I recently reflected on my motivation for taking on the 2-year term as President of the DDA Board of Directors. Like all Board members, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute to the good governance of the Association and help to ensure the excellent standard of service and innovation that are the hallmarks of DDA. This involves reviewing financial statements, accreditation reports, statistics on organizational performance, and regular staff reports. However, something quite selfish motivated me to participate in the DDA Board. My involvement with DDA energizes me.
This comes through the inspiration I get from the window I have on clients, families, and staff. These are “wow” moments for me. I am exposed for example to client stories in the newsletter, site visits, and presentations by staff on their programs at Board meetings. These are the opportunities for me to be inspired by the DDA community.
Certainly, this inspiration comes from seeing people overcome obstacles in their lives and in the determination and courage they display in doing so. This is impressive enough. But as importantly, the inspiration comes from watching the way that clients, families, and staff go about their daily lives. They do so with eagerness, happiness, and a sense of belonging. It may seem ordinary to take joy in attending an outing, learning to paint, using innovative technology, or enjoying a meal together, but it’s not ordinary.
We live in a world that is full of cynicism and frankly a lot of anger. Many people are alienated and often very lonely. Groups spout hateful words to other groups. Our society is caught up in a world of overconsumption, but it never is enough for many people. DDA is like a respite from that world.
DDA presents a very different perspective on life than the one that screams out from the news media. It is one where people support each other and look for the positive in everyday activities. It is one where the word caring has meaning. It is where staff enjoy their work, and clients and residents appreciate whatever opportunities and doors open for them. The people who make up DDA are a strong community. They model what we should strive for. To me, they are an inspiration, and for that, I am happy to contribute what I can through my work with the Board of Directors. Like I said – Wow moments for me!
If you are interested in learning more about the DDA Board of Directors or possibly becoming a member of the Board in the future please contact us at hello@develop.bc.ca.
