Just Do It

[Greg Rollett]

It might be because I am young, ambitious and part of Gen-Y, that gives me a sense of entitlement and responsibility that I may or may not deserve. I am part of a generation that works hard, plays hard and is subtly making a difference in the world. Rock For Hunger was started by a bunch of college kids, the ones that you see in the bars or warn your daughters about. The college kids who spend tuition money at the bar or at the mall. The same kids that feed over 150 people every week, find clothing, shelter, build resumes and whatever other crazy stuff we do.

The thing is, no one told us we needed to do this. No one built a blueprint that we walk on and take direction from. In fact, I would gander to say that half the time we are going on a whim and making the new rules as we go along. Rock For Hunger started by walking around downtown with PB&J sandwiches in hands and backpacks, hoping to find a few people who needed them. If these kids didn't just do it, we would not be where we are today.

Today Rock For Hunger is thriving. The sense of community, the high spirits and higher expectations that we set forth as an organization are coming into place. Every week we meet new people, face new challenges, and well, try to get organized. I apologize to those of you that are somewhat thrown back by a lack of organization, but you see, we are doing, and by you coming out to help, so are you.

I admire the volunteers that do not need to be told what to do, but make conversation, start a new line, begin folding and separating clothes or going to the store to get garbage bags because I forgot them. You are the ones doing, the ones that are making something of your experience.

Maybe it's because I'm young and ambitious that I think I can change the world now, rather than later. Or maybe its that spirit that might just change the world. I think about that a lot. By doing something today, you make tomorrow better. Whether its for yourself, for another, for a whole group or for an organization, the choices and actions today impact the future. How are you impacting the world today?

When I wake up I don't usually have the answer to that question, but when I do, well I go for it and I encourage you to do the same.

Have a great holiday and a happy new year! And please, tell me I'm wrong, correct me when I'm off course, we all learn better together! Thanks for all your help in making 2008 a great year for not only Rock For Hunger, but for me personally as I have grown into my role here and look forward to taking bigger strides in the coming year.

-Greg aka G-Ro