The Voters Voice

Ed. Note: The staff here at Kids Voting Dayton recently decided it’d be nice if we could participate in the blog here on the website. We threw some ideas around, and ultimately decided it’d be better to launch our own blog, separate from The Voters Voice. It’s called The Water Cooler, and you can see the first post below.

How do you define success?

For me, success was defined by a note from my father before I took my ACT test. The stress of this life changing test manifested itself in ways that were not pleasant for my family. Some students prepare with disciplined study. My preparation consisted of scowling, whining, and a steady diet of Mountain Dew and generic fruit loops. Needless to say, I was not a popular family member and spent lots of time alone at my desk leading up to that fateful Saturday.

The morning of the test day, I found a note among the scattered fruit loops and crushed pop cans. On a large yellow post-it note, my father wrote in his physician like style of handwriting the following: “Remember that your test score does not measure your value as a human being. You will find ways to make a difference in this world no matter the grade, test, or task.” To this day, the thought of that note brings a lump to my throat. I give my parents credit for introducing my siblings and me to the nonprofit world. Both worked or volunteered for the nonprofit community, and it was an unspoken expectation that we would help seal envelopes, make phone calls, and other miscellaneous tasks. As young volunteers, our internal drives were shaped by these early experiences that resulted in our lifelong connection to service.

So I always knew that I would find ways to have a role with nonprofits - just not as an executive director.

It is scary. It is difficult. It is frustrating. It is disappointing.

Yes, I must confess there are times I would truly prefer my high school job as the fast lane cashier in Des Moines, Iowa. However, I am inspired by the mission at Kids Voting. My personal success at Kids Voting is defined by the following:

1. The mission matters!
2. The organization makes a difference!
3. The Board of Directors are involved and passionate –they are instrumental in taking this organization to the next level and giving me valuable leadership lessons!
4. The Kids Voting staff –we are small but mighty! The Kids Voting Council inspire me! Each of the students have a special place in my heart.
5. Kids Voting past and present supporters are extraordinary! Max Jennings, Mayor Rhine McLin, Doris Ponitz, Dona Vella, and Mitchell Bailey are just a few names that gave their hearts, talents, and time to put Kids Voting on the map!

My husband and I opened our house to the Kids Voting team this December for our monthly meeting and holiday open house. When I watched the Board members and KV Council members celebrate the holiday by following the beat of the Nintendo Wii’s Dance Dance Revolution (see pictures above post!), I couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud as I reflected upon the successes of our organization this year. Kids Voting rocks!