Something I was reading the other day noted that if every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20 million full-time volunteers.
Can you imagine how much stronger and better places to live our communities would be if that statistic were to become a reality?
This is certainly something we think about in our business. We endeavor to be involved in serving our local communities at a number of levels. Just one way in which we try to make a difference is by investing in the present and future business leaders in our cities. For example, in our home base of Chickasha, Oklahoma, we hold a business prayer group every Monday morning at the Crazy Eight Cafe. The group is designed to give young and emerging business leaders the opportunity to be mentored by more experienced members.
These men and women have the potential to be on the leading edge of fighting poverty and social injustice in the community. Of course, as a businessman, I am not called to be a pastor or minister. But I’m called to make a difference in my community—spiritually and materially. I am called to step up to a place of leadership and offer what I have.
With local involvement and volunteer trips to Third World countries, it’s so gratifying to see members of the business community stepping up and reaching out. We all need to do more of it, encourage it, and recognize it.
By the way, if you are in the Chickasha area, that Monday group meets at 7 a.m. and is open to guests.