Pride Check

This was an interesting weekend.

Convoy of Hope is an event that takes places all over the country. A central organization provides access to tens of thousands of pounds of groceries and other resources that local communities utilize to make the event happen. It includes more than groceries, a fair of available community services (access to healthcare, transportation, food, shelter, life insurance, disability services, etc.), a kids zone (fully equipped with every blow up game you can think of), a full blown entertainment packed stage (singers, dancers, the whole bit), a job fair (with assistance writing resumes and sharpening your interviewing skills), family portraits, haircuts, and all the hotdogs and hamburgers you want (or that you are willing to stand in line for).

Basically we set up in the parking lot at a stadium in town on Thursday and Friday. The event was supposed to take place Saturday, rain or shine. Unfortunately, FEMA and Homeland Security had a problem with us doing it during a tropical storm.

Therefore, it was delayed until Sunday.

Over the previous couple months, EXTENSIVE outreach has taken place. Over 100,000 flyers have been handed out, door to door. All community leaders and major organization were involved. It was supported by a network of churches who worked together to organize and staff the event.

Due to the change in date, we were a little concerned about turnout. Despite the delay, 1,200 volunteers (the goal amount) came out to serve over 10,000 people! CRAZINESS!!

Convoy of Hope has a core principle... that each participant is a 'guest of honor'. It runs through the entire organization of the event and the volunteers are encouraged to go the extra mile to make every individual fell important.

I think it's a little sad that we have to specify this, but I am glad they did! The entire event had a unique feeling. The volunteer really did go out of their way to make sure every individuals needs were met to the best of our ability. When someone asked where something was, we didn't point... we escorted them. When someone had a concern we didn't refer them we took care of it personally. If they needed something, we got it for them.

This was an amazing, yet humbling experience. I would like to say that we (I mean, I) automatically valued each individual... but today was a reminder of how we can get caught up in ourselves.

The biggest eye-opener came in my section. I worked in the community services tent where all of the local governmental and non profit organizations.

With the 'guest of honor' lens on, I found myself acting differently (what a shame). The representatives of those organizations were not aware of the 'guest of honor' policy, so their behavior was not altered similarly. What happened? I realized that even people who have dedicated their career to helping people in need can lose compassion and respect for them. Not that I am ANY less guilty.

I can relate, considering my previous work at United Way. Even though I have not been a direct service provider, I have worked very closely with many. It is easy to become jaded.

Anyway, I am proud of all the volunteers I had the honor of working along side. I feel like I have been blessed to be a part of this event.