We don't think ourselves into a new way of acting.  We act ourselves into a new way of thinking.
Lawrence Bossidy – former CEO, Honeywell

I attended a Leadership conference recently where one of the speakers shared Mr. Bossidy’s  quote.  The wisdom in this two sentence statement is profoundly simple.

We live in an age of desktop publishing and instantaneous access to electronic opinion platforms.  If you hear something and have a view, share it.  There is great power and satisfaction in getting people to rally around your views, but this elation is short-lived.  It seldom produces any meaningful changes.  Without change there is no progress.  Without progress, there is no growth.  Without growth, there is no success.  We do not think our way to achievement, we act our way to it.

People can debate issues, share advice, speculate and critique actions, yet never make a personal commitment to create a positive environment that fosters beneficial changes.  Non-profit organizations need people who want to roll up their sleeves and create a future.

As a person who has garnered so much from music over my life, I am extremely excited about the new programs our Foundation will be launching in the Madison area in 2005.  You will read more about these in future web updates.

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I take almost parental pride in the work coming from our directors and staffs.  I recommend that all of Madison takes the time to attend at least one D.R.U.M. Program session, or Brat Fest, or any of our fundraising ventures.  You will be amazed at how hard these kids work, and at the incredible talent they have teaching and working them.  The staff builds such a phenomenal rapport with the members, and gets them to achieve beyond their expectations.

As a volunteer, I ask for your help.  Whether you are an alumnus of the Madison Scouts, a former band or dance member, a person involved in youth sports, or just a person who cares, we need your action.  Call or e-mail me to get involved.

Here are nine specific opportunities for you.

1. The D.R.U.M. Program can always use more volunteers.
2. The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County can also use volunteers for other programs they run.
3. We need volunteers to assist in reaching other non-profit youth and performing arts groups to get them involved with us.
4. Do you have an interest in website development?  Help us to continue to build ours.
5. Sign-up for our show staff for the Madison Scouts Drums On Parade.
6. Donate or if possible, become an ambassador for us.
7. Contact the Madison Scouts about helping out at DCI finals.
8. We can use volunteers to help us run the community stage at Brat fest.
9. We plan to launch a Wind Ensemble in fall.  If you have an interest in helping us get this started, let us know.

 

There are others projects we are discussing, and ideas that you may have that we have never thought of.  Together we can Create Our Future.

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