Importance of Stories

We mentioned this topic in the post about "Reports & Applications." We think it would be prudent to give it a little more discussion.

Let's think for a moment about what you do. You help people and organizations.
Every person and every organization has a lot of stories.

When something special happens between you and an organiztion and a volunteer, you have magically created a special story.

It's these special stories that are so important to RSVP. You can generate statistics until you are blue in the face and they really dn't mean much to anyone. Yes, they are important for the bean counters. The numbers are valuable when someone has to sit in front of a COngressional Committee and justify their existence. But they are still nameless, faceless numbers and statistics.

It's the stories that put a human face on the numbers. It's the stories that tell the RSVP story. When you get a good story, don't hide it under the proverbial bushel basket. Stand up on a rooftop and shout out your story for the world to hear. Put up something on the bulletin board in the hallway. Share the story with your family and you co-workers. Pick up the phone and tell the story to your State Office Staff. Spread your story as far as you can.

Get used to telling stories. Become a story teller. Practice telling stories. Practice writing stories. Do whatever it takes but let success stories become a part of your life as RSVP Director. Numbers will put people to sleep. Stories will get them to sit up and take notice.

You are measured by your stories. No one really cares about your numbers. They are just numbers. But people honestly DO care about your stories. Don't be bashful. Celebrate your stories, be proud of your stories and, by all means, tell your stories early and tell them often.

Got that?