Part of the continuing series: The Organization We Are Building.
Series: The Organization We Are Building
Every now and then, I find myself thinking about service to Fako America and asking a simple question: Is it really worth it?
After all, serving FA is not a paid job. It can consume your time, your energy, your weekends, and sometimes even your money.
Those who serve know that the work does not end when a meeting adjourns; it follows them into their homes, weekends, and personal lives.
And, the most common reward is often criticism. Decisions are questioned, motives are scrutinized, and efforts can go unnoticed. Appreciation is sometimes scarce, while expectations remain high. This reality causes many capable individuals to step back from service or avoid it altogether.
Long service therefore deserves respect. It represents endurance, resilience, and dedication. It reflects a willingness to place community interests above personal convenience. Rather than asking why someone has served for many years, perhaps the more important question is: Who would have done the work if they had not?
As members of Fako America, we should cultivate a culture that recognizes sacrifice, encourages participation, and expresses gratitude to those who give of themselves for the common good. We should honor service not because it is easy, but because it is difficult. We should value those who step forward, especially when others step aside.
