Yesterday, the committee responsible for selecting recipients of the Catherine Hershey Awards met to look at those nominated to be honored as the person of the year in several categories.
Every year I am amazed at the stories and the investment of time and talent that people make in the pursuit of serving children and families from hard places.
The thing I find perplexing is the absence of nominations of outstanding staff members from the many of our member agencies. I am familiar enough with our member organizations to know that each agency within our membership provides a program of excellence. Children's homes and residential school routinely provide favorable information concerning their programs to donors, referring agencies, and the general public.
Perhaps the only venue in which accolades appear to fall under a veil of silence is the lack of communication to the staff members and volunteers whose commitment and expertise have helped the agency garner a reputation of excellence.
The Catherine Hershey Awards, which are made possible by the Milton Hershey School, provide an opportunity to nominate students, house parents, educators, administrators, and alumnus for the contributions made to the legacy of one's agency.
What about the environment in which you work? Do you ever stop to consider how your supervisor orchestrates a work environment that you find satisfying and fulfilling? If you are responsible for the supervision of others, how often do they know you've noticed the incredible contributions and commitment they've made?
We live in a world where we routinely take for granted the things that others contribute that plays itself out in a comfortable work space. Wouldn't it build confidence and self-esteem if words like "thank you" and "good job" were spoken more often?
I took the above picture of the marquee in front of the Methodist Building on Capitol Hill several years ago. At the time, separation of children from their immigrant parents was routine and commonplace. An outcry of disfavor from the general public was uniform and persuasive. Reportedly, favorable changes were made.
So, today's challenge to you is a reminder to affirm good work and support change where it is needed.
All My Best!
Don