Paying it Forward: Actions Strengthen Community
Paying it Forward: Actions Strengthen Community
New to town and don't know anyone? Volunteer and join your Community. Many are in need. Heroes are few. Give an hour.
Moving here in January 2015, we didn’t know a soul.
I diligently follow three daily imperatives, meet five new people, work on three projects, send two thank you cards.
I’ve found that writing a thank you note to a new connection helps me remember that person as I share a take away from our dialogue. Later when hearing of their success, I send a congratulatory note. From time I share articles or news in areas that interest them.
Along the way, I’ve joined boards, volunteered, and met many of the thousands of you who believe our community is amazing and live it every day. Now I’m part of our community.
Similarly, athletes come to their first Olympics awed and in amazement of competing with their heroes. The Olympics’ highlights the best of the best athletes from around the world.
Sportsmanship has been readily demonstrated multiple times in affirmation of the ideals of the Olympic Charter, ‘”The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.’”
During the medal ceremony for the women's gymnastics floor exercise final on August 5, Simone Biles (silver) and Jordan Chiles (bronze) bowed to honor Brazil's Rebeca Andrade (gold) as their medals were presented.
Sportsmanship was again demonstrated with medals in photos showing the women’s rugby sevens teams intermingling as teams from New Zealand (gold), Canada (silver) and US (bronze).
Here in Wichita Falls countless volunteers make sacrifices to honor others. For as Steve Sparks notes with Faith Mission and Faith Refuge clients, ‘Every Story Matters’.
Two weeks till Hotter ’n Hell brings 10,000 folks to town Thursday Aug 22 through Sunday Aug 25th. Volunteer opportunities are still available on their website hh100.org.
Or substitute and deliver Meals on Wheels as other volunteers celebrate summer vacations with a break. Big hearted souls help care and share with clients who may be homebound with few social contacts.
MSU Texas’ Lifelong Learning Center offers non-credit courses to explore new subjects. Attend their open house early September, with their relocation to the Wichita Falls Museum of Art – meet new people, learn new things, and make new friends.
Schools start the end of the month; volunteers in education make a difference, improving students’ learning.
Many are in need. Heroes are few. Be the difference, serve for one hour.
Jack Browne is a community volunteer and former technology sales and marketing executive who worked 40 years at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing?
Published Wichita Falls Times Record News, Trends Section, Sunday August 11, 2024.