“With Appreciation” from Joel Coffman, Executive Director, 2016: Issue 2

Hello for the first time! Sort of.

Although I’ve been behind many words in past RecognizeGood newsletters, this is my first time writing something after which I’ll be signing my name. It’s a strange feeling! I’m so thrilled that RecognizeGood has evolved into a powerful voice for GOOD in our community, and I’m beyond proud to have played some small role in that evolution – but as much as the voice of RecognizeGood aligns with my own, I know that it’s the voice of an organization, and not of one person.

Speaking for an organization comes with a healthy dose of responsibility – to the staff, to the board, to the general public and most importantly to those we serve.

The voice of RecognizeGood is inspirational, it’s encouraging, and perhaps more than anything it’s grateful. There are SO many humble people around us giving to those around them without the slightest thought of accolades or praise – as a community, why aren’t we paying more attention to that? Or to the countless companies in Central Texas who give back in innovative ways? Or to the service groups who meet faithfully for years, finding new ways to improve lives both locally and around the world?

I’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing people throughout my time with RecognizeGood, people who believe so strongly in giving to others and who make me feel like I would do anything to give back to them. As RecognizeGood develops into a stronger and more robust connective tissue between all the many manifestations of GOOD, I’ve realized that my truest motivation to grow the organization is simple in the end: I want more than anything for our community as a whole to be better equipped to help those people do even more good.

Honestly, who wouldn’t?