WELCOME TO “THE LOST ART OF GIVING BACK” (The Re-birth)

Below is the Introduction to my 2006 quick-read guide to volunteerism. I have spoken on this topic many times. Given the state of affairs in the nation and the world, I believe the messages here are needed now more than ever – indeed, they are timeless. 

I am in the process of updating “Lost Art,” but I thought a look at the original introduction would offer insight into why I did the book in the first place, and why I know its messages resonate still. Please read, share, and reflect. Again, I love speaking on this topic, so contact me if you have a group/program/business that could benefit from hearing this message. (

Full Table of Contents follows the intro below.

Introduction

The most difficult thing about writing a book on “giving back” is trying to say something new or relevant about the topic. Honestly, who can argue that volunteering to help others or taking time to make a difference in someone’s life isn’t a great thing to do? After all, don’t we name many of our schools (Abraham Lincoln High), streets (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), and even children (pick any name that comes to mind) after some of the “superheroes” of public service? And isn’t it a fact that nearly every major religion teaches or preaches the boundless virtue that comes from service to others?

So why is it still so hard for some of us to move beyond this general understanding to concrete action? Why do so many of us still yield to the artificial barriers we ourselves place in our way? In short, why are we not doing more? While the answers to these questions have many layers, the core reason can be found in our overall perspective on this vital issue. A major task for community service advocates is to redefine the general perception of social activism; we must create an aura of strength, purpose, and self-fulfillment. Through Lost Art, I will help you view public service through new lenses, bringing into focus such concepts as self-empowerment and nobility.

Throughout my life, I have always tried to make time to contribute to my community, wherever that may have been at the time. Undoubtedly, this desire came about, in part, by observing my father, Willie Cathcart (a.k.a. Brother Wali), over the years. Back in the day, he always seemed to be involved in something when I was growing up in the magnificent city of Plainfield, New Jersey. Whether helping coach my little league baseball team (though I believe he really tried to coach the coach), volunteering for various school projects, or working with local leaders on several issues, he was always busy doing one thing or another.

Those lessons, while unspoken, had a tremendous impact on me, one that would last my entire life; but more on my dad later. While the seeds of service were planted in my formative years, they blossomed while I was a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in the mid-1980s. It seemed only natural that we – HU students – should be integral parts of the surrounding community. Indeed, Howard has produced some of the greats of public service, including Thurgood Marshall, Patricia Harris, Andrew Young, and Kwame Toure (a.k.a. Stokely Carmichael), among many others. Also, I had the honor and privilege to serve a year as president of Howard University’s student government (1984-85). Our young administration had one guiding mantra, one refrain that we tried to instill into our fellow students at every turn and with every speech and program. It was simple: “Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are, to make a difference.” To us, this wasn’t a foolish plea to ignore one’s studies or abandon career goals, but rather a friendly suggestion that professional excellence and community service can and should work hand in hand. I took this edict into my public relations career, regardless of where I was employed over the years. And it is a cornerstone of my consulting business, OneDiaspora Group, and all of my community work to this day.

In this book, I use examples of my own life—from the countless school speaking engagements, to the community work I incorporated into my various “gigs,” to my more than 20 years as a mentor for Big Brothers, and more—to help illustrate the many ways in which you can get involved. We will also look at some special folk who have made giving back a regular part of their lives. One of these individuals is longtime friend and business associate Steve McKeever, who, while a very successful entrepreneur, has always made time to help and encourage others, especially young folk. As CEO and founder of Hidden Beach Recordings (once home to the multitalented Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott), as well as husband and father, the music industry veteran could give plenty of ready-made excuses for not taking the time to give back. Instead, he makes time for community service, having told me once, “It’s not about the money or the title, and it’s about how, through your life, you can help others realize their dreams.” 

Steve’s example and that of the other individuals profiled, including my longtime mentor and noted author/businesswoman, Terrie Williams, and the incredible Elaine Saunders, serve to present real-life stories of giving back, offering inspiration for us all. However, the primary mission of this book is about helping you empower yourself to find the time, energy, and commitment for giving back regularly, however you may define it. Also, you may notice I use a variety of terms to describe “giving back” (i.e., community service, volunteerism, mentoring, etc.); I do this to further illustrate the myriad of ways to embrace the concept.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” application. We each must find our own point of entry and take a seat that best fits our situation. However, the common element is that we all can and must find our place at the table of service. The growing needs of our community and our world demand it. The Lost Art of Giving Back was written with these ideas in mind.

The full Table of Contents.