok.
Karen says:
Were you the only one cleaning the villiage? Also, looks like you missed a few trees a storage shed.
Btw, you shouldn’t feel insecure about your accomplishments, you are very philanthropic and I’m sure you’ll have a hundred babies by the end of the day.