Archive for October 2010 | Monthly archive page
‘Tis the season to get sick and several viruses have hit Giving Children Hope all at once. We are a tiny staff of about 20 staff members, so when one staff member is out sick, it is definitely noticed. When three staff members are out sick, it’s time to put on the masks and bust out the hand sanitizer. There are two other staff members that are powering through the work day despite being ill, making the grand total of five co-workers that are coughing, sneezing and running fevers. I’m personally not a germaphobe, but this is ridiculous. I’m ready to spray my whole office down with bleach to prolong -gulp- the inevitable. It’s been an entire year since I have been sick; I will do whatever it takes to keep well!
Now, I’m not a healthcare professional, but here are some practical tips from “MedicineNet.com”:http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/hp.asp to avoid getting sick:
*1. Approach hand washing as a survival skill, which it is.*
*2. Never touch your mouth, nose, or eyes without washing your hands.*
*3. If you are the sick one, be courteous of those around you and cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue.*
*4. You should also avoid sharing personal items!*
Do you have any tips to keep from getting sick?
Please pray that our staff can keep healthy as we’re responding to the “cholera outbreak in Haiti”:[~2064~], planning a “Christmas toy drive”:[~2203~], and running our “matching grant campaign”:[~425~] for We’ve Got Your Back.
Here’s hoping you keep well this holiday season!
To demonstrate and practice disaster preparedness, the Giving Children Hope staff participated in the Great California Shakeout. An announcement was made earlier in the week to alert staff members of the drill. Drill instructions and an evacuation plan were also distributed to the staff in order to ensure smooth participation in the drill. However, in true Giving Children Hope fashion, the plan was executed with an unique style and a sense of humor.
Giving Children Hope stresses the importance of a thorough disaster preparedness plan, please visit www.shakeout.org for more information on creating your own.
Last week, volunteers from Ingram Micro came to help sort food and pack backpacks for Giving Children Hope’s We’ve Got Your Back Program. With five new schools starting the program, the help of the Ingram Micro volunteers was greatly appreciated.
Check out photos and video of their time spent at the GCHope facilities.
A huge thank you to Ingram Micro for all of your hard work!
The Voyage of Hope gala 2010 was a huge success thanks to everyone in attendance that night showing support for Giving Children Hope’s various projects and programs.
A special thanks to the wonderful photographer of the night, Ally Stepp, who has generously provided photos of this special night. You can view them “here”:http://www.allymichele.smugmug.com!
Thank you for your support!
What good am I to my organization if I am burnt out? More importantly, how can I really help people in the world if I’m burnt out? God gave me certain gifts to use to glorify Him and help the poor. Labor should be something enjoyable, not something I want to shy away from because it’s become a burden. There is too much hurt in the world, and too many people who need to experience the love of Christ through the provision of basic needs. When there are limited resources and an increase demand in services, the pressure can become intense. We focus so much on the wellbeing of others; we often forget our personal wellbeing. I put together an unofficial list of how some staff members deal with stress and methods that help us go the distance.
*1. Make a rockin’ playlist to listen to throughout the day*
Sometimes the only thing that gets me through my day is the music that comes from my “Slacker Radio Station”:http://www.slacker.com/: Passion Pit, The xx, Beruit, Arcade Fire. Well, them and a cup of coffee. Check out the music that other staff members listen to that keeps them productive:
* Sean (Nonprofit Partner Manager)- Avett Brothers, Ray LaMontagne and John Mark McMillan
* Jessica (Executive Assistant)- 90’s flashback, Ella Fitzgerald, Edith Piaf and classic French music
* Holly (Communications Assistant)- Broadway tunes ranging from RENT to Last Five Years, the Zac Brown Band, Eli Young Band and Kenny Chesney
*2. Have random dance parties*
Sitting at a desk all day conducting grant research or producing content can make you antsy. Yes, people say you should take a stroll outside in the sun light or do some stretches, but may I suggest a dance party. With your playlist already going, why not take that opportunity to dance to that Earth, Wind & Fire song that pops up on your “Pandora”:http://www.pandora.com/ station? Maybe some Miike Snow or Two Door Cinema Club? You burn both calories and stress away, rejuvenating you to continue your task.
*3. Take lunches and breaks accordingly*
Taking a working lunch is not going to cut it. If you want to make it in the long run, you need to learn when to say stop, get up from your desk and eat a healthy lunch. This gives a chance for your eyes and mind to rest and a chance to reboot. Giving up your lunch break actually makes you less productive. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to work through that sacred hour.
*4. Laugh. A lot.*
I’m pretty sure I would’ve lost it by now if I didn’t work with really funny people. The world is so full of sadness and hurt; we see it every day. The laughter takes the edge off reality for a bit. It also keeps us level headed when we’ve had ourselves buried in work. It’s good to come up for air once in a while. Check out our “Nonprofit Office webisodes”:[~437~] to get an idea of how much we rely on laughter.
*5. Remember why you took the job in the first place*
We all need to be reminded why we work hard for, usually, a small amount of pay (compared to private sector). Read through some stories of the lives you have helped change. Read thank you letters, watch thank you videos, meet with clients and remember why you entered into the nonprofit sector in the first place. Their gratitude can fuel anyone’s day and serve as motivation.
*6. Have a little faith*
We rely on the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty, to help with us with everything. Every morning we pray for our projects and for each other (Philippians 4:6). There is so much to do around here, we can’t afford to leave God out of this. He is our lifeline and the reason why we are involved in humanitarian work. We’ve seen miracles performed and we’ve seen lives restored through Him. Prayer and reading the Word of God is sometimes the only way you can make it through a rough day.
