March 31, 2007

Change the World: Have Purely Selfish Reasons

published this at 8:49 am

Hey, Drew, How Can We Change the World?

Change the World!

From the first hello on the phone, I have looked forward to every word from Drew McLellan. Drew has a magical way of seeing the world that combines humor and humanity into compassion.

So I wasn’t surprised to find out that Drew is on the board of Variety US, a charity serving children. Nor was I surprised at the way he chose to explain his “purely selfish” reasons for being there. A humble guy would make sure that you’re looking the kids not at him.

Variety for Purely Selfish Reasons

Guest Writer: Drew McLellan

Why would a guy get involved?

Why Variety?

Honestly, for purely selfish reasons. I admit it. I serve as an Iowa and US Variety board member for myself. After all, isn’t this the what’s in it for me era? So what do I get out of it? Joy. Pride. Laughter. Opportunity.

Joy? I am literally immersed in joy overflowing every time I participate in a Bikes for Kids rally or see a child’s face when they realize that the technicool wheelchair really is for them. The kids and their uncensored awe creates an energy that you can’t help but get caught up in — and I get to carry that with me for days.

Pride? How lucky am I that I get to use my god given talents and skills to change my little part of the world? I am so proud to be associated with the amazing staff and volunteers who give their all to raise the money that allows a young boy go to Diabetes camp or provides new school supplies so a little girl won’t get teased by her classmates and can actually look forward to her first day of school.

Laughter? Whether it’s a board meeting, fundraiser or just because, the incredible people that Variety attracts have enriched my life with their friendship, warmth and laughter. There is an aura of determined giddiness that seems to flow from these good people who make the time in their busy lives to help kids who will probably never meet their kind hearted benefactors.

Opportunity? Variety is my chance to say thank you. Thank you for a healthy daughter. And a blessed life. It’s my way of trying to tip the scales and share some of what I’ve been given because truth be told, in a blink of an eye — it could just as easily be me who’s pacing outside a peds ICU room or trying to understand why my child will never walk.

I’m sure most people give their time to Variety for the kids. But in my case, it’s all about me.

Drew McLellan

___
Thanks, Drew, for your purely selfish reasons.
It’s the “purely” that makes the difference.

We can change the world — just like that.
–ME “Liz” Strauss

______________
If you’re ready to change the world, send me your thoughts in a guest post. Feel free to take the gorgeous Change the World image up there that Sandy designed back to your blog. Or help yourself to this one.

Change the World!.

Email me about what you’re doing or what we might do. Let’s change the world one bit at a time together. Together it can’t take forever.

Filed under Motivation-Inspiration, Successful Blog | 6 Comments »


C'mon. Let's talk!

6 Comments to “Change the World: Have Purely Selfish Reasons”

  1. March 31st, 2007 at 11:27 am
    Lisa said

    Love love love this.

    Thank you for showing up like this, Drew. I too volunteer with kids, 7th & 8th graders, at a local school, teaching theatre and improvisation, but the kids are the true teachers. For me, I learn that what I give, I get. Every time. And at this age, they tell you what they’re getting, believe me.

    I love that you show up big for the world. Thank you.

  2. March 31st, 2007 at 5:08 pm
    Drew McLellan said

    Liz,

    Thank you. As always, you sure make me sound better than I truly am. And thank you for sharing the link to Variety. They’re a remarkable charity that raises millions of dollars to literally change the course of a child’s life.

    And Lisa — thank you for your kind words as well. Your words captured it far better than I could — we learn and receive more than we teach or give.

    Lucky us.

    Drew

  3. March 31st, 2007 at 8:25 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Lisa and Drew,
    You both show up BIG for the world!
    And I’m grateful to know you.
    Liz

  4. March 31st, 2007 at 11:19 pm
    Carma Dutra said

    Drew it is so nice to meet someone as dedicated as you are to helping children.

    In my opinion, this is the best way to change the world. Teach a child to walk the right path and he/she will never depart from it.

  5. April 2nd, 2007 at 8:21 am
    Myrthe said

    It is as if this post is about me. I have done volunteer work for diverse organizations and aims for the last fourteen years or so and I couldn’t imagine not being involved in any volunteer work at all! I know that in these fourteen years of volunteer work I have done a couple of things that have changed or touched certain individuals’ lives. But when I think about why I enjoy doing volunteer work so much, the answer has nothing to do with those other people. I like it in the first place because it makes ME feel good, I learn things and gain and improve skills and meet different people. And gee, if in the course of that, I do something good for other people or I make others happy: even better! Makes ME feel even better! Sounds selfish or self-centered? Maybe, yes, but this is the only real and honest answer I can give to the question why I work as a volunteer: I gain from it and it makes ME happy.

  6. April 2nd, 2007 at 8:39 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Myrthe!
    I often say there is no gift of generosity that doesn’t go both ways. :)

    That’s how you know it’s real. :)

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

C'mon Let's Talk!