Yesterday, I gave the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Community Against Poverty Volunteer Fair where over 200 people came out to see how they can get engaged.  After my remarks and as I walked around the fair, I was struck by the energy of those in attendance.  Now I realize that those who came out were in some ways already energized; but, I have been giving presenations for over 16 years and it just felt different. 

It could be that the current economic crisis has more of us attuned to the suffering of others.  It could be that President Obama has struck a cord for a great number of us to help "perfect our union" by taking care of each other.  It could be many are looking for a greater meaning in our lives.  It could be all of these and much more; but, it certainly feels different. 

Our challenge now, in the not-for-profit world, is to ensure that we are ready to take this newly energized group of volunteers and deploy them to assist in delivering our collective missions.  We cannot use our existing structures for they will not accomodate this increased level of interest I believe we are going to get.  We have to be nimble and quick to be ready and not inadvertently disappoint those interested in helping.  As the president has said, "this is our moment, this our time".  Let us not waste it. 

I also add a note of caution to volunteers. Sometimes not-for-profits have work that is not worthy of a fancy video or photo opportunity; but, is nonetheless important in our mission delivery.   While we all try to make the work meaningful and emotionally rewarding, sometimes, it is not. 

I am ever excited about the potential ahead for Beyond Housing's mission work and that of all my peers in this field. 

Chris