Leadership Lessons 2012 Specific Time of Year “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ~ Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) Make a Difference Day (Oct.) The fourth Saturday of every October is Make a Difference Day – the national day to help others. As a student leader you have the potential to make a difference every day simply through your words and actions. How exactly? Consider some of these attitudes and behaviors that can positively impact the lives of those around you. ◊ Be Inspiring – Look for opportunities to reward and recognize those around you. Make a huge difference by reminding people that they are valued and appreciated. ◊ Celebrate Diversity – Display a complete appreciation and value for the various backgrounds, perspectives, ideologies and beliefs that everyone brings to the table. Make a big difference by learning more about those you are working with and by standing up for each individual’s basic rights when necessary. ◊ Encourage Growth – Be part of a win-win situation. Help others grow and in the process you will experience your own personal growth. Make a difference by providing opportunities for your peers to gain new information or skills through training programs, delegation and feedback. ◊ Demonstrate Ethical Behavior – Walk your talk and others will follow. Make a difference by simply doing the right thing, even when it may be the hardest thing to do. ◊ Serve as an Agent of Change - Ask questions, challenge the process and deeply listen to new ideas. Make a difference by welcoming change into your life and valuing the possibilities it can bring. Leadership Reflection… Your Plans for Make a Difference Day Are you joining a group of friends to rake leaves in your community? Or, maybe you have decided to volunteer at a homeless shelter or food pantry. Whether you do it alone or with a group, whether you do it for an hour or the entire day, please consider something you can do to make a difference! The impact you will have will be felt long beyond this weekend. On Make a Difference Day I will make a difference by… Signed: Date: Need some ideas? Check out: www.usaweekend.com/section/MDDAY. 75 125 Paterson Ave, Suite 4 • Little Falls, NJ 07424 • (973) 256-1333 Fax (973) 256-8088 • www.paper-clip.com • Copyright 2011 Prepared for our institution by PaperClip Communications. Reproduced or retransmitted under license by PaperClip Communications.