Shred, Recycle and Nourish

There are many experiences that excite us, and Comerica Bank's First Shred Day Houston event on April 6 exceeded my expectations by every measure.  This event originated in Michigan, migrated to Dallas 3 years ago and debuted in Houston last Saturday.  Comerica Bank partnered with Iron Mountain to offer free shredding and recycling. We partnered with Houston Food Bank to encourage grateful recipients of secure shredding and recycling to contribute food to Houston Food Bank   Houston delivered beautifully on all fronts!  We welcomed 1,757 cars, shredded and recycled over 103,000 pounds of paper (a mere 8,000 pounds shy of the Guinness record) and collected 7,276  pounds of food (which will provide 5,597 meals) and raised $6,842.70 in monetary donations (which will provide 20,528 meals for hungry Houstonians).

Each of us has the opportunity to make a difference for others every day.  I'm thrilled that I had a chance to be part of the team that helped prevent identity fraud, kept over 50 tons of paper out of landfills and provided the equivalent of more than 26,000 meals for our hungry neighbors.

45 Ways to Make a Difference

45 Ways to Make a Difference

1.      Volunteer!

2.      Contribute financially to a non-profit organization.

3.      Join a non-profit friends group.

4.      Become an advisory board member.

5.      Serve on a board.

6.      Chair a committee.

7.      Plan an event.

8.      Make friends aware of the great work of your chosen non-profit organization.

9.      Walk, run or bike for an organization.

10.  Donate your new or gently used items to an organization.

11.  Vote.

12.  Bring someone with you to volunteer.

13.  Recycle.

14.  Collect non-perishable food items for a food bank or pantry.

15.  Give blood.

16.  Register as an organ donor.

17.  Provide toiletry items to a homeless organization.

18.  Be a mentor.

19.  Teach a class.

20.  Encourage a friend, stranger, colleague, family member or neighbor.

21.  Speak up for someone who needs an advocate.

22.  Discover new volunteer options. One Houston option is http://www.volunteerhouston.org.

23.  Take the magazines you’ve read to a nursing home or hospital.

24.  Organize a group of colleagues, friends or neighbors for a volunteer project.

25.  Conserve natural resources.

26.  Fund-raise for a non-profit.

27.  Assist a classroom teacher.

28.  Coach a team.

29.  Fund a classroom project. One option is www.donorschoose.org.

30.  Thoughtfully re-gift.

31.  Donate books to the library.

32.  Motivate positive action with a letter to the editor.

33.  Donate or recycle your old cell phone.

34.  Keep reusable bags in your car for shopping trips.

35.  Support a non-profit through social media.

36.  Donate eyeglasses. One option is www.lionsclubs.org.

37.  Donate unopened contact lenses.  One option is http://www.madre.org.

38.  Shop for a cause.

39.  Donate your hair. One option is www.locksoflove.org.

40.  Support our troops.

41.  Share knowledge.

42.  Send used greeting cards to St.Jude’s Ranch (www.stjudesranch.org).

43.  Become a foster parent.

44.  Attend a fund-raising event.

45.  Make a donation in memory or honor of someone.

Seats in Seats (Sold Out)

Attending business, charitable or school events supports our chosen organizations, engages our families, lifts our brand and often cements relationships (professional and personal).

"Seats in seats" is the easiest way for businesses to put their best sponsorship face forward and for nonprofits to productively tout their accomplishments.  Nothing beats knowledgeable, enthusiastic, engaged ambassadors actively engaging clients, prospects and referral sources in organization sponsored events.

Invisi-Shield

A friend who hadn't traveled by air recently asked if she would have to take off her suit jacket to pass through security.  The answer is, "yes", unless you aren't wearing a top under your suit jacket.  She indicated that she didn't like to expose her bare arms to others.  My response was that the "airport invisi-shield rule" applies.  Because everyone going through airport security is subjected to the same examination, everyone just develops a one-on-one relationship with the screeners, and doesn't acknowledge other passengers until the redressing stage at the other end of security.

When everyone is out of their element, the "invisi-shield rule" is in effect.

Perhaps it would be advantageous to invoke the "invisi-shield rule" in other settings to allow colleagues to eliminate the focus on their appearance and focus solely on their contributions to the discussion at hand.