2008 Holiday message: Crisis = Opportunity
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” We are squarely in the middle of one of those ‘times of challenge and controversy’. The health care crisis, the economic crisis, and all of the challenges small and large that we face as human beings tend to occupy far more of our thoughts as we come to the end of a calendar year. We worry about ourselves (our retirement funds), our families and our neighbors. If there wasn’t enough before, how could there possibly be enough now?
Nonetheless, we still find hope. Whether it is a “zen” consciousness or a stubborn belief in the human spirit and our ability to survive and thrive, if you are reading this, chances are you are at least willing to entertain the thought that we have reason to be hopeful.
The primary hope of Project Access NOW is that individuals and organizations working collaboratively can create something that is more than the mere sum of their parts. There are so many good things happening in our community in response to the human need for health care. Our hope is that by organizing ourselves and our resources we will be able to serve people in need today while working on larger “systems issues” over time. There is plenty of work to do in 2009 and beyond. There is no one answer to the crisis we face. We should celebrate all of the good work that has been done and then promptly get on with the work that remains.
As you consider your end of year charitable giving, you know that there are many worthy organizations in need. We encourage you to consider ways that you can support Project Access NOW and all of our non-profit partners, through direct funding, donation of equipment or materials, or through the donation of your time. Think of who you can invite to become a part of this magnificent opportunity to connect people to health care. Today.
Sincere thanks for all that you have done to support our organization during its start up phase. We are excited about the many opportunities we face and we look forward to facing them in collaboration with our partners and supporters. Many blessings to you all.
Happy Holidays!
Linda Nilsen-Solares
Executive Director
Project Access NOW
(December 12, 2008)
