JUNE
"The fundamental law of human beings is interdependence. A person is a person through other persons."
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
We have finally ended our second year of the Spring event. We did not have as many people as planned but in some ways, I was grateful for the small group. People were able to connect with each other in ways that I never ever would have expected. It was quite amazing to see participants open up and share their stories. I don’t know the long term impact of the workshops but I think participants paused long enough to reflect on their journeys. How many times in our lives do we get such an opportunity?! Not too many since we have busy schedules, endless deadlines, to-do lists, demands on our time, and of course, responsibilities. So would I consider the workshops a success? From the immediate response, a resounding Yes. From the point of view of lasting impression, that is still up in the air. Change does not occur in an instant and monitoring life-long passions is not that simple. How can we know the ways in which a story, an activity, a connection, or an insight affect our future? It is not something we can easily quantify and analyze.
What have I personally learned from this year’s Spring workshops - that I need to rely more on others to grow Platform. Trust me, I would love to delegate more of my responsibilities to volunteers but I need to ask, perhaps demand that people volunteer. I developed my father’s bad habit whereby he would quietly labor without ever asking my mother or any of his children to help. It is easier in some ways, not having to explain the work, but more importantly, I do not want to be a burden to anyone. Because of my shingles this year, I have come to rely on people who have stepped up and wanted to be part of our organization. I must admit that sometimes, volunteers can be unreliable; I have been disappointed numerous times. But sometimes, they leave you stunned with their dedication. It is a hit or miss. Yet if Platform is to grow, to mentor women leaders, then we need to incorporate them, to help them grow with the organization. In other words, I have to let go, not only for Platform or for the volunteers, but for myself. I will most likely burn out if I don’t.
This summer, I hope to find more volunteers and board members so they can make Platform an international organization. It has so much potential. I know it; I feel it. Yet I am limited in what I am able to do for it. We need more people with whom we can share our vision. That is how we become a person - through other people.
Sam
Founder. Executive Director
June 01, 2019