And This Is What It Would Take

Dear ALS Organizations,

I learned a big lesson at a grade school attended by families of modest means and run by women who lived on a vow of poverty.

Whenever anybody made a good suggestion that was beyond the resources of the school, those Sisters of Saint Francis always said, "We can't do that, but this is what it would take..."  And you learned the dollars or the added staff or volunteer commitment needed to deliver on that good suggestion.  It showed respect that they actually considered the idea.  The ball was back in the suggester's court, and you would be amazed at how often those with the ideas delivered the resources to make them happen.

In the world of ALS organizations, we get a lot of, "We can't do that."  Resources are limited.  Staff feels that workloads are at the max.  "We can't do that."  Plop.

We need more, "...and this is what it would take..."

Please, take good ideas seriously.  Embrace good changes that stretch your comfort zone.  Be direct and honest if you think an idea is bad or outside your mission. Don't blame your bank account or workload without offering some idea of what it would take to deliver.

Walking away from good ideas is one of the reasons the fight against ALS isn't where it needs to be.  That is what we can't afford.

Thank you.