Response to Re-engineering at National

Heads up:  National is re-engineering again.  And again.  And again.  What will that mean for DOVE?  It means that we will have less resources, fewer experts to turn to at National when we need assistance, and greater demands for our services.  It all goes back to the lack of money due to decreased contributions, of course.  We can’t solve the problem of insufficient funds or stop the huge cuts in both personnel and budget at National.  But we can choose how we will respond.  We are DOVEs.  So we will inspire others to keep doing their best, to help relieve the suffering of others, to live with courage and hope.  All DOVEs are leaders by nature.   Proof?  How many times have people said to you, “Oh, I wish I could live like you do.  I wish I could travel and play, and then do some volunteer work from time to time.   That’s always been my dream, but I can’t do that because…” and they fill in the rest of the sentence in 100 ways.  But you made a different choice.  You stomped on all your excuses, grabbed hold of your dream, and by example, became a leader for others to follow.  “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader,” according to John Quincy Adams.  That’s the definition of a DOVE.   And that’s how DOVEs will respond to the re-engineering at National.  We will work with integrity, encourage those who are discouraged, and lead the way for others to follow.  If some of us run low on hope or courage, we’ll yell for help—knowing that a whole flock of DOVEs will immediately rally to our side.  DOVEs can do more than cope with adversity; we can transform it.  Changes are tough. DOVEs are tougher.