President’s Message – September

Passion. It’s something that is vital to work in the nonprofit sector but sometimes very hard to make tangible. For me, it’s tattoos. Yep, that’s right – tattoos.

Back in the mid 90′s, I had it figured out that I’d work in the nonprofit sector till I pass this earth. I’m honoured to work in such an amazing sector and it’s what I love.

But around 1995, with my love and commitment solidified for the nonprofit sector, I wanted some tangible way to show that and I thought of a tattoo. Then I needed to know where it would go. Over my heart. Then… with that figured what would the tattoo be to show passion and commitment to make the world a better place.

I thought of Michael Lerner and his publication, Tikkun. It’s a Hebrew word that when used in a spiritual sense e.g. Tikkun Olam, can mean to repair the world – to heal it, to make it better. That’s the kind of thing that fuels my work in the nonprofit sector.

Now on to a little contest and some fun. It’s been over 15 years since my last nonprofit inspired passion tattoo and it’s time for the next one. It’s going on my left shoulder but what should it be. I’m urging people I know to send me an email at mjohnston@hjcnewmedia.com and give me an idea. The best one gets tattooed on my shoulder. A symbol, a word, an icon, anything that I can look at on my shoulder and be reminded about the sector I love and the passion I feel for it – and what inspires me every day!

So come on! Give me a great tattoo idea, send it to me and i’ll get it on my shoulder. I’d love to show it off at the International Fundraising Congress outside of Amsterdam the third week of October. There’s no time to lose. Inspire me!