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Good afternoon. I would like to introduce and invite you to participate in a Paradigm sponsored community service initiative for that is a bit different from most community service opportunities. Since 2008, Paradigm people have supported "Pay-It-Forward", an initiative that, should you choose, begins with you as a member of the Paradigm family. Pay-It-Forward is not a new idea as a book and a movie have been made about the concept. The idea is to encourage individuals (because that is where substantive contributions begin), to go out into their known communities and make a positive difference in the lives of other individuals, families, and worthwhile causes by doing something "Big". The design of Pay-It-Forward is simple. Each person who chooses to get involved is given the assignment to help three individuals, families, or organizations in a personal and, as needed, financial way. Each employee is given $375 in cash to help respond to the needs of the three in need in any way they choose. There are only a few basic conditions: People to be helped can not be related family members and the Paradigm helper can accept nothing in return. Finally, participants in this initiative need to explain and encourage the "Pay-It-Forward" idea. As a way of perpetuating our desire to affect our larger community, Paradigmers explain to those who they have helped how they can "repay" what has been given - go and find 3 others who are in need and help meet their needs. Yes, providing financial resources to needy organizations is one way to help. But what I would like to strongly encourage is a more personal involvement rather than limiting ourselves to stroking checks. I would anticipate that Paradigm employee family members might be enthusiastic to participate (spouse, children) in the giving action as well. The goal is, as directly as possible, to help those who do not expect assistance and simply cannot meet their needs on their own. The understanding we are trying to cultivate is the idea of giving, just for the sake of giving, is the reason why we are present. Each of us all already know, from a daily customer perspective, how the gift of service is provided. In effect, the financial piece of this initiative is simply another way that your customer service (which has resulted in our ability to give these resources to you) can be brought to a broader audience. As a way to encourage one another, create ideas, and show how individuals can make a difference, each person who chooses to be a part of this endeavor should, in a very simple way, document their efforts. This can be done with a short written story (or a few paragraphs) or even pictures that can give others food for thought on how we can positively change the lives of others. My plan is to include our inspirational activities on our website as a way of showing how we continue to be an organization represented by very positive, caring people. Please send your “stories” to me. As an additional resource to explain the Pay-It-Forward idea, here is a link to a video clip from the Pay-It-Forward movie made back in 2000. When you have a few moments during lunch or perhaps at home with the family, please do take the 9 minutes needed to watch for it captures far better than my words can, what I am attempting to describe. The movie is also very good should you decide to rent it though keep in mind it does include some mature themes (addiction primarily and some rough language in a few places). The video clip is fine for all and if you paste the link into your browser it should work for you. http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHcS-XoYbc There are also a number of resources from the "Pay-It-Forward" website that are available that provide some excellent information and numerous examples of personal community service that you may want to blend with your own ideas. Here is the website address. |
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