For how long can you wish people a “Happy New Year” after the fact? Well, we are already in the middle of the first work week of the year, but people still have the spirit. We’ve de-decorated for the holidays, but people still have the spirit. That spirit may be hidden behind the veil of buckling down and getting back to business or it may just be the motivation that sets up the promise of a new and productive year.
2009 was a frenzy but reflection is an indispensable tool and practice. We saw some donations come in on the last day of the year, and we want to thank all those who have donated this past year through the very last day!
You have given, advocated, and volunteered this past year and in others. We should all take time to reflect, but that reflection isn’t necessarily steadfast in creating any absolute solutions.
Reflection is tool and a practice. Reflection is akin to the assessments that we do throughout the community to understand the past, project the future, and work in the present to approach our goals. We are steadfast in creating strong local relationships and addressing critical needs as described by the community itself. We maintain relationships and meet those needs with the help of so many and the conviction of voluntary giving that is the spirit achieving these goals for the common good.
This “we” is inclusive–United Way and the community-at-large, including donors, volunteers, partner agencies and service recipients. We have seen how your giving, advocating and volunteering have helped lives begin to turn a new leaf.
Happy New Year!
I often end up saying “Happy New Year!” all through New Year’s Eve, thinking that it’s as correct as saying it on New Year’s Day. I think it is because I have built up the suspense of the ever-allegorical “clock striking midnight” and can’t wait!
By: Aden Hailemariam, Marketing & Communications at United Way of Greater Greensboro
