Commitment

Posted by TJ Meyers-Jansky on Dec. 9, 2009

     As we approach 2010, it is the time of year when the "New Year's" resolution thought process begins or is underway for many individuals. Resolutions are a commitment to fix or improve a part of your life or the lives of others. Commitments take determination, hard work, and the discipline to stick to the plan, do what is asked, and to follow through on what you stated to yourself and / or others you were going to do. A total commitment is a harnessed passion and a true belief the goal is attainable, no matter how long it takes. Minor set backs are viewed as an opportunity to take two steps forward.

     Resolutions and commitments are not easy. It is the reason there are individuals, groups, and organizations out there as support systems networked together with the same / similar mission or purpose. To be successful, reaching out to them may be one of the hardest obstacles to conquer. Once the first hurdle of asking for the help is crossed, the hurdles to follow become easier and easier. Before you know it, you have formed a "family" of alliances bringing your resolution goal closer and reinforcing your determination to keep to the game plan for the commitment you made. 

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”  - Author Unknown

     Volunteers always have an interest in a cause or an organization. Some will join for personal benefit, then leave when there is no benefit to them any more. Some join to fill in time in their day, hopping from one organization to another, but never establishing a commitment to any. Others are interested in being associated with the name, yet rarely partake in the activities. They have an interest, but are non-commital. They are not concerned with the end result. In too many instances, a person's intent to commit is there at the beginning, then as the road gets tough, they get going. No one ever said being a volunteer or a member of an organization would be a cake-walk. Everyone needs to get their hands dirty to achieve success in the short and the long run.

     Over the years, I have seen many members of the West Allis Charities come and go. I joined the organization in 1998. Today there are a couple handfuls of active members; one of which has been with us since 1964 when the Charities was established. These members, who are committed to maintaining a presence and to reaching the community through unique fundraisers, are bound to the organization both emotionally and intellectually. Emotionally they have become an extended family and crossed the hurdles together to form alliances within and outside of the community. Intellectually they know and understand change (set back as referred to before) is an opportunity to move forward with positive progress.

     At times, change does not move at the pace everyone envisions. Change in a group or organization will also mean an increase / decrease in membership. Here is where our membership's commitment shines through. We ARE in the process of change from the top down and will see the changes to the end. Our current hurdle is a deficiency of community support. When you rely on your community, it is important to share with people what you are doing and what you need help with. From there, an individual, business, group, or organization can determine, if they are ready and able to make a commitment of support as a 2010 resolution.

     How are we changing?  We are restructuring our Executive Board positions by decreasing the number of seats and increasing committee chair opportunities. We are decreasing our membership tiers from three to two, which will give all non-honorary members the right to vote after fulfilling monthly meeting requirements. These structural changes ripple into updating our bi-laws, policies, and procedures. We are working on a monthly calendar of fundraising events involving partnering with businesses, groups, and organizations inside / outside the city of West Allis. The largest of which is Music By The Mile slotted for July 23 - 25, 2010, if the level of sponsorship dollars and volunteer commitments are achieved. We are also forming a Community Advisory Committee of Non West Allis Charities members to keep us up-to-date on needs in the community, so we can align our fundraising efforts.

     2010 Charitable Resolution Suggestions Don't wait...we have resolution opportunities right now. New Members are needed to be a part of our commitment to improving the quality of life for others, organizational restructuring, and fundraising initiatives. Sponsors are needed for Music By The Mile, our five project focus, and other fundraising events. We need Crazy Cash Raffle ticket purchasers - $20 each for a 1:50 chance to win $10,000. We need dedicated individuals to advise us on the best investments in people, programs, and progress in the city of West Allis.

“When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”

Happy Holidays & Success with Your Resolutions / Commitments