My father who is nearly 84 years old told me the other day --- "In order to have a good friend you need to be a good friend." He relayed that thought to me as I told him what an important person he is to many individuals.
I share that because the work that is going on at UMD captures that same spirit. That is, if you want a strong community, you have to be a strong contributor to community. If you want a positive campus life, you have to model the very essence of that. If you want to see others become involved in issues you care about, you must first become involved yourself.
I am struck that SWOT is about moving from being a spectator to a participant. Instead of always thinking that the "problem is out there", SWOT is about becoming an active participant for positive change. Not to go it alone, but to work with others in making tangible improvements. Not sitting in the stands and observing, but getting out on the field and making something happen.
I have never seen progress take place --- on anything --- without first an individual or group of individuals who begin to act on his/her convictions. There is power in that action which draws others in. SWOT is the expression of a conviction that volunteering matters.
It matters to community. To neighborhoods. To individuals. To the person giving of his/her time.
On behalf of everyone at United Way, I encourage you to make the work of SWOT count. Make it matter to you and those around you. I believe you are creating a model for others to follow. So be bold. Be optimistic. Be involved.
Thanks and God speed to you all.
Michael Brennan
President
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
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We would like to thank Michael Brennan a great deal for being a proud supporter of SWOT. His encouragement to our organization is very important.
-SWOT Director
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