Labor Day – the unofficial end of summer in the United States. It is a federal holiday and the last long weekend before fall. Most of us are focused on squeezing every moment out of the summer before the reality of fall smacks us in the face.
But Labor Day is so much more than a long weekend. It is an American holiday set aside to honor the labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of this country. Did you know that? I did but over the years I seemed to forget why we celebrate and just took for granted that it was another day off.
It got me thinking about the work that we do as fundraisers, donor relations professionals, prospect researchers, writers, recruiters, and so on. All day every day we make contributions to the strength and prosperity of our organizations. We raise money for scholarships so a student with ability can get an education. We raise money for research so we can find an end to autism, cancer or numerous other diseases. We raise money for our churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques so people can worship. We raise money so others can have clean water and healthier lives. We raise money for art in all of its many forms so we can be moved to tears by its beauty. We raise money to improve lives and the well-being of so many.
It is good work. It is noble work. It is necessary work.
And you know what? Not everyone can do the work we do. You have to have something special inside that makes you want to get up every day and make the world a better place. We are driven by it and passionate about it. We are drawn to these roles and consider our work to be important. Our donors see this in us and work together with us to solve problems and advance society.
So on this Labor Day weekend my hope for all of you is that you will take a few moments to think about your work, how you do it and most importantly, why you do it. Take a few moments to look back at what you have made possible for others. And then make some time to celebrate the many contributions you have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the world.
Happy Labor Day!
This post was written by DRG Group member, Angie Joens.
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