The Year Ahead
In September we had our first in person staff conference in two years. Ben Ryan (Of Fiji 7s Olympic gold fame) spoke to us on the theme of getting the most out of others. One thing that resonated with all of this was this phrase: “The standard you walk past, is the standard you become.” By this he meant that if we see something going on in our work that is even the smallest deviation from our values and mission…. And we just let it slide…. Then we inevitably drop down to that standard. This is something that we are absolutely determined to resist.
Because our approach is so unique – baking in behavioural support with the ongoing mentoring and rugby coaching – the cost of delivery is higher than it would be if we were just about mere diversionary activity, but we are simply not willing to compromise on the quality of that input into the lives of adults and children who desperately need our help, just because it is costly in time and money. Indeed we want to enhance how and what we do.
For example, through increasing partnerships with several top universities, we think we will soon be the best evidenced and researched sports based initiative in the UK.
Two of our 2021 participants share their stories
We also want to reach more people, in more places. We want our staff and leadership team to embody the values and mission of the charity. We want to be increasingly better, steadily and incrementally, in every single aspect of our work.
We want a culture where we can look after each other well but also challenge each other to be intolerant of lower standards.
So how can you help us achieve this?
Well, I can hardly believe that on Monday 25th April next year, we are 10 years old! Between now and then we will be flat out planning for a 10th anniversary campaign, but not as an end in itself … the whole purpose of that is to raise funds to secure our future growth and ever improving quality.
We would love it if you, even now as you read this, could start to mull over this question: “How can I get behind this one off and unique campaign? What businesses can I influence to choose SOHK as their preferred charity for 2022? What individuals can I approach to give, or cycle, or bake or…” you get the point!
Please drop me a line personally if you think you can do something, or are at least up for trying. We all know that life is an uneven playing field … please help us in our mission to level it out.
Get in touch with Ken here