Change Happens Through Many Small Choices

     On Christmas Eve I was “chomping at the bit”.  I could hardly wait to get to the movie theater to watch The Boys in the Boat, the story of the 1936 University of Washington crew team who defied all odds and won Olympic gold in the 1936 Olympics or “Hitler’s Olympics” as they were known.  Set in the heart of the great depression, it is a story of resilience, determination, overcoming adversity and most importantly, the power of teamwork.  This hardscrabble group of young men defied all odds in their momentous win.

     This story probably appeals to me so much because of my background.  As a former teacher, coach and high school administrator for the Department of Defense Schools in Europe, in retrospect, I feel I had the most influence in my role as coach.  I am still in touch with these “kids” who are now in their 40’s and 50’s. And through the miracles of modern technology, I’ve gotten to see them pursue professional ambitions, fall in love, raise their families and lead wonderful, productive lives.  And when they talk about their high school athletic experiences, what it meant to them and what they gleaned from these experiences that they carried into their adult lives, I am filled with joy.

     As Lions, we are very much a team.  And while we are striving to serve, not to win a game, a match or a race, many components of teamwork come into play.  As an individual who wishes to serve, what can I accomplish?  Certainly some things, but when you join with like-minded people this effort becomes compounded and service greatly increased.  Yet there are challenges for all teams or groups.  As Lions we aren’t all alike.  We don’t think the same, don’t feel the same, we don’t act the same; we are not clones of each other.  So how do we perform as a well-oiled team as we channel our common desire to serve?

     Going back to The Boys in the Boat, I recently read an article by Rick Ezell entitled “12 Lessons from the Boys in the Boat”, and I encourage you to read the article in its entirety.  I share three points that especially hit home with me and I quote:

·       Races are not won by clones.  They are won by crews with a careful balanced blend of both physical abilities and personality types, of ego and humility.  They must adjust to the needs and capabilities of the other.

·       No stars.  Great oarsmen and oarswomen possess enormous self-confidence, strong egos, titanic will power, and aren’t immune to frustration.  And yet at the same time – and this is key – they have no stars.  The team effort is all that matters.  Not the individual, not the self.

·       Working together as one.  It isn’t enough for the muscles of a crew to work in unison;  their hearts and minds must also be as one.  The losing of self entirely to the cooperative effort of the crew as whole.

     Our current president, Dr. Patti Hill also understands the importance of teamwork.  Through her presidential theme “Changing the World” Hill believes that when we change our communities we change the world one step at a time.   Well aware that change happens gradually, not at once, Hill states that, “change happens through many small choices and with every act of kindness that is given to someone else.”  It is Hill’s belief that through teamwork we can effect this desired change.  Working collaboratively with community leaders, other service organizations and each other, we are better able to help solve the problems facing our communities.

     I will close with my own feelings on teamwork.  It is through teamwork what we develop collegial relationships, form friendships and have lots of fun.  Never underestimate the importance of fun in keeping your club healthy, strong and thriving.

     And speaking of fun, here comes convention season.  Not only will there be informative sessions, our conventions offer great opportunities for networking and renewing friendships with Lions from around your district and the state.  The exchange of information that takes place at convention, be it through session attendance or through the informal exchange with your fellow Lions, can be invaluable.  So mark your calendars.  Our convention season begins with District R on February 3rd in Springfield and ends with the State Convention in Bandon on May 16 and 17 with Districts O, E and G following between.   And remember, it’s our MD36 centennial convention and it’s going to be a special one.  Hope to see you there!