Be a Part of Something

To begin with October holds a date to remember that many will be able to celebrate with a holiday from their “paying” jobs (yes, I am retired).  This month as a whole reminds me that it is a group of individuals that have made a difference to this country and to our financial opportunities and accomplishments, again as a whole.

With October comes the anniversary of the discovery of our beloved America by Christopher Columbus on the morning of October 12, 1492. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 as Columbus Day. However, the second Monday in October became the official federal holiday in 1971 after lobbying from the National Columbus Day Committee during President Nixon’s administration.  Please notice that both of the dominant political parties are represented here.

This information is known by all of you but what became abundantly clear to me while reading about the history of this holiday is that it was accomplished through a “committee” working together toward a common goal. It may have been proclaimed and then later became a federal holiday as signed by two different Presidents of the United States but it was the organized efforts of a group (committee) that birthed it into becoming a reality. 

Even when only one name is attached to the recognition each had supporters, mentors, financiers, and some time of committee or teamwork attached to their respective acknowledgements.

It was committee work that arranged for Christopher Columbus’ journey, coordinated the ships that sailed here, created our Declaration of Independence, get people elected to public office, and it is the committees working together in conjunction with any effort that is going to make it work and to make a difference personally or professionally.

Make a difference, be heard, and make your minutes matter to create value … join something!!!