GET OUT AND GIVE BACK/Creating a Legacy of Giving Back

Photo by FLICKR/75088551@N00/ 3105339983/ Giving back at a local school.

ALEXANDRIA, VA - It's been a while since you've received "Get Out and Give Back" in your inbox or online.  I’ve loved writing the column, and loved even more hearing how your stories have challenged and inspired you to 'Get Out and Give Back'.   After taking a break from writing as I retired from my Air Force career, realized that the "Get Out and Give Back" message of "Connect.  Contribute.  Create a legacy." is a one that can bring much good to this world through a much larger platform.  
So, with great excitement, I am announcing that "Get Out and Give Back" will become a business in January of 2010, with the mission of inspiring people and organizations to contribute.  Here's how it will be done:

Coaching:  As a member of the International Coaching Federation (coachfederation.org),  I'll use my coaching skill sets to develop a program that will help you identify what is most important to you, and how to find a way of contributing or giving back that honors those priorities.  Just as when you re-arrange your priorities when you find a new hobby you love, you'll now toss aside other, less important commitments in order to serve.  I'll even stay with you as you take those first steps to begin your service journey.  

Public speaking:  I've had the honor of speaking about the message of "Get Out and Give Back" several times this year, ranging from participating in a panel discussion for business leaders to delivering commencement remarks to the graduating class of my high school.  It's now time to bring the "Get Out and Give Back" story to more audiences.  With an entertaining combination of storytelling and facts, I will motivate, challenge and inspire people to find the joy that comes with contributing in a way that aligns with their personal values.  You'll change your habits and make time to contribute - I promise!

Writing:  The inspiring messages of "Get Out and Give Back" have not gone away - they will re-appear again in new venues as I approach different magazines and newspapers for publication and syndication.  I am still posting stories about contribution at www.getoutandgiveback.com - please check them out and leave your own story of how giving back has changed you!

Classes and workshops:  I will continue to offer my "Get Out and Give Back - Find the Contribution You were Born to Do" classes in local adult education venues next year.  This is a three-hour overview class ... I plan to expand and develop it to offer more in-depth exploration of who you are and how you can most happily serve.  Many thanks to my friend Dr. Josephine Withers, who's using her vast expertise as a University of Maryland professor for over 30 years, for helping me out with this!  

Connections, Partnerships and Projects:  This is a new part of "Get Out and Give Back" that is still in its development phase but I want to tell you about it.  Being an innate connector of people, I'll continue to  introduce and partner people and organizations whose combined synergy can produce exponential good.  Stay tuned!

Business Strategic Planning:  And finally, I am exploring a partnership with an international strategist, coach and consultant to offer businesses a strategic planning model that includes contribution as part of that plan.  Based on the Strategic Operating Plan model developed by Tom Paterson (www.patersoncenter.com), this strategic planning process identifies the fundamental values held by our clients.  We will also identify the type of contribution that best aligns with their corporate values, creating a subtle shift from corporate social responsibility to corporate social contribution.  As a result, those companies will include contribution as part of their everyday business operations.

I am excited and just a little terrified as I begin this new venture, but as the saying goes, "Leap and the net will appear."  So here goes.  I would greatly appreciate any connections or introductions to people you feel would find my services and writing of value and would love any and all comments from you regarding how you feel 'Get out and Give Back' has and can challenge you to live your more extraordinary life.

And, I invite each of you to think about how my coaching, speaking, or strategic planning services would benefit you as well!  You may contact me at jane@getoutandgiveback.com or we can talk on the phone (703) 282-6738 to begin the journey of incorporating contribution into your lifestyle.

One a final note, to walk the walk of "Get Out and Give Back," I pledge that 25% of all income brought in by Get Out and Give Back will go back out as a contribution - as a cash donation, an item donation, a service vacation, or something else.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and support as I begin this journey with you.