JULY

“If you spend your life trying to be good at everything, you will never be great at anything.” 

- Tom Rath

June is over already and I’ve been to the mountains only twice this year.  Yes, it has been a busy year so far and it will get busier, at least for me.  I will be taking on a full time and a part-time job. And I have a handful of on-going projects that will consume my weekends.  So what does it all mean for Platform? That is a very good question. Since I will be preoccupied, I am presently recruiting more volunteers who could help our organization grow.  So we will have regular bloggers, grant proposal writers, and of course, our event coordinator, Pauline, and marketing coordinator, Manuela. I am also thinking about adding an organizer, someone who can put everything together.

Then where will that put me?  I’ve always hated micro-managing; it is not my style.  I absolutely hate repeating myself and still, I expect things to be done.  Yet I’ve had to basically manage everything, repeat myself, and labor in areas I am not even remotely gifted in the last 2 years.  It hasn’t been good for me or for Platform. It has made me less effective in the areas I am more qualified. I am first and foremost a mentor and a teacher, someone who can train people to lead.  I am able to sense people’s potential and give them the space to develop with a few nudges. Second, I am able to implement a project. It might take me some time but I will finish the work. Third, I am a trailblazer.  Yes, I don’t like to follow; I like to set the momentum.

So how can I use my strengths to build up Platform?  I want to train our volunteers and facilitators so they can make a bigger impact for us and our communities.  This is the reason why I would like to start our summer retreat exclusively for our past and potential volunteers and facilitators.  It will be a time for us to connect, form lasting relationships through meals and excursions, and grow so we can become more effective in our work.  Also, I want to network with people who can help me set up Platform workshops in other cities. I still believe that Platform’s workshop structure will be helpful for women all around the country and globally.  But I am realizing this process will take much more time than I thought. I am not the most patient person; yet I believe we can and will get there. Where? A society where women would lead the work in social justice in which Platform will play a small but powerful role.

It will be a challenging year as we struggle forward to put all the pieces in order.  But Platform won’t be going away just because I have too many obligations. With or without me, I want to make Platform a force in our world.

Sam
Founder. Executive Director

July 01, 2019