This weekend I spent time with loads of givers. People who give of their time, their investment, their heart, soul, money, you name it. I am so amazed at the passion and dedication of my fellow “hams” and their spouses and families.
There have been calls for this to be the #summerofneighbors by a local Columbia blogger. Where you connect with your neighbors and post it on twitter. I would think I could overload twitter with the sheer volume of “neighborliness” found in the amateur radio community.
Look at this picture.
Filled with givers. Father and son. Jon and Dave. Others who were there from beginning to end.
I look at the food board. Full of contributions from wives and families.
And, there are club members like Dave, checking in even while attending family weddings.
I heard conversations over the weekend about other community events. Bike race support. Non profit board meetings. The next big radio contest where we will be using the national call sign to represent the US in an international competition.
Here in our hobby, long time leaders teaching new volunteers. Like Maurice teaching Melanie.
Getting the newer members interested and active in our organization is something we know is important to our continued success.
When we look at what we accomplished, another successful, safe and enjoyable event, we realize it is all because we are surrounded by Givers. Not Takers. Not people who sit on the sidelines and criticize or expect something for nothing. GIVERS!
I blogged last year how I thought the motto on those bumper stickers “Choose Civility” didn’t go far enough. You really need a community mindset to make a difference.
CARA and PVRC exhibit this every year for this national event. People give time, money, and passion to make it successful. I realize now, after a few years of volunteering, that I can look at all the pictures and I know the names of everyone in them. Isn’t that what neighborly really means? Is just going somewhere a neighborly thing?
Isn’t immersion in your community to the extent that you know the people, know their children’s names, know their food preferences, their favorite things, important?
Are you a giver? Or, someone watching on the sidelines? Step up. Find your passion. Invest in Howard County. Your home.
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AnnieRie Unplugged 