BonaResponds is going to help in Oklahoma and we'd love you to come too!

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BonaResponds Mantras/Guiding thoughts

An unopened fortune cookie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What guides your thinking?  I got thinking this morning about that question upon seeing a fortune cookie picture on facebook.  The fortune (which was posted by Make-a-Wish of Western New York) said:

"Look for someone's strength instead of weakness". 

So, here is a list of items (call them mantras, sayings, thoughts, or views) that guide my thinking and planning for BonaResponds on an almost daily basis. 

1. Everyone has something to offer. 
2. It is better to go and not be needed than to not go and be needed.
3. Better not perfect.
4. The intended job is often the least important thing we do.
5. Walking in others' shoes not enough, we need to see things through their eyes.
6. People handle stress in various ways: some get busy, some get lost, and some overwhelmed.
7. Ignoring a problem is not always laziness, it can be a means of coping as well. 
8. Even the best cars need help around some roadblocks.  The same with people.
9. Bumpy patches of road can be followed by many miles of smooth sailing.
10. Prepare for the unexpected, but act before all is certain. 
11. Bureaucracy kills (spirit and sometimes people). 
12. We can't do everything, but we can do something.  
13. There are always a million reasons not to help, help anyway.
14. A small job to society is often an enormous help to those helped. 
15. Much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. 
16. Many hands make light(er) work. 
17. All voluntary activities must be "win-win". 
18. What type of group would we be if we only helped when it was convenient?
19. At the end of the day, it is all economics.  But the measuring stick is not merely dollars and cents, but utility and well being.
20. Make a positive difference
21. Some people are especially tough to please.  There is probably a reason.  
22. Showing up is not enough, but it beats the alternative.
23. Have a positive value added (EVA in finance, WAR in baseball, plus in hockey). 
24. Don't forget opportunity costs. The cost of one job, is another.
25. Life is filled with randomness.   Your position at the top or at the bottom is in part random.
26. Little things matter.  Ripples (both positive and negative) can start with a little splash.  
27. People are good. Conditions and circumstances can hide this but the truth eventually shines through.
28. Take care of the big things and the small things will take care of themselves.  Money is a small thing.
29. Helping some, is better than helping none.
30. We are all neighbors in universe space. 
31. Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a kind word.
32. Everyone is a role model.
33. No one is perfect.

BonaResponds' moment (3 min audio interview) on WGWE

The audio of this week's BonaResponds' Moment on WGWE! This week Greg, Ashish, and Nick speak with Jesse

BR News of the week--Finals week!

BR News of the week--short one this week with finals (I used to like finals much better as a student than I do now as a professor!)

Wow that week went fast!

Quick recap:

1. We are working this Sunday.  Come out and help.  Since only one day (not Saturday as well) we will leave at 10:30 on Sunday from Murphy.  Also look for BR work days during Senior week.  Several graduating students have asked for a final work day before they go.

Also Next weekend is Graduation.  We will work a bit after graduation on Sunday and probably a short day on Saturday as well.

2.   Margaret Mahar Service Scholarship

Congratulations to Greg on winning the first ever Margaret Mahar Service Scholarship. (he also won this week's feats of Strength for which he is pictured here)

Greg has been our most active volunteer this year, is a great leader, and truly “gets it”.  Helping others is not about signing some form for a class or other requirement, it is helping because you can.  Because it is the right thing to do.  Here is an excerpt from the blog article on his award:

“I received so much from the time I have spent volunteering BonaResponds. It has taught me that I do have the ability to change the world...one ramp at a time or one hurricane help day at a time.

It has been so rewarding to see the gratitude on the Sandy victims faces when we take a little time to help clean our after the storm or help them to start to rebuild. I have spent time almost every weekend this school year volunteering with BonaResponds”

the entire article is here:

http://bonaresponds.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-margaret-mahar-scholarship-winner-is.html

3.  The New Trailer/Truck body is here!   All the volunteers who have seen it (true a limited sample) are thrilled and are convinced it will make our work much easier/better organized. 

The next steps include painting it (brown), building a ramp and steps to allow us to get into it, and building shelves inside.  Also moving the larger tools (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc) and supplies from our existing storage. 

Thanks to Ed for the generous donation!!



4. Several WarmSnugglyBlankets have gone out this week.  That is both sad and joyous.  I wish there were no need for blankets as cancer had been eliminated.  

Please keep ten year old Bella in your prayers.  She has had a rough week.  (PrayforBella.com) 


5. GREAT news from Wesley in Haiti!  HaitiScholarships winners in Leogane Haiti and others at the CJM school planted hundreds of trees to combat the deforestation that is common in Haiti.  Here is an album of pictures of the event.  (Don't forget to "Like" HaitiScholarships!)

6. Collections were slow this week :(  I will attribute it to final projects etc.  I hope it picks up!  Shoes, school supplies, winter coats, and books. 

7.  Random stuff:

* Thank you to the anonymous donation of material for WarmSnugglyBlanket!

* New deck screws finally arrived!  10 boxes.  Very exciting news!  

* Some of our larger donors will have their names on the walls of the new building.  If you want to have your name on it, let me know ASAP.  I think the pledge has to be in before June 1.

* Anyone want to be in charge of mailing out blankets this summer?  We will pay postage!


8. We will be doing things all summer.  REALLY REALLY REALLY will need volunteers.  Students are gone, most faculty members are not involved, so we are counting on you!  Yes you! :) come out and help change the world!  Whoever you are, you can help!  I PROMISE!



THANKS EVERYONE!!!
 

Related articles

• The Margaret Mahar Scholarship Winner is:
• Who and What is HaitiScholarships?
• WarmSnugglyBlanket