Things your mom knows but won’t tell you to your face

This is a short disclaimer from me before we start this discussion. The views represented here are my own and do not represent any other persons or entities. I am not receiving any favors or remuneration for the views herein. If any views out there have been represented, it is purely coincidence; maybe because they are common sense?

Recently there has been a move to address a number of issues by a section of SOS youth. While I applaud your initiative to address issues, here are some words of wisdom any of your mothers in SOS would have given to you.

While SOS is your home, it is also an organization.

Yes, SOS is the only home you know. You grew here; it is your pride and joy. It also happens to be an organization whose primary mission is to care for the orphaned and abandoned children. I believe that this is where the bone of contention lies. We who grew up her view it as a home and those who work here see it as an organization. We need to find a common ground and share the same point of view on the issues that affect us all, or we will always be at loggerheads.

Homes are more static in nature while organizations are dynamic.

The rules in your home have probably remained the same since you were a kid. Whenever you gather together nobody has to explain the rules of conduct, seniority by age is known, each individual’s character is known, etc. Organizations on the other hand are a different conundrum. They experience many changes. These could be leadership, operational, or structural to name a few.

SOS the home mostly affects our social life, SOS the organization affects all issues administrative and the two need each other.

While it is good to embrace the role community plays in our lives, we should also be aware of the hand that feeds us. You cannot spite the mouth to feed the stomach. Issues of contention should be approached with diplomacy and tact. When faced with differing opinions in a social setting, the resolution is not always about things being done your way, but rather a move to finding a middle place where there is give and take from all the dissenting parties.

A symbiotic relationship is the healthiest between the two no matter how bitter the pill is to swallow.

SOS the home is a community, not a collection within the group.

A community only stands strong by the strength of its leadership. Leadership within the group is determined by different the election of representatives among the various groups represented. We have mother reps, house reps etc who by virtue of their elections are the official representatives in all matters that affect the groups that elected them.

There may exist within the community respected members who on occasion may voice concerns which is welcome, or not by some members of the community. It is also a common understanding that the views are shared by a majority of the community members and also supported by other respected individuals in the community. Short of this the expressed concerns remain personal and one cannot purport to represent the community as a whole.

You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

This is self explanatory; aggression, accusations, and abusive language are like a fireworks display, loud and distracting and leave only smoke in their wake. Let us employ more tact in our discourse. A little respect to someone’s office goes a long way. The same way we expect respect accorded to our mothers and our reps is the same way we should respect the representatives of SOS the organization.

Today’s challenge

What are your responsibilities and roles in SOS the home and SOS the organization?