The danger in sitting back and thinking someone else will do it is that it doesn't get done. We frequently hear people say that they will foster when they have more time, when their kids are grown, when they're retired, and so forth. We hear people say they might consider being a CASA volunteer to serve foster children in another way, or, as in All For Family's case, we hear people say they are interested in supervising family visits, but then do not sign up to do so. With each and every one of these people, I feel their hearts are in the right place, and I feel that they truly want to make a difference. However, it can be quite easy to fill our calendars with other events, activities, and think, well maybe next week I can help, next month I will have more time, I can help next summer, or maybe next year. There will always be something come up to fill our time. The question then comes, how important is making a difference to you?
Most people who are out there running nonprofits, or are volunteering to help in some capacity, are also busy with their own families, own careers, have events, activities, and commitments. It is not always easy, and they may not always be available, but they also realize if not them, then who? We hear many complain about the broken foster care system, and we completely agree that it is broken. However, at All For Family, we realized we had two choices: Sit back and complain, or work to be a part of the solution. We realized that when everyone sits back thinking someone will else do it, children are going without homes and are being sent to residential treatment facilities, hospitals, and even homeless shelters simply because there is not a family to take them in. Children's cases are being heard in the court system, but there is no one who is giving the children a voice. Families are going without supervised family visits, or are not receiving all of their court ordered visitation because there is no one available to cover their visits.
Many nonprofit agencies are struggling to find enough volunteers, and, at All For Family, all we ask for volunteers who can give just two hours of their time a month, on a day and time that works for them, to help with a supervised family visit. Just two hours a month can make all of the difference in whether a family receives their visit or not. Just this morning. All For Family had at least 8 visit slots that were not yet filled for our August visits. If ever there was a time help was needed, now is the time. Time is the greatest gift you can give, and our children and families are in desperate need of someone who will just give them Time.
With how busy our lives are, though, it can be difficult to find Time. Sometimes we need a little inspiration and encouragement. Here are a few quotes we hope will do just that:
"A movement happens when people are inspired by somebody, but they do it themselves. You don't wait for someone else. You do it yourself." - Author: Gloria Steinem
"Don't sit around and wait for someone else to make the change you want to see. And don't think it takes a huge team to make that difference either." - Author: Jason Fried
"Some people only ask others to do something. I believe that, why should I wait for someone else? Why don't I take a step and move forward." - Author: Malala Yousafzai
"I have noticed that most times, the least that you give out is the best that someone really needs. So, don't always wait till you have something big to give before you do so! Someone's "big" is your "little"!" - Author: Israelmore Ayivor
"Don't wait for someone to call you up. You can do anything. You have all the possibilities in the world." - Author: Luka Sulic
"Begin where you are. Don't wait for someone else to change things for you. Do it yourself" - Author: Norman Vincent Peale
"Do what's right, first. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to do the right thing first." - Author: Joyce Meyer
"Hold up a mirror and ask yourself what you are capable of doing, and what you really care about. Then take the initiative - don't wait for someone else to ask you to act." - Author: Sylvia Earle
Finally, as is All For Family's motto: One person can make a difference! Let Change Begin With You!
If you are ready to make a difference, please email us at info@allforfamily.net, or call us at 636-345-5222 to ask us how.