One of the great aspects of working in philanthropy is the self-selecting nature of the people you get to work with on a daily basis.  One of those qualities I see whether board member, staff, or stakeholder in the community, is the desire to serve the community, even in their spare time.

Just recently, two great examples come to mind (and I have many more I need to share!).  

*  Sam Selinger, a member of our board and co-chair of the EHF Grants Committee, last month was honored by the Federation of State Medical Boards with the "John H. Clark, M.D. Leadership Award".  Even in so-called retirement, Sam has been tireless in contributing his time and thinking to better lives.  In accepting his award, I especially like this statement in regards to his work on the medical board:  "When you want to foster responsible behavior in people, you cannot just legislate more rules and regulations; you have to enlist and inspire people in a set of values. People need to be governed both from the inside, inspired by shared values and from the outside, through compliance with rules."

[Note:  Sam would probably not approve of my sharing this, but folks beware, I am going to get in the habit of sharing stories of dedication.]

*  Sarah Bain:  a member of our program team was recently featured in the Spokesman Review on Sunday for her volunteer work providing support and advocacy for parents experiencing the loss of an infant.  It is this work and her own very personal experience that I believe helps her connect and engage with our under-served communities in the region.