Say “Yes!” to Those That Hear “No!” Too Often

This was the tagline for a “gala” fundraiser I recently attended.  The organization raising money is Social Advocates for Youth (SAY).  According to the web site SAY “provides support, opportunities and hope to children, youth and families.  We are dedicated to creating and supporting a caring community where all children, youth and families grow, thrive and succeed.”

What I heard loud and clear that night was that AND they provide help/support for those who opt out of foster care at age 18.  I also learned that Sonoma County (where SAY is located) has the highest youth homelessness per capita in the country.  (In my ignorance, I wondered “how can that be?”)  They say YES to those that hear no too often!

That night SAY raised over 300K for the SAY Dream Center.  “SAY’s Dream Center at the former Sutter Warrack Hospital could expand SAY’s capacity to serve more Sonoma County youth and families.  SAY’s Dream Center will be a place where young people have the hope, support, and opportunity to achieve their dreams and full potential.  The SAY Dream Center focuses on 4 core areas of services: affordable housing, job training and employment, educational support and health and wellness.”  They say YES to those that hear no too often!

Even from my limited exposure to this group, I could feel the dedication, love, empathy, support, and hope for their clients.  That includes the SAY people AND the extremely generous crowd who made donations (including my cousins and husband!).  They said YES to those that hear no too often!

After a very touching slide show, a young man (who had been helped by the program) spoke.  To hear what he had overcome with their support was heart wrenching and hopeful.  People said YES to him when he had so often heard no!  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

That evening touched me in so many ways and raised many questions to ponder…a very few of which I have posted below:

• What/whom do I overlook because I get so caught up in my “stuff’?
• What excuses do I make for not giving back?
• What actions can I take now?
• How can I have a greater impact?
• Where in my life could I be saying YES instead of no? (Especially to those used to hearing no.)

I’m still pondering these questions.  There are always more layers of the “onion to peel”…but this is what I’ve got so far:

• I’m committing to 2 hours a week of free life coaching at a local woman’s shelter.
• I’m committing to donate 5% of my income to an important charity (to be announced next blog) in addition to the other donations I already make.
• I’m committing to continue (and get better at) my practice of not judging others.
• I’m committing to having an unexpected impact on at least one person a day.  (Today I chatted with an older woman at the coffee who seemed very exasperated…as she was leaving she asked if she could give me a hug…YES, please!!

YES…The SAY organization really had an effect on me that night.  So thank you SAY for all the work you do AND for the impact you had on me (including to reminding me to practice gratitude daily!).  See you next year!

Please share where in your life you are saying YES to those that hear no too often (to inspire me and others!)…AND…Consider where in your life you can say YES to those that hear no  too often.