WHAT IF?….Two words. One powerful question.
It’s back-to-school season around the metro, and that has me thinking a lot about one particularly memorable book from my early school days called “If Everybody Did” by Jo Ann Stover. In a lighthearted way, the book asks readers to consider what if everybody did certain actions, like leave muddy tracks, pick the buds off flowers, or slam the door, then shows in comical illustrations the outlandish effects of what would happen if everybody did them. The images of the overly-hugged cat and icicles growing on top of kids’ heads are seared into my brain. But the book also poses a powerful wondering that we try to encourage at United Way when it considers what if everybody did their part to make things a little better.
So what if??
What if your small business took time to make cookies or t-shirts to support United Way of Greater Kansas City, like Best Regards Bakery in Overland Park, Kan. and Press Monkey in Pleasant Hill, Mo. did, when our community was hurting and healing from tragedy?
What if you took time, like Women United member Ginger Williams, to join a bus tour and learn more about the nonprofits that diligently serve our neighbors every day?
What if you got your coworkers together to spend time volunteering to help others, like Rachel Gudde and her team from Forvis?
What if you joined Meilene and bought a KC Current ticket and kit, supporting two teams with one goal, to help everyone in our community thrive?
What if you joined the thousands of WaymakersTM who pledge generously to ensure we can support 1 in 3 Kansas Citians each year?
From my own lived experience, I know United Way’s support is invaluable. In a time where it seems like the world is divided, our community is now counting on us to come together. As this United Way campaign season begins, I ask you to look at what you can bring to the table. There’s something all of us can do to shape Kansas City’s future. Donate. Advocate. Volunteer. Do whatever you are able.
It makes me smile imagining what if everybody did just that.