Nonprofit, civic and church leaders can help us heal

“If we could change ourselves, the trends in the world would also change. Just as a man changes his own nature, so does the world’s attitude towards him change… We don’t need to wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Not long ago I posted the following message on Facebook:

Seek respect, not attention; lasts longer.

There is real human suffering in our country and around the world, but we all have to step up to help because this is the reality, we are all in this thing called life, together. No one is better than anyone. And, as the adage goes, “There, but by the grace of God, I go.”

Is it just me, or are you tired of the relentless stream of neuroses, disrespect, yelling, and yelling that divides us on almost every single level? If an idea or statement is made, it looks like there is going to be someone who will take care of the problem and as soon as you can snap your fingers, there is debate, especially on social media. Often these “discussions” turn into insults, trolling, and disrespect online. I’ve seen several closed conversations in nonprofit and church social media groups, which is ridiculous when you think about it, because if people can’t have meaningful and productive debates and discussions in these areas, where can they discuss critical social issues? ?

This is my message: we are better than this.

I believe nonprofit civic and religious leaders can play a role in elevating civil discourse.

Social networks have been great because, in practice, they have broken down borders. Connecting with people from all over the world is easy. For many organizations and groups, social media has dramatically reduced marketing and advertising costs, increased awareness and leveraged resources.

But I think that as we have become more “connected”, there is an incredible division. The division has to stop.

Church, civic, and nonprofit leaders can help heal our communities.

Do you remember the golden rule?

The golden rule was simple and I think leaders should remember it every morning as they head to work and ask their teams to adhere to its principles.

The golden rule has a religious origin. It came from the words that Jesus said in the “Sermon on the Mount.” The principles became religious teachings embodied in the Bible.

Matthew 7:12: “So, in everything, do to others what you want them to do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Those words are so simple: treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

I think our society is in a precarious place. We are not listening to each other. We are screaming and screaming next to each other. We ignore each other.

And this is the most important thing for me: many of us expect attention and that the world listens to us, and we are not giving others the same respect.

This has to stop.

I believe nonprofit, civic, and church leaders are in a unique position. Often, due to their position in communities, they are leaders.

If you are like me and are tired of the unrelenting division that is going on, then make the commitment today to be the change you want to see. It doesn’t take much.

• Post the golden rule in your office so that it is the first thing people see when they walk into your offices.
• Create an atmosphere of gratitude. Here’s the truth: If your team members and everyone you come into contact with throughout the day senses that you, as a community leader, are grateful for them, you’re sending them an amazing message. . Gratitude is an element of respect.
• Be sure to treat everyone on your team and in the community with respect and kindness, and expect every member of your team to do the same. Make this a non-negotiable in your organization, no matter the circumstances or difficult discussions.
• If you’re a community leader (or any kind of leader), listen up. I think one of the biggest problems in the world today is that everyone wants to be heard, but only a few listen. Listen. To learn. To understand.
• Walk the talk. As a community leader, many church, nonprofit, and civic leaders hold a special position in their communities. If you are one of these leaders, do what you say. Model the respect, generous praise, civility, and listening skills that you would like to see in others. Lead by example.

Each of us, especially community leaders, can ensure that in our part of the world we begin to foster an environment of peace, respect, and positive civil dialogue and debate. Each of us has to do our part to make a better world, and I believe that nonprofit, church, and civic leaders can play a unique role in dialogue and public discourse.