T'is the season for thinking about blessings received and giving. And, it is in this spirit that I am reminded of the movie some years ago called "Pay It Forward."
The notion is simple-when you receive a big favor, don't pay it back, pay it forward. In this movie a young boy offered the possibility that one idea could change the world. Using three criteria: if one can do something that:
- would really help people;
- they couldn't do themselves and
- in return for the favor they, in turn, would do something for three others.
Acting on this criteria, the boy was not only able to change dramatically the life of the three people he touched directly, a drug addict, his teacher and alcoholic mother, but also dramatically changed the lives of multiple others he did not know.
2005 will mark NAMME's 15th anniversary. Over the past fifteen years NAMME has contributed much to:
- accelerate the movement of people of color into the management ranks of the media business,
- honor and celebrate individuals whose lives and work have advanced the cause of diversity in the media industry,
- offer unique programs and experiences to help people of color grow personally and professionally,
- broaden the base of support to people of color aspiring to be the future leaders of media enterprises
- serve as a resource to the industry for multi-cultural talent and
- provide timely forums to discuss multi-cultural issues and build meaningful alliances for the purpose of creating effective strategies and solutions.
Over the years, despite a very small staff and very limited resources, NAMME has been able to reach many. In the spirit of the season, I ask that you consider what you have received from NAMME and "pay it forward" by considering an end-of-year gift that would allow NAMME to reach beyond you to others in need of a support network, career advice or encouragement, management training and development, and exposure to new ideas and business approaches.
A tax-deductible contribution to NAMME Foundation will be a gift that keeps giving and "pays it forward" at a time when there is so very much left to be done. Seasons Greetings and the very best to all in the NAMME family for a great and prosperous new year!
