1. For the association world: Collaborate. No, I am not talking about the ASAE social network platform (though it is a great place to connect with colleagues and get involved). I am talking about associations working together to work together. There are so many of us out there, and each association has the things it is REALLY good at, and those areas where we are constantly struggling (and pouring resources) to just tread water. In 2012 I am going to identify those models I have that are the top 10% of what I see out there, and find corresponding associations that excel in other areas for the potential of collaboration. If my association can help them with our model of success, and they can help us with theirs perhaps neither would waste so much time or resources in reinventing the wheel.
2. For the world world: Be polite. It may sound very kindergarten, but I really believe that the power of 'please' and 'thank you' can win against a rude imperative any day. It may not always be easy to accomplish this one in a frustrating situation, but if it was easy I guess it would not be something that takes an extra effort to do. We want the world to be a more peaceful place? The answer starts with the words I choose to use.
3. For me: Pick Up Trash. Ok, so the back story to this one is that I grew up in NJ near Six Flags Great Adventure. I worked there for a summer or two (take it from me - you never want to run the Guess Your Age/Weight Booth) and Six Flags would give the staff 'bugs bucks' to spend on food/merchandise if they saw you setting an example. One of the primary ways to earn bugs bucks - pick up trash instead of walking by it. It has stuck to this day, and if I am about to walk over a piece of trash an internal pull tries to get me to pick it up and throw it away. I guess I am going to start carrying hand sanitizer wherever I go, because in 2012 I am going to do my part. The Earth doesn't need to wait for someone else to pick up the litter I walk over - I will make this world better by making it cleaner.
Not sure if these are really the deep, insightful ways that others have pledged to help the world in 2012 - but I think they at least have the right intention.
Happy New Year to all!
