"We dedicate this day to all the heroes and heroines in this country and the rest of the world who sacrificed in many ways and surrendered their lives so that we could be free.   Their dreams have become reality. Freedom is their reward."  
  -- Nelson Mandela, May 10, 1994, at his Inaugeration 

 

Nelson Mandela was released from a life sentence in prison on February 11, 1990.  Exactly four years and three months later, he was inaugerated as president of South Africa.  Millions of people around the world rejoiced and took pride in small and large acts that helped to topple apartheid.
 

Mark your calendar for August 10th , 2013 - that is four years and three months from today.  Imagine that you are addressing the world on that day, thanking all of those whose commitment made the human experiment freer, more peaceful, more just, more environmentally viable, more creative.  Imagine the rejoicing and pride in the hearts of your supporters that they had a role in that change.
 
You are not simply an executive director, fund raiser, or board member for a non- profit organization.  You are a guardian of that dormant pride in the hearts of your supporters, which will burst into blossum when you achieve that great victory. It could be sooner than August 10th, 2013, or later.  But when it happens, pick up the phone and thank those supporters.  And, between now and then, let them know how it's going.  Four years and three months is not long to wait for freedom to triumph, but it is a long time to wait for some good news.