I think that this nation suffers from some serious self absorption issues! There, I said it, what a way to start my first active rain post!I apologize for starting off on a soap box like that(*steps down*), but it's been said before and I think it needs to be said again.
I think it's all the more important for us as Realtors, because we're a service industry, and because we spend our lives front and center of consumers, the image and ideals we project ARE IN FACT INFECTIOUS.
I chair a group that provides a cost-free party to graduating high school seniors on grad night called PROJECT GRADUATION. It's a very familiar group in my county, and in fact Charles County Maryland is the ONLY County in the state that has not had a drug or alcohol related death among seniors on grad night in over 20 years, since the program was started.
I wouldn't claim that PROJECT GRADUATION is the sole cause, but it makes a huge impact. Providing a safe, monitored, drug and alcohol-free party goes a long way. If we as a group have managed to save even one life over the last 20 years, it's well worth the effort. People who have children attending this year can remember going themselves, and can attest to the fun they had when they went, blah blah, blah, I could go on for hours, but that's beside the point.
When it comes to funding, we work very hard to ensure enough private and corporate donations to make it happen. What becomes a much scarcer commodity come graduation time, however, is TIME! We're not the only ones, thousands of groups across the country are desparate for donations of time and labor to make their organization succeed!Here's where Realtors can make a big difference.
I don't make my volunteer work a focal point of marketing myself. I don't say "Hire me because I'm active in the community". I DO however tell my clients about the program and encourage them to donate time or encourage them to convince the companies they work for to donate money or gifts in exchange for advertising.It works as a huge boost for Project Graduation!
I'm able to parlay my work as a realtor to continue to give back to my community, and everybody feels a little bit better knowing that they are able to help promote healthy activities among our local youth.
So here we come to the self-absorption part(*FINALLY*)! There's no excuse for people to NOT give back to our communities. If money is an issue, donations of time are very greatly appreciated, believe me, we all need it! As Realtors we work on a flexible schedule, finding a way to make time is always possible, and clients love to work with people who they know genuinely care about their community!
Use it as a PR tool if you'd like.
Take a tax deduction on your donation.
Think about the difference you can make locally to help your neighborhood!
Thanks so much for listening!
Marsha Benya
Century 21 New Millennium
301-653-9846
I work as part of Team Benya At Century 21 New Millennium in Southern Maryland. We make it our primary goal to work hard and provide the most honest information available in today's changing market.
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Marsha, too bad more people don't feel the way you do. The world would be a better place!
I agree! I don't think that it's an intentionally stingy attitude though. People don't have time to think about it because they are so wrapped up in their own lives. If we work proactively to encourage more good will among our neighboors, clients, community, etc, I think it would go a long way! Perhaps I should have titled this post "Fighting Self-Absorption and Apathy!"!
Unfortunately, the younger generation, in many cases, is more into self than others. There are exceptions, though. We just all get busy with life. Sad.
My first post was asking a "how to" question.
Your right about community involvement! I think about it all the time. As a Real Estate Professional I think we donate a lot of time to our community. (joke)
Very true and well said Marsha. The self-absorption that goes on in our culture is ridiculous.
Marsha I couldn't agree more. I do and give back all year round to the community that supports me and keeps my mortgage paid. They (the community) appreciate it and in turn that's a part of my continued success ... I just posted some blogs on it feel free to pop on over and read em.
Thanks for spreading the good work!!!
Marsha...
This was a great newbie post. Excellent :)
Self Absorbed? Yah think? :)
TLW...ROAR!
Oh...
Silly me. I forgot to welcome you...
Welcome to AR and enjoy the rain ride :)
TLW...ROAR!
Hi Marsha,
I agree with post, getting involve in your community and giving back is very important.
Marsha,
Welcome to AR...First post feature...WOW! Nice message too!!! Thanks, Fran
I agree 100%. Volunteering goes a long way. Even if you don't think you have the time, you can fit it in your busy schedule. I really enjoy and many times get more out of the volunteer time than people do at work. Just think if we would actually put as much thought into doing volunteer work as we do our jobs!! Wow, wouldn't that be amazing?
I have 4 kids, run a business and my family is very much into volunteering. Or I should say my wife does an excellent job and I try hard. We both volunteer at our church by either teaching classes for the kids or doing service work. My wife takes meals to the homeless and female shelters at least once a month!
Don't use your kids as an excuse, but show them what you do and they will learn a great deal.
Marsha, Nice job on the post and I wish I was doing loans in MD in order to work with you!
Hi Marsha,
What a good project you are involved with!! I agree with you about we all need to "give back." Thank you for sharing!
Marsha....what an excellent way to break into Active Rain. First post, first feature. Congrats on the feature.
On a more serious note, this is an excellent topic and I think so many of us take for granted that we see giving as a monetary thing. But so much can be given with just that persons energy and time. Something that has been lacking for decades, because as you said, so many are self-absorbed. And getting involved with your community is such a great place to start.
On another note, someone should adopt you. I would bet that you become a great addition to AR with that attitude. And Desiree is a good example of this, from what I know about her, and from what I have read about her.
Congrats and Welcome to AR all in one comment! That is an excellent thing you do for the kids. It really is a scarry night for Seniors... I am 100% positive that the parents are gratful for what you are doing!
Nice post Marsha. IMO, it's our DUTY to serve our communities, whether it be in the fashion you've chosen or in another type of organization. How can we expect our communities to give to us and we never give back to make them better places to live?
In my little way, I started a community service program to give folks ICE stickers for their phones. I paid to have the stickers printed and I deliver them in person to those in my community that request them and I mail those that live outside my community. My goal is to have all our teenage drivers to have one on their cell phones.
If any of you folks would like to start this in your community, please visit my website and click on ICE. I would be more than happy to help get you started.
P.S. I also had a nice article written about my project in the community newspaper - can't hurt!
www.MarieStory.com
Giving back to the community is very important for many reasons. Good post.
Giving back to the community is very important for many reasons. Good post.
Marsha, What goes around comes around! I don't mean one should give for the purpose of getting back but the "pay it forward" mindset is definitely a win/ win
Anona- You're right, a lot of our time can be spent as wasted, unpaid hours, especially if we can't get properites sold! That's the unfortunate downside to the business, the one they never mention before you get your license lol!
Desiree- You've got it absolutely- we are all a part of the community we live in and it's our responsibility to help take care of it and work to improve it, whether we realize it or not.
LOVELY WIFE- Thanks for the comment, My son has been raving about this group for awhile, I decided it was time to chime in as well!
Fran- Thanks so much! I'm amazed that my first attempt at blogging has gone over so well! Now I have a very high bar of excellence to strive for!
Brian- I wish that there were 100 more loan officers like you in my area! I love people's willingness to help when asked, but it's a whole new level of respect for people who actively take the initiative on their own to make the world a better place! You and your family sound wonderful, I'm sure you must be very proud!
Jeff- Thank you for the welcome, I read Desiree's posts, and I think the adoption idea is excellent. I can't wait to spend more time on activerain, from what I've seen already the discussions and ideas here seem limitless!
Kim- Graduation Night can be a very frightening night for seniors and especially their parents! That night has the highest national average of teenage driving fatalities, and anything we can do to prevent that is crucial!
Ryan- I agree with it being our duty, and there are so many ways to give back, you can always find a method that appeals to you!
Marie- I LOVE Your community service program! I looked at your website and I have a few questions for you, I'd like to start something like that in my region as well!
Joeann- The Law of Reciprocity, or get by giving, is very true. I don't expect business simply I work with this organization, but I do believe that good things come to good people!
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful posts, I can't believe how helpfull and kind you guys are! I'd love to hear more about what some of you guys do as community outreach!
So True...Giving back to the community is so important. Thanks for the post.
Marsha - Way to go with your first post. Welcome to AR and congratulations on your first gold star. I agree with you about the apathy in this country but I am finding more and more that people do volunteer a lot. We don't always see them and as you say we still have a long way to go.
Marsha, I couldn't agree more with you. We started a committee in our local assoc we call R.O.C.C. (Realtors Outreach Citrus County). That committee in 2007 raised $17,000 for Habitat, A scholarship for Take Stock in Children, $4,000 for the American Cancer Society, $10,000 and 4,000 canned goods for the Family Resource Center and I can't even remember what else. I think it is very important to give back. Thanks for all you do!
Great post, and I heartily agree. Consider also this position. My time is very limited and I have 2 small children. They absolutely crave my attention. That is why I do less volunteer work than I would like to do. But by spending quality time with my children and raising them with strong moral values, and keeping them from the terrible influences that abound in our society, in the long run I am giving the world a great gift. Well-raised, respectful and community-minded citizens. I think that counts for a lot. So if you are feeling guilty about not giving enough back to the community, consider all that you give to your loved ones is an indirect, but valuable gift to the world at large.
Thank you for this post, in today's environment it's good to know that there are many others out there that have a sense of community. I have been a volunteer reader for my local children's hospital and have worked with HFH for many years and not only does it provide me with a sense of fulfillment, but to see the faces of those I have helped makes it all worth while. Who knows how a few hours of your time can impact a life when they are at their lowest!
Great post. I'm involved in a number of organizations for wounded & returning servicemen and women in our area. It is well worth every minute
Marsha - Welcome and thanks for sharing another great project, Project Graduation. In Southern Oregon, we have very strong community support, and numerous opportunities for people to give back to the community. With so many non-profit organizations, many of us find ourselves involved in several projects at the same time. Our local Realtors do make a stong effort in giving back. The need is always so great... there is always room for more volunteers!
Great idea. Drug and alcohol free? Your group should be commended for it's work in saving lives.