I love Peggy’s post from the other day – Volunteers Give … and keep on giving. There’s no question that volunteers are an important part to any organization, whatever its purpose. And as I work with association volunteers on a daily basis, I see firsthand the dedication and time each pours into his/her volunteerism; a dedication that is not always an easy task.
While the passing of Maya Angelou may not seem to have anything to do with Peggy’s post or my experience working with volunteers, the following quote from this prolific writer certainly fits.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
This is the first time I’ve read this quote, but be assured that I’ll remember it. Why? Because I make mistakes; mistakes that make me crazy for a time. On the other hand, what keeps me going are the responses I get when I do it right and the thought that perhaps I made someone’s day a bit brighter.
So to all our association volunteers … don’t obsess over your mistakes, even those that seem so big at the time. After all, it’s what you do after that mistake that makes the difference. What’s more, it’s what you do for your organization as whole that will make a lasting impression and long be remembered.
Another awesome quote from Maya Angelou…
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
Amen to that!