In his inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy famously challenged Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." That particular line has become arguably the most iconic quote from one of the most revered speeches in American presidential history. It is another passage from that 1961 speech, however, that is the focus of today's inaugural blog entry.
Throughout his address, President Kennedy highlighted many of the monumental challenges that faced not only the United States, but humanity. He committed himself and his administration to boldly begin to tackle that daunting series of threats and barriers, foreign and domestic. He also conceded that although he would work fiercely for real progress on these issues, they were part of a greater pursuit that would likely transcend the lifespan of not only his political tenure, but his life and the lives of his constituents.
"All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1000 days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."
The sentiment of these words is especially apropos for our organization. This is an organization with a vision. Not a vague, generic idea of what we'd like to aim for. A real, living vision for how we want to impact the lives of kids and teens, and as a result, this entire community. It is the continuously evolving product of deeply compassionate, hard working people from every corner of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County. This organization does not want to be a series of buildings that are staffed with individuals who just go through the motions to kill time with kids after school. We do not want to be passive. We do not want to be static. We do not want to be the bare minimum.
This organization wants to be alive. We want our staff to be wildly passionate. We want our energy and enthusiasm to be contagious. We want to empower kids to be brave and inclusive. We want them to boldly say "no" to drugs and violence and "yes" to education and teamwork. We want kids to know that they are immensely valuable human beings whom this world desperately depends on. They need to eat right, exercise, and seize every opportunity to learn because they will, one day, inherit the power and responsibility that comes with being adults. We want to prove to them that learning is fun and reading is fundamental. We want them to understand that to serve others is noble and always, always worth their time. We want kids to feel whole, loved, and equal. We want this club to have expectations for every child that walks through our doors because we believe that every child has the capacity to achieve them. This organization wants to be a force of nature that unites a community with a common mission: Strengthen this community by strengthening this community's children.
We are ardent believers of our vision and we will continue to boldly pursue it every day. Certainly, it is ambitious. Certainly, it will require a great deal of hard work, late hours, and long weeks. Certainly, all this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1000 days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County click here!
