What is 'Giving Back'?
What is really meant by the comment, “Giving Back”? Just think about it for a minute. It seems that giving back can mean many things in many ways. There are some individuals that just want to give back for no reason other than being able to do so. Really, shouldn’t it be the giving of time and energy in a way that is not only satisfying and enjoyable, but also is needed. Giving back can be done in many ways. Some ways may not seem like much to us, but to the ones that are receiving the support, it means a lot.
By: Meade (Mac) McClatchey
Giving back can also take the form of speaking or teaching. The many things we learn in life can be passed on to others. Many times things that we speak of or know are things that someone else may really want or need to know. Sharing knowledge can be just as important to giving back as any other way of providing support.
When we learn or compete, many times we are doing it because we enjoy it. Sometimes the enjoyment comes from just being able to have the opportunity to learn or compete. However, we should always remember that the opportunity is something special. That’s right, special, or it should be thought of as something special. Many times the things we do have an impact on who we become and how we act in life.
It’s essential that we learn to understand and use the lessons learned, whether by being taught or by competing. Really, no matter what we’re competing at, isn’t it that we are also learning something important? Discipline, being one can be a very huge factor in our actions.
As there are many sports and activities that we may be involved in, or just by observing, there is always something that can be learned at the same time. The many different personalities and backgrounds of the people involved with these different activities can provide a learning experience in itself.
As our physical being may not allow us to compete, the one thing that volunteering doesn’t take away is the chance to interact with different people. Some people may have trouble with the idea that if they can’t compete, then they can’t be involved. As time goes by we may get away from the aspect of actually competing and just observing. However, being involved in sports or any other activity can give someone the opportunity to remain involved, if in a different way.
Coaching like mentoring can also be a wonderful way to give back. It can give you the opportunity to pass many different lessons and teachings to someone else. For example, not finishing first or losing at some activity can be a good learning experience. You learn how to rebound and do better the next time – never give up, keep going forward.
Through the years, people have given back in one way or the other. Giving back has taken form through competition, supporting or donating. It doesn’t matter in what way giving back is done - it always means something to someone. Look at the numerous organizations out there that support different events without giving a second thought to reimbursement or acknowledgement.
A good example is the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle club that supports the burial services for fallen soldiers and the television show “Most Wanted” which portrays the continued accomplishments of John Walsh. Other examples include Jerry Lewis with the MDA telethon, Kyle Petty with the Victory Junction Gang Camp for terminally ill kids, and many more activities and events too numerous to name.
Supporting the military can be very special. It’s a job that many feel needs to be done. In many cases the service members may need types of assistance which the military cannot provide. It doesn’t matter where the service member is on duty, the support for those left behind is vitally important. Being a part of that support network is part of that need referenced earlier. When that support is present, it gives the service member peace of mind and allows them to stay focused on the mission. It’s always important to be able to stay focused. Focus can be just as important in supporting friends and loved ones at home. Being able and wanting to support family members is a great way of giving back.
The people that have served are also very important. The support that these service members and their families can receive is very much needed. Too many times people serve and are forgotten. Just as the ones serving today, the Veterans need that support, maybe in a different way, but support is still needed. The length of service by these Veterans isn’t the issue. The issue is that there are a lot of Veterans who like to know support is available when needed. Being able to give critical support can mean a lot to a Veteran. There are a lot of Veterans that want to stay in touch with the military, if only in a small way. Volunteering can fill that vital desire. It can give a Veteran the feeling of giving back in some way. Plus it offers them the chance to keep up with current information and needs that he or she may have. Their knowledge is a very indispensable asset. Being a parent, grandparent or older sibling, passing on information and guidance can be thought of as another very informational way of giving back.
To put it all in perspective, giving back can be done in many different ways and for many different reasons. Be it a personal nature or sense of belonging, it’s what is important to you. Giving back can make a person really feel good about what and why they give back.
The method or the time spent giving back can impact the future as well as the present. The past was an experience, the present is a gift and the future is an opportunity.
The content of this article makes the challenges for continued stewardship of giving back just that much more important. For example, “In my case, I find joy in simply providing knowledge, help and guidance to others. I seek those opportunities that allow me to share my knowledge and experiences with other people. In doing so, I hope to make the experience and time spent a little easier and fulfilling, so I challenge you to do the same – Give Back!”
The one thing that so many forget is why some people do get involved in giving back. Tragedy can be a motivator for some. If you look at the real reason these people give back, it could be as a loving memory or a chance to finish something. How wonderful is it to be able to give back in a way that memories are able to serve a good purpose. Other reasons are that some people may have had something happen and that event motivated them to want to give back in some way. Relating experiences and helping others cope with certain situations can be very helpful.
- Mac & Carol McClatchey
That special understanding of certain situations, because of personal experience or being very close to those experiencing certain situations, gives people needing the support understanding of the relationship. It can be comforting knowing that someone else may in some way understand a situation and what may be needed to cope. It doesn’t have to be a tragic situation. It could just be a situation where someone needs support. Any time someone has problems attaining a desired goal can be a time and opportunity to give back. Especially if the person giving the support understands what is needed for that situation. Sharing knowledge can be just as important to giving back as any other way of providing support.
