Yoakumjames’s Weblog — Everyday Thoughts for Everyday People

From now on, any definition of a successful life must include serving others. George Bush

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. The Lorax from Dr. Suess.

If don’t know if its my age or having available time, but I have a strong desire to give back to my fellow human beings. It’s a burning passion in me. These two quotes summarize my passion quite well.

So what am I doing. Well first of all, I offer free mentoring and coaching though a service called MentorWorks. Along with the mentoring and coaching, I provide resume and LinkedIn profile reviews. To date, I have had many takers. For the most part I believe the service has been beneficial to the mentees. I know I have derived a lot of satisfaction for being a mentor to others.

Secondly, I am a volunteer member of the Board of Directors for the charitable organization Homeland Security Foundation of America. The “Price of Security” is one of the greatest challenges we face today. HSFA’s mission is to advance Homeland Security while protecting Americans’ civil liberties and ensuring freedom, safety and prosperity for all. I also serve as Chair of the Board Committee – Governance and Finance. Again, this is a very rewarding experience. I am getting to work with some of the most talented and skilled people who are very, very passionate about achieving HSFA’s mission. I am excited to be part of the effort, part of the team!

I also write and publish regularly. I have three blogs. This one on Life’s Thoughts, another on Poetry Thoughts and a third on Business Thoughts. Further, I write articles on life, business, scholarly topics, and publish them at two on-line sites and at three association newsletter. Further, I write and publish poetry. You can find the links to my works at my web page: http://jamesyoakum.synthasite.com

Writing is an easy way to share my many personal and business experiences. It is a way to challenge other to learn, to think, to grow. I get these same benefits in doing the writing/composing itself.

Lastly, I try to attend and engage in group and organizational meetings. I participate and many times I present.

So I feel I am giving back. It takes some time. But the rewards make the effort worthwhile.

Two questions for my readers:
(1) Do you have any suggestions on how I can enhance my give back experiences?
(2) What do you do to give back?

My thoughts . . . what’s on your mind?