No snow flake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. ~ Voltaire
On a recent flight for business, I had the honor of listening to two black young men discuss their futures. The boys could not have been older than 13 but based on their conversation, life experiences have aged them well beyond their years. I listened to them talk about high school and college as though it were more of a necessary evil than a key to their future. I admit to taking some joy in the fact that at least they were talking about going to college at all. How they arrive there isn't as important to me anymore; I just need them to go! They were discussing sports, homework, fraternities, parties, and of course girls. I couldn't help myself and leaned over to ask the boys who inspired them to go to college. They said it wasn't a particular person but probably the whole family that said they need to go. One boy even offered that he didn't have a choice. His mom said that if he didn't go he wasn't going to be able to stay in her house. I assumed by the rather large smile from the lady in the seat in front of them that she was indeed his mother. I asked them if all their friends talk about going to college. I have to respect their honesty because they said that while most of their friends talk about it, they probably won't go. We talked about college for another 20 minutes or so and then our adult conversation window was slammed shut. An electronic pocket game was pulled out and the young men were boys again. Of all the things we talked about, I couldn't help but focus on the comment about the family unit being the inspiration for college. Voltaire offers a powerful visual of how a single contribution can cause a massive movement though no single element wants credit nor takes blame.
My challenge to you this week is to cause an avalanche of kindness. Partner with a few individuals from your circle of influence and do one hour of community service together. Meet at the park with a garbage bag in your had and pick up paper while walking and catching up with one another. Call the local long term care facility and ask if you can help plant flowers with a few residents. Locate the next high school graduation in your local area and attend with a few friends. High five the graduates and tell them thanks! Our result will be an avalanche of random kindness that blankets the community. None of us will know if it was our individual act that caused such a movement, nor will any of us care. That's the essence of leadership. Selfless behavior guiding the direction for others.
Alonzo Kelly
President
Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
