Having Good Morals

Having morals goes a long way. It is the ticket or connection to opportunity. The quality of a person is judged by their morals or life standards. Going a step beyond and above the average norms is always impressive. We cheer those who highly value integrity. We honor those among us who are selfless and honest. This is more true when principles are consistently displayed in everyday behavior.

There are times we think what's the sense when everyone is just getting by on low standards and almost no concern for upright behavior. Leaving those who try to do right in the dust. Simply put having good standards for life or doing the right thing gets you left behind. Compared to those who lie to get their kids in good schools, who put false information on their resume, who do the bare minimum and hide behind someone elses good character, who swindle the poor or relative, who lives on a false budget with nice cars and homes, who stereotype a person in comparison to themselves or a group, those that fault find and criticize others in public but praise themselves, then there are people who sleep with the "network" to achieve a goal and of course the person who checks out using substances leaving responsibility for those not able to cope.

We all fit somewhere in these descriptions or between the lines. Honestly, now a days it is hard to do what's right. Especially when we think of how unfair it is that these behaviors are popularly rewarded. Who wants to do what's right? Are there still people out there holding on to integrity? Is it you who faces this all year long and find it hard to keep striving for excellence in your life? Do you envy your neighbor? Do you get distracted by the people in the stands or other runners on this race of life? Do you think will I never make it to the finish line in one piece and satisfied with the life decisions I've made?

Don't be discouraged. There are still those who value a good reputation. They lurk in every job, every academic setting, every family, every event, every group, every generation. It's a society of quiet covert observants and overt advocates. People always notice those who do right. They shine and stand out amidst of all the negative around you. You stand out. This prompts the observants to take action, to side with you, to rally your cause and to support you no matter how unpopular your actions may be. I've seen it time and time again. Why? Maybe they can relate or maybe they envy your good qualities. All is not lost. The world was created with this phenomena of "good timing". The positioning of the earth, the relative harmony of the moon and planets, the balancing of life; all in "good timing".

Your life is no different. All will be right again and in line with your purpose. Getting there with excellent morals is the better path, my friend. Go ahead and strive for what you strongly believe is right and true, for you. Stay focus to your course. Be that supportive observant for others when the opportunity presents. The world sure needs more doesn't it? Having good morals may be harder in this day and age but it certainly is refreshing as it eventually wins over poor standards for getting ahead, everytime. It's like the classic race of the hare and the turtle. Stay your course, latch on to the good and enjoy the ride. Let's be honest here, the twelve commandments are genius! This is what you would teach your kids. Why, because you love them and want the best for them. Well love yourself, as well. Keep your morals to pass it along. Be gentle as you teach, yet passionate about your cause. You of all persons are the most qualified. You have lived both sides of the coin. You are the one being cheered, you are the one society values. You are a rare species. Preserve yourself. No matter how difficult... keep your good moral standards.

The Power of Volunteerism

I am amazed at the tenacity of my husband's aunt. I was so elated at hearing her good news because she is a woman who is always helping others. It is so good to know that good and great things happen to good people.

She sold her home and moved from New York about three to four years ago. We would come to visit family and made sure we stopped by to visit her to have some Ingera. She decided to volunteer at a center with a diversity in ethnic backgrounds. One of which is the Ethiopian community in which they needed her for translation in the Amharic language.

All the while, she was unable to find work. She tried to get a job at the center she was volunteering but they did not have a budget that could accommodate her working full time or part time. She stayed faithful. After some time she had to care for a family member which added stress to her financial situation.

She expressed that some days were good and some days were not so good but she continued to pray and stay positive. Then two weeks ago, after an almost four year struggle of looking for work, the center where she volunteers, finally hired her full time. I spoke to her recently and she is very happy. I am amazed at her example of perseverance. Do not underestimate the power of altruism.

Fundraising made easy.

Fundraising can seem tedious and difficult but I have really been challenged as well as enjoying the process. I have come to realize that creativity and partnership is a great formula for expanding ones organization.

As you are networking with similar organizations you get to see how you are unique but you also learn about the efforts needed to make your program excellent. It is clear that you need mentors and hearing their passion for their cause motivates you to take things higher.



As we are preparing for June's distribution of scholarships, ideas continually manifest in ways to make money. All the ideas involve partnerships. There is no way around getting private funding. We can't wait to have the status for applying for grant money and even with that, networking has opened a door to having our very own grant writer. Even our recipients for scholarships came about through communication with someone in the field. What's funny is they were right under our nose. I knew a few of them from our volunteer work on the weekends. They are excellent students who are student volunteers.




The second part of our project involves our giving overseas and I love the idea of one of our board members to expand our giving. It is simple and sheer genius. Coming together as a team has been very beneficial. I was focused on our next trip which we will be making, hopefully this year, but to include key figures will promote the program to a more respectable status. We are definitely up for the challenge.

Lastly education and research are your friends. Failure is not an option. Fundraising made easy really is about learning the do's and don'ts of the non-profit business. I have been reading a book called How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation by attorney Anthony Mancuso. It is a simple read and answers all the basic questions I have as I wait for 501 approval. Until then we relay on the kindness of others, as the middle men, we hand over proceeds to valued recipients, who will succeed, to pay a forward. This is the real way to stretching a dollar and getting your money's worth.

Quote from Prince Caspian

"For too long I have focused on what has been taken away from me and not on what I have been given."-Prince Caspian, The Chronicles of Narnia

The Adoptees

As you know I love a good story about "giving" and "the less fortunate". They usually have adventure, fear and hope as you root for the underdog. These stories get me every time. And yes, if you catch me, I may be shedding a few tears, okay maybe even crying my eyes out. What's more, don't let it be a true story.

Well I found such a story as it is so inspiring to me. Especially when the story continues after you have "left the scene". So picture being in Africa....You are sitting at a long dinner table and the spread of food is magnificent (yes in Africa) . Roast lamb, stewed beef, potatoes and carrots in butter sauce, fresh greens, Ethiopian style BBQ, the spread of Ethiopian Wat and Ingera, line the table before you. The decor is reminiscent of a fine hotel and people you care about surround you.

At the table are three people you have just met on the trip; a young guy and two young girls. The first time you were introduced you learned that the young man is a nephew of the person whose house you are staying in while on your travels. When you met him you found out that he was also on vacation and lives in Canada. He is Ethiopian and works for a major oil rig in Canada. He is to travel to the most popular ancient ruins of Ethiopian civilizations with a tour bus to leave in a few days. The young ladies are his friends and they came for the adventure. One of the young women you meet has been looking for volunteer work to which she will be able to live in the city.

At the table you learn that the host's wife is a wonderful cook and you cannot eat enough although your stomach is giving you the red light. Turns out the host owns a business that was passed down to him by his father. Even the home where you are eating was a gift to him when his father past away. After dinner you discover that the host has also been taken under the wings of the same woman who cares for her "nephew" (the young man) and who has been caring for you as you live in her house.

A year after you travel back home, you have a conversation with someone about your travels and wonder what happened to the young man from Canada. You learn that he was adopted due to the loss of his parents when he was a minor. The girls (who were European) were also adopted and orphans as well. Somehow they found each other. They did go on their amazing trip and get an internship to work helping children.

Six months after that a message comes to you through the daughter of the woman whose house you were living in. In your conversation with her she states how much her mother thought so highly of you and that you were a wonderful person. She said to please say hello to you. That's when it hits you.......... everyone was basically "adopted" and you were included.

Have you seen Lulit?

We met on the subway in New York City. She was clearly Ethiopian as her striking features were strong and so beautiful. I am by nature a friendly person who goes against the grain by New York standards and struck up a conversation with her. We had such a good time talking and I impressed her with my knowledge of her culture. It was almost her stop and we exchanged contact information. I came home and told my husband all about my encounter with a new friend named Lulit (pronounced luleet) to which he stated, "that's my wife for you".

I called her and we planned to hang out in the mist of our busy lives. She took me to an Ethiopian Restaurant I had not visited before, and I thought I had visited all of them. I learned a lot about how she came to this country and discovered how funny, talented and intelligent she really is. I told her of my experience of moving here from the West Indies and growing up in the US as a child. I learned of her living arrangement which didn't appear to be a comfortable setting. But it struck a nerve in me and I felt slight pity for her.

Our conversations continued and her living arrangement came up again. For now she was not working and her roommates were treating her worst than ever before. It really surprised me as they were Masters students at a very prestigious college. Life became difficult for her and I asked my husband if we could let her stay in the extra bedroom in our apartment. (I know). She was great. She made Ethiopian food and we had the best conversations. She paid her last months rent on her old apartment and I helped her to move her clothes out. The children loved her and she was nice to them. She stayed with us free of charge.

It was now summer time and she had never been to the beach. We went as a family and enjoyed ourselves. We did a lot of other activities as well. After a few months I started to see signs of depression. She was still not working and I became concerned. As a big sister figure, I had a talk with her that she did not like and she decided to move to Massachusetts to start a business. Three months later she had no where to go and she returned. She stayed another three months and I saw the same pattern. This time both my husband and I tried to help her but again she became angry, and she left to stay with a cousin in Texas.

So many things happened and we had more good times than bad. I remember that she gave me her cousin's telephone number and when I called, her cousin told me she saw the same pattern but found out she is now working in her new home state and doing well. I called the next time to check on Lulit and her cousin said she has not heard from her. It has been about three years now and I often wonder what happened to Lulit (Which for confidentiality sake I did not give her real name).

I really do miss her and wish her the very best life has to offer. We had some good times. I hope she is doing well and knows that I didn't mean to hurt her in anyway but has always been concerned for her well being and sometimes I guess that is as much as you can do for a person and then they move on. I hope all the best for her and if you see Lulit, Please, send her my love.

Petrina,
(Hirut)

Sell the Dream

GoBigNetwork

Business Funding Series:
Sell the Potential, not the Present

So there you are on day one of your new venture. You’ve thought long and hard about your new idea and you’re ready to build a great company that is going to change the world. Now it’s time to attract customers, employees, and investors. No problem, right?

Except for the fact that you have absolutely nothing to offer anyone because your company does not have an office, a product, or a single employee! So how do you get started with this world-changing vision if you have few assets to leverage? The simple answer – sell the dream, baby, sell the dream!

The vision is the asset
A startup company has only one asset – the vision of what the company might be someday. Today it’s just some poor guy burning through his life savings hoping all his hard work will pay off. No one wants to quit their job to go work for that vision!

Yet employees will jump out of bed to work for a vision they believe in, even if the paycheck isn’t there just yet. Investors get excited about the idea of making an enormous return on a single investment. And customers are always interested in the next best product from the next best company. You need to become all of these. While you cannot completely ignore where you are today, you should not let that define the prospective opportunity your company offers. From a practical perspective, most startup companies evolve so quickly that they’re not even worth describing in current terms. Your focus should be on getting the company to where it will be, not dwelling on its position today.