Radical Generosity

By Julie Deering, PIF Chair

When you think about “radical generosity,” do you think of yourself?

Or do you wish you had the revenue streams to be radically generous, allowing you to give thousands of dollars to charities and organizations that address the issues and activities you believe in?

You don’t have to be rich to be generous. It’s been said: “Gratitude means that whatever you have is just enough.” I encourage you to pause and take a moment to reflect on those nine words.

As someone who continually strives to raise the bar and pushes boundaries, it’s difficult for me to sit and be content in the moment. Not to think of what’s next.

If …

When …

Then …

However, I’m challenging myself to do just that. Be still. And be thankful.

Fresh out of college and still working in the university ag newsroom, I attended my very first Ag Media Summit in Louisville, KY. Not only did I learn from the sessions, the network of those who I’d read from in that pile of farm papers and magazines that sat under the little old box tv in the kitchen when I was growing up was immense. “These are my people!” I thought.

Twenty years later, when I think of this community — the people behind the Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN) my heart overflows with gratitude. I think of the warm welcome and smiles from people I didn’t know at the time who are now dear friends, peers and colleagues I not only respect but also cherish. Be it in one-on-one phone calls, in the hallways of conferences or workshops, or in sessions, they’ve shared tips and tricks, listened, and offered guidance when asked … and sometimes not when asked but needed. They knew.

I only hope that today’s young professionals and those new and seasoned to agricultural communications are welcomed to ACN with open arms and smiles abound. That, be it through webinars, workshops, the Facebook groups, or Ag Media Summit that they find their “tribe” and grow both professionally and personally.

That’s why I give, both in time and monetarily. What will you give during this season of Thanksgiving? Whether it’s $5 or $500, you can be radically generous. Your contribution helps and supports the professional development of ACN members.

ABOUT PIF

Each year, PIF provides grant money for scholarships, IFAJ and AMS stipends, learning sessions, the awards program and more. It’s experiences and participation in these programs where agricultural communicators can refine their craft, practice excellence and make strides. Giving to PIF is an investment in the future of the organization and your professional development.

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Directed by the Trustees, PIF is a non-profit organization that provides funding, direction, and input for a wide variety of programs and activities that benefit members of Agricultural Communicators Network and helps advance our profession.

For more information about PIF, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 765-430-0222 or [email protected]. –Deering is senior communications manager at the U.S. Soybean Export Council