The Mary Kay Way Blog

Leadership Series: 4 P's to Success

2012-05-14T12:37:00Z

The second post in the leadership series comes from Mary Kay's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Beth Lange. Beth shares four key elements of effective leadership.

None of us are born leaders, but instead have to learn lessons along the road to success. Here are 4 P’s I have learned along my journey.

Passion
I love being involved in research and development, it energizes me. Doing what I love makes me a happy person. Everyone needs to find a career path that is rewarding for them. Find your passion, not your parents', your spouse’s or your mentor’s. You will spend more awake time at work than at home; make sure you are happy all day long!

Practice
Just because you are not a member of the independent sales force does not mean that you don’t need to learn how to sell yourself or your ideas. You need to practice giving presentations, writing a concise email or meeting agenda, pulling together a PowerPoint deck. These things do not come naturally! I had a speech disorder as a child and went through 5 years of speech therapy in elementary school. It shocks my family that I can get out onstage and talk in front of a large audience. Believe me – it took a lot of practice! If you want to go the management track, take leadership training and learn what it takes to be a leader. Don't assume just because you are smart that you will be a successful manager. Know your strengths and weaknesses and address them.

Perspective
Mary Kay is a very emotional company. We take into account the whole person, which is great! But often, business decisions are based on facts, and we can’t take things personally when things do not always turn out how we would like them. Sometimes we get too emotionally involved and need to learn to "let it go" and move on. I have seen many meetings where a man will disagree with another man in a meeting and afterward talk about golfing together after work. When women disagree, we to often take it personally and will hold grudges far too long. It’s counterproductive to hold grudges.

Personal Best
The most important lesson I have learned is to be the best me that I can be. When I started my first job out of graduate school, I was nervous as a new manager and was desperately anxious to be seen as a strong leader. As a result, I completely emulated my boss. About a year later I attended a training course where I got feedback from my peers about my management style and gaps. A team member wrote in the comments "She acts like a 50-year-old Scotsman," which, at the time, described my boss and not me! I had copied his management style and it was not a good fit. I started taking various management classes where I was taught various styles. None of these seemed to fit either! So finally it dawned on me that no style fits all occasions. Every person and every situation is different, and as long as I treat others with respect and am true to myself - that’s just fine.

Beth visiting the Great Wall of China.

Leadership Series: The Value System

2012-05-11T11:28:00Z

Mary Kay Ash was a tremendous leader who carved out a unique niche in the business world for women. In honor of her, we are starting a new series on our blog about leadership. For the next few weeks, several of Mary Kay’s female vice presidents and C-level executives will share their thoughts on leadership. The inaugural leadership post is from Carrie Adams, Mary Kay’s Vice President of Human Resources.

One of our public relations managers asked me what I thought about having our female vice presidents and executives do a leadership series on the blog. I told her that I thought it was a great idea. Even gave her recommendations on a few people she should ask to write the post. Little did I know that she had already penciled me in to write the first post. So here we go …

As the vice president of human resources, I am fundamentally invested in developing leaders. Every leader must have certain skills to succeed, but it may surprise you that I think skills are actually secondary. Values are at the top of my list. The way people lead is based on what they value. And the way people follow is based on what they value. The values that a person treasures will be a part of that person’s career regardless of where he or she may work. You know why? Because these values are inherent to who that person is and strives to be.

This is my second time working for Mary Kay. I left Mary Kay in 1999 after working here for three years. While it was the right decision for my family and me at the time, I was so grateful to have the opportunity to return in 2006. Even though I had spent a relatively short amount of time with Mary Kay, it was the company that I always was most proud to be associated with.

When I left in 1999, it never occurred to me that I would come back. So I made it a point to take a little piece of Mary Kay wisdom everywhere I went. If you were to ask someone at one of the other companies I worked for about the “Mary Kay Way,” they could tell you. And not just because I made them read the book, The Mary Kay Way. It wasn’t so much the book as it was the values represented in the book. The values emphasized in that book are some of the same values that a great leader should have - hard work, compassion, strategic thinking, helping others, solid judgment, treating people with respect and leading by example.

Mary Kay Ash always said, “The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang.” I’ll never forget the one time I actually met her in 1997. I believe this was her last public appearance at the Mary Kay office. She had suffered a stroke the previous year but wanted to come to the corporate building for her birthday so we could all celebrate with her. My supervisor asked me if I wanted to meet her and I felt so honored. I was a fairly new employee and still learning about the company. I was surprised that the owner and founder of a company would meet with any and all employees. She did not care about your title or level. She just cared about you.

When I met her, she looked straight into my eyes, took my hands in hers and made me feel so important. The stroke had ended her ability to speak, but it did not end her ability to communicate and to lead. I also was amazed at how petite she was considering she was, and always will be, larger than life to me. She led by example by greeting each person warmly. She made every person feel special, unique and valued. The other thing I noticed is that she insisted on putting on her heels before taking a group photo. Once again she was leading by example because what woman doesn’t love her high heels!!!

The fact that Mary Kay took the time to make others feel appreciated has left a lasting impression on me. The fact that Mary Kay founded her company based on a certain set of values has influenced my approach to my job. I always want every person to know that their work is appreciated. It is one of the many attributes I value. And because I value it, it shapes how I lead.

More than a Makeover

2012-05-09T13:05:00Z

Today’s guest blogger is Kirsten Gappelberg. Kirsten is the manager of corporate social responsibility at Mary Kay Inc. Kirsten talks about volunteerism and giving back.

When I started at Mary Kay I’m sad to admit that I didn’t know a lot about Habitat for Humanity. They build houses for people who need them and give them away right? Wrong!

A Habitat for Humanity home isn’t a hand out – it’s a hand up and an opportunity for homeownership through a zero percent interest mortgage and resources to be a successful home owner. Habitat is changing lives, transforming communities and rebuilding neighborhoods. Mary Kay – and now Mary Kay independent sales force member Phyllis Doyle – are proud Habitat partners.

Last year during Mary Kay’s Makeover Contest, Independent Beauty Consultants competed for the prize of a lifetime - a Habitat for Humanity Home built in their honor. This was unprecedented, even for Mary Kay. Independent Beauty Consultants from across the U.S. rallied for the opportunity to transform someone’s life and give back such an amazing gift.

On April, 20 in Morristown New Jersey, Independent Beauty Consultant Phyllis Doyle was able to help break ground on the Habitat for Humanity Home being built in her honor. Phyllis had the highest number of eligible consumer entries in the 2011 Mary Kay Makeover Contest, and Mary Kay Inc. is proud to sponsor our 12th Habitat for Humanity home in her name. Phyllis was passionate about the prize and the cause, and held marathon makeovers so that she could WIN!

Phyllis shared with me after the ground breaking ceremony, “I was moved to action in this contest BECAUSE the prize was a life-changing gift -- a home -- for a deserving family. Meeting that family was the highlight of my trip and I was honored to help build and raise the first wall of their home.”

The impact of this contest is immeasurable. Imagine the lives that have been touched with something as simple as a makeover. How does your day to day life, your job or your free time help enrich the lives of those around you? I’ve heard so many times that Mary Kay is so much more than lipstick. I know I like to think so.

Mary Kay builds a Habitat for Humanity home.

The Truth About Abuse

2012-05-04T14:46:00Z

Today’s post is contributed by Anne Crews, Mary Kay Inc. Vice President and The Mary Kay Foundation Board Member. Anne has advocated for years on domestic violence education, prevention and awareness – with a heartfelt conviction that ending domestic violence is possible. She issues a shared challenge to us all to make a difference.

While reflecting on the nationwide 2012 Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey findings, I realized once again that the survey results represent more than staggering numbers — they signify lives in the balance. Though much recovery from the economic downturn has taken place since it started four years ago, domestic violence survivors still have a long way to go as the economy continues to takes its toll on them.

Sadly, the 2012 Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey continues to illustrate that the vast majority of shelters across the United States consistently report startling increases in the demand for their services and decreases in funding. In short, demand is up, while funding, services and prevention programs are down.

Domestic violence affects millions of individuals every year — whether physical, verbal, emotional or financial abuse. We all know someone who is, was or will be a victim. This crime is a community issue and impacts everyone — our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, neighbors and colleagues. We all must be part of the solution, especially during this economically difficult time. Individuals and businesses must get involved in efforts to educate, prevent and eventually end, domestic violence.

Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation have continually been leaders in domestic violence awareness and prevention programs. In response to these alarming survey findings, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay FoundationSM have been responding with programs such as Lobbying for Good, The Mary Kay Foundation Shelter Grants and Nature Explore Classrooms, to name a few. More details are available at: www.marykay.com/domesticviolence

I invite you to do your part by:
• Making a contribution to anti-domestic violence organizations and women’s shelters.
• Volunteering your time.
• Speaking out against domestic violence in a public setting or in individual conversations.
• Donating household goods or food items to a shelter.
• Urging public officials to support legislation that serves survivors and holds perpetrators accountable. One way is to sign the online petition at www.enddatingviolence.com that encourages lawmakers to help end teen dating violence.

Thank you for taking the time to read the 2012 Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey findings and trends at http://tiny.cc/dv2012report, considering how you will help and joining us at Mary Kay in this vital community issue that affects us all. Thank you in advance for your concern regarding this wide-reaching issue and your efforts to help prevent and end domestic violence in our country, once and for all!

Happy Arbor Day

2012-04-27T11:58:00Z

The Arbor Day Foundation and Mary Kay Inc. have partnered together for several projects including planting trees and creating outdoor learning spaces for children. In celebration of Arbor Day, we’ve handed over our blog to them for a day. Today’s post is from Sean Barry, the director of media relations for The Arbor Day Foundation.

Arbor Day is all about taking the time to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. The Arbor Day Foundation was launched 40 years ago during Arbor Day’s centennial year. At the Foundation, we seek to spread the conservationist spirit during all 365 days of the year. And partners like Mary Kay are a big help in making that happen.

The Foundation is proud to be working with Mary Kay to build a series of new Nature Explore Classrooms at domestic violence shelters. These outdoor classrooms assist in the healing process and give children a safe, nature-rich environment in which to learn and recover. They are already helping to change people’s lives. We just dedicated two new Nature Explore classrooms in Harlem within the past month.

Mary Kay has also been a great partner in our reforestation efforts. You can still help with our tree planting partnership with Mary Kay by becoming a fan on the Mary Kay Facebook fan page. With this effort, The Arbor Day Foundation and Mary Kay are on track to have planted 400,000 trees together since our partnership started.

If you want to know more about Arbor Day Foundation check out our website. You can also use the arbordaynow.org Volunteer Center to find tree planting and conservation-oriented activities, both on Arbor Day weekend and throughout the year. Thanks, Mary Kay, for your continued support of our mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

Happy Arbor Day!

Child playing in a Nature Explore Classroom.

Elmo, Dora and Me

2012-04-25T20:10:00Z

Today’s blog post is from Virginia Hock. Virginia works as a coordinator for the corporate communications group at Mary Kay. Virginia is an advocate for children’s literacy and shares a recent experience as a volunteer.

4-year-old kids. 25 of them. 1 of me. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but...

When I was in college, I worked on and off as a nanny. (In between studying and being a devout Razorback fan. Woo pig sooie!) As a nanny, I read every story ever made about Thomas, Dora, SpongeBob, Clifford and Elmo. Every. Single. One. Regardless of how many times I talked about a train, a big red dog or a new adventure, the kids loved it. They were developing a love of reading. I truly believe that a love for reading turns into a love for learning.

Last week, I had a chance to read to a group of pre-K students at Avance. Avance is an organization that works to strengthen families in at-risk communities through effective education and support programs for parents and kids. One of Avance’s programs involves literacy education for children.

As soon as I walked into the classroom I could feel the excitement and energy. Those kids were eager to hear whatever story that was contained in the pages of the book I had in my hands. It was almost like the kids saw this book as a special gift. They could not wait to hear the story. I’ve been an active volunteer in various literacy programs for many years, but I’ve never seen this type of excitement. And to be honest, my excitement level was just as high as the kids. So much so, that when I finished the first book I asked the teacher if I could read another book to the kids.

As I listened to the kids talk about the book I read to them, I imagined what it must be like for a child who struggles with communication and reading. Basic skills that we take for granted. Think about how many emails you have read and drafted today. About the book you read before bed last night. The signs you read on the highway on your way to work. Reading is a functional part of everyday life. A simple skill but a skill that must be learned. Children’s literacy is an issue I hold close to my heart. I am committed to helping children learn to read.

Even though Global Month of Service is over, we can all remain committed to helping others. Is there a specific cause or organization that is close to your heart? If so, are you committed to it?

Earth Day 2012

2012-04-22T13:00:00Z

Spring has officially sprung! The grass looks a little greener and the flowers seem to be blooming just a little bit brighter. April is the perfect month to celebrate Earth Day. On April 22, around the world, we will honor Mother Earth.

In celebration of Earth Day and all things GREEN, we want to plant a tree – just for you! During the month of April, visit the “What’s New” tab on Mary Kay’s Facebook page and we will plant a tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. We’ve committed to planting 100,000 trees and I hope you’ll help us achieve that goal! Click the button, watch the video and share with your friends.

How will you celebrate? Use the comments section to share with us and your friends what your plans are for Earth Day. And to learn more about Mary Kay’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, global tree planting program, recycling and conservation efforts, click here.

April Showers

2012-04-19T13:32:00Z

Today’s guest blogger is Dr. Beth Lange, Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Lange leads Mary Kay’s Research & Development division and due to her passion for nature also champions our corporate environmental sustainability efforts.

Last year I joined a semi-monthly Sustainability Forum to work with other companies to share ideas on conserving our natural resources and protecting the planet. Our recent topic of discussion was water conservation. Mary Kay, along with sustainability experts from several other industries – telecommunications, retail and even a helicopter manufacturer, believes that water is a precious resource. Although we all produce very different products, we have the common goal of saving water.

I am proud that Mary Kay’s global manufacturing and R&D facility places a priority on water conservation. We have implemented new manufacturing technologies that significantly reduce water consumption. Last year we cut our water use by 19%. That is enough water to fill over 660 backyard swimming pools! With Earth Day fast approaching this April 22nd, here are some water saving tips that everyone can do at home:
1. Turn the water off when you brush your teeth. We’ve all been told this many times, but do we really do it?
2. Take shorter showers. A fun tip is to play your favorite song while showering. Use the song as your timer.
3. Only run full loads of laundry.
4. Use the dishwasher (fully loaded, of course!). Most dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand.
5. Fix leaks. Did you know that an average American home can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water a year from running toilets, dripping faucets and other household leaks? That is a lot of water!
6. When planting spring flowers, choose native plants that require less water maintenance.
7. Raise your lawn mower height; longer grass promotes deeper root growth and a more drought resistant lawn.

For more information on saving water, check out WaterSense from the United States Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/watersense/.

Seeing the Invisible Sign

2012-04-16T14:41:00Z

CMO Sheryl Adkins-Green talks about Mary Kay's Global Month of Service and the importance of helping others.

“Pretend everyone you meet has an invisible sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.'”

Mary Kay Ash not only said this, but also lived by this mantra. Today it continues to be a major pillar of our Company’s culture. I did not have the opportunity to work with Mary Kay, but her values were so clear that all of us know her vision for this company and her firm belief in helping others. It is that commitment to helping others that led us to the idea of Global Month of Service.

In just one month, thousands of Mary Kay employees, friends and Independent Beauty Consultants around the world helped their fellow neighbors by volunteering more than 197,010 hours of community service. That is the equivalent of 22 years of service. Our Global Month of Service is about showing people that they indeed are important, no matter what their current situation or circumstance might be. It is about making a difference in their lives by showing them that we care. And that’s priceless.

In these hectic times when people are frequently multi-tasking with their eyes glued to their cell phone or tablet, it is more important than ever to look up and read that invisible sign. Thank you to the Mary Kay independent sales force, Mary Kay employees and Mary Kay friends for your valuable gift of time and service.

Please tell me about the time when someone saw your invisible sign and made you feel important.

Getting it done

2012-04-05T15:10:00Z

Today’s post is contributed by Michelle Hines, Ph.D. Michelle is Mary Kay’s Manager of Skin Care Research. She serves on Mary Kay’s U.S. Culture Committee, an internal group that teaches Mary Kay’s philosophies and helps keep the unique culture alive. In this post, Michelle shares her thoughts on helping others.

Last month, I had a chance to participate with the “Day of Beauty” for domestic violence survivors during our Global Month of Service. The day truly touched my heart. Not only because of the women who survived abuse, but also because of the pride I felt for my company and our commitment to help others. Volunteerism. Community Service. Helping Others. It doesn’t matter what you call it. It just matters that you do it.

As a child, my parents always spoke about giving. My father instilled a favored parable into each of his children. “To whom much has been given, much will be required.” These are words that have guided me throughout my entire life. I have a responsibility to help others for the multitudes of benefits that I have in my life.

Admittedly, there have been many times when other commitments, responsibilities and obligations have taken a higher priority. With being a working mom, daughter, sister, friend, scientist and all of the other words that describe me, it can be so easy to get caught up in my daily responsibilities. However, I never lose sight of what is at the core of my soul – helping others. Every day presents opportunities for thousands of small and big moments to help someone.

As a parent, my primary responsibility is to raise my son from a good little boy to be a responsible, great man. I am helping him. As a friend, my role is to be a chief listener for the laughter and the tears. I am helping my friend. As part of Mary Kay’s R&D team, my role is to help ensure that the great products we provide deliver fantastic skin care benefits. I am helping my company.

We all have a chance to help others. It can be a simple gesture like holding a door open for someone or something as big as caring for an elderly loved one.

Again, it doesn’t matter what you do. It just matters that you do it.

Blessings on so many levels

2012-04-03T17:30:00Z

Today’s post is from Sharilyn Getz. Sharilyn is an art producer for Mary Kay and is a regular volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House.

We had a group of employees in the Dallas area cook dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas on March 24 during our Global Month of Service. The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Inc. serves as a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children who are hospitalized or receiving treatment in Dallas area hospitals. In an effort to lessen the burden, reduce stress, keep the family intact and enhance the quality of life for these families, the RMHD provides affordable housing in a caring, home-like atmosphere. The Ronald McDonald House program was built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child - not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal, or where they will lay their head at night to rest.

It’s not an easy task to cook for nearly 70 people so the families usually get tacos, spaghetti and lasagna on a regular basis. This time, we wanted to give them something different. We made pork loin, mashed potatoes from scratch, green beans, green salad, fruit salad and a pumpkin crunch cake dessert - a home cooked meal. This meal was a welcome and appreciated change for them – that little piece of home.

It caused me to reflect on the unexpected things that make such a difference to people. I have volunteered at RMHD for 10 years on Monday nights. Over the years I have been blessed with meeting many families. On that Saturday, two boys that have been coming to the House for longer than I’ve been volunteering were there. They are 19 and 20 years old now but their medical needs continue. It was such a good feeling to know that we’ve been able to continue to support them and their families on so many levels over the years. They are dear to me and I think I am dear to them as well. One of the boys sought me out as our group toured the House so he could give me a hug before they left to go home. That reinforces for me that I am where I need to be and doing the things I need to do.

There is no greater joy and satisfaction than feeling that connection and knowing the role you play in their lives. What I might be giving them they are giving me back two fold. We are blessed on so many levels with the things that come into our lives or the things that we give. I am:
-Blessed that I have the opportunity to volunteer
-Blessed that I work for a company that is so involved with the community and supporting our mission on so many levels.
-Blessed that we have such generous community that supports its residents and graciously embraces those that come to our community with personal needs.

With all of the efforts that Mary Kay Inc. does to enrich women’s lives – our caring spirit and commitment to helping others is a great tribute to Mary Kay Ash, the independent sales force and our employees.

making a beautiful difference

2012-03-29T17:45:00Z

Today’s post is written by Darrell Overcash, Mary Kay Inc.’s U.S. President. Darrell shares his thoughts on Global Month of Service.

We are nearing the end of our Global Month of Service and we are thrilled that so many people helped others. You’ve read about Naomi Buerkle and her team at our Mary Kay distribution center in Chicago making cards for soldiers. Our Chief Marketing Officer Sheryl Adkins-Green, independent sales force members, corporate employees and I had a chance to volunteer at a “Day of Beauty” on International Women’s Day with domestic violence survivors here in Dallas. Our manufacturing group made goodie bags for shelters and our employees at the Mary Kay southern distribution center in Atlanta planted an herb and flower garden at a women’s shelter.

I know that many of you have already helped in your community, but we still have one week left in Global Month of Service. Let’s use this last week to help thousands of people in hundreds of communities. Take a look at these photos from some of the community activities we’ve held so far and tell me what are you doing for Global Month of Service. How are you making a beautiful difference? And please remember to make your service count by logging your volunteer time at www.marykay.com/service.

Thank you Mary Kay!

2012-03-27T14:34:00Z

Today’s post is written by Jan Langbein, Executive Director for Genesis Women’s Shelter. Jan shares her thoughts on Mary Kay’s ”Day of Beauty” for domestic violence survivors.

On March 8, people around the world celebrated International Women’s Day. For over 100 years this day has recognized not only the amazing contributions of women but also the incredible obstacles that women must face as they struggle to survive. Obstacles like hunger, poverty, trafficking of women and girls and violence against women. These women are faced with violence in the streets and violence in their homes.

How appropriate that Mary Kay Inc. celebrated International Women’s Day by celebrating the beauty of women - both inside and out. Clients of Genesis Women's Shelter, The Family Place and the New Beginning Center were invited to enjoy a DAY OF BEAUTY. Women of courage who against all odds have announced their own Declaration of Independence….that against all odds they can find shelter that they can feed their children that they can escape the abuse they have known. I am offended by the violence that they have experienced and I am encouraged by their courage.

Mary Kay Ash was a visionary. Mary Kay Ash herself believed that motivation, recognition and an open-ended opportunity could transform women, empowering them to achieve better lives for themselves and their families. Today her vision, her courage and her unwavering spirit continue to offer women the opportunity to achieve personal growth and financial success. Since 2000, Mary Kay Inc. and the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation have awarded more than $28 million to domestic violence prevention programs and to women’s shelter across the country.

Oprah Winfrey once said “for every woman who is out there is another woman who has shown her the way.” Certainly Mary Kay Ash was one such woman. So are the Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants who gave so many domestic violence survivors a wonderful day of lunch and gifts and celebration. And although the make-up was cleaned off that evening, these women will continue to carry that “Mary Kay Spirit Down in Their Hearts.” Thank you Mary Kay!

Jan speaking at the 'Day of Beauty' for domestic violence survivors.

Here’s your sign

2012-03-22T13:00:00Z

As a part of our Global Month of Service, we are featuring blogs about the importance of volunteerism and community service. Today’s blog is written by Naomi Buerkle. Naomi is Mary Kay Inc.’s Vice President and General Manager of Branch Operations. Naomi oversees one of Mary Kay’s five regional branches and is based in the Chicago area.

Have you ever heard the saying “here’s your sign?” Well sometimes it takes a little more than one sign to get the message. If you pay attention, there are signs are all around us. Or at least that’s how I was inspired with this year’s Global Month of Service project. Here’s my story.

The management team at the Mary Kay North Central branch outside of Chicago was tasked with finding a project we could do for Global Month of Service. They surveyed their teams, kicked around some ideas, called different places, attempted to coordinate times and location, then kicked around some more ideas, but nothing seemed to stick until the day we received a letter from the VA hospital. It was a thank you letter for the holiday cards we had sent. The letter mentioned how they get lots of cards at Christmas and for Valentine’s Day, but could use greeting cards all year long – Here’s your sign . . .

At the end of January, my hubby received the standard, funny, you’re so old birthday cards from loved ones and neighbors, but the one card he made a point of showing me was from one of his students. Let me explain, he drives a school bus for special needs kids. Somewhere along they figured out it was his birthday, and at the end of the day a little girl gave him a card she had made. The card had a school bus with smoke coming out of its tailpipe, along with faces of all the kids on the bus and a happy birthday wish. Kids art, it’s priceless and has such an impact – Here’s your sign…

Okay, I’ll confess, I have a soft spot for kids’ art. It’s probably because I have no artistic ability to call my own and I’m amazed at how a crayon on paper can come to life. So, I shared the card making idea with the team as a Global Month of Service project and it was a go. Employees could bring their kids / grandkids to do the hard part – the art work, and the adults could add the words of inspiration, it seemed like a win, win. You get family time, along with good works equal making a big difference. Our goal is to make 500 greeting cards for those that give so much of themselves. When you care enough to send the best, you send it with loving hands. Here’s your sign…

Card created to give to a soldier at the VA hospital in honor of Global Month of Service.

The Original Internet

2012-03-16T15:35:00Z

As a part of our Global Month of Service, we are featuring blogs about the importance of volunteerism and community service. Today’s blog is written by René Wickham. René is Mary Kay Inc.’s Vice President of Product Quality and volunteers with the Citizens Development Center in Dallas, Texas.

Have you ever marveled at how the Internet has changed our lives? It seems not so long ago that when we needed to research something, we went to the library to search through the card catalog - yes, a set of wooden file drawers with little paper cards.

But it dawned on me recently that as radically as our lives have changed with the advent of the computerized Internet, there is an ORIGINAL INTERNET that has been a part of our lives much longer: the internet of the human race. You see, I believe in our connectedness as human beings, the human internet. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are all inextricably connected to each other. To get the most from life, we must embrace our connectedness and learn from, and allow ourselves to be enriched by every interaction we have with others.

It is through this belief in connectedness that I was drawn to community service and volunteerism. None of us can live life without some help from others. Our knowledge of the world is limited by our own personal experience, but the puzzle becomes more complete when we allow in the knowledge of others. It seems trite, but I get and learn so much more from these activities than what I give.

I was introduced to Citizens Development Center (CDC) by a former work colleague at Mary Kay – Melanie Smith. Melanie has an adult brother who was born with a mental disability. CDC provides adults with disabilities, such as Down syndrome, an opportunity to work, earn a paycheck, learn basic life skills, contribute to the world and socialize in a safe environment.

Most of the work involves simple assembly tasks such as sorting compacts for recycling or sorting hangers from a dry clean facility. CDC also allows many of the parents to hold down a job, as they would otherwise have no choice but to stay home to care for their adult child. Melanie took me on a tour of the work center at CDC a few years ago, and seeing the joy of these adults contributing to the world was infectious!

I’ve worked with CDC for four years now in different capacities – as a board member contributing to the strategy and accomplishment of the mission of the organization, planting gardens on the work site and on Saturday projects painting the facility and cleaning restrooms.

With every interaction I learn something about myself and the world, whether it’s the fascinating team dynamics of achieving a goal, how others approach challenges and weather the storms of life or how to plant a garden that will attract butterflies. Whatever your skills, whatever your interests, there is a place for all of us in community service and volunteerism. Consider the ORIGINAL INTERNET – it may not be as hip as the latest gadget, but the rewards are there for the taking!

Tell us. What inspires you to volunteer?