Responsibilities:
The District President typically asks the Inspiration Chairman to start our meetings with an “inspiration”- something that will make our members take notice or think about why they are attending the meeting. Inspiration can sometimes set the mood for the meeting. Inspiring our members is just as important as informing our members.
Check with the District President to see how long you should speak at each meeting. Recommend no longer than 2 minutes—typical of all reports at Executive Board and Board of Director’s Meeting.
A few suggestions of inspiration….
BELIEVE IN OURSELVES
- To be successful, the first thing to do is to fall in love with your work. Sister Mary Lauretta
- If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you’re right. Mary Kay Ash
- No matter what happens, keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again and you will grow stronger until you find that you have accomplished a purpose—not the one you began with perhaps, but one you will be glad to remember. Ann Sullivan
- Because of their age-long training in human relations—for that is what feminine intuition really is—women have a special contribution to make to any group. Margaret Mead
- I keep my ideals because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. Anne Frank
- It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. Agnes Repplier
- Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily , this is not difficult. Charlotte Whitton
- …there are two ways to meet life; you may refurse to care until indifference becomes a habit, a defensive armor, and you are safe…and bored. Or you can care greatly—till life breakes you on its wheel. Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels. Faith Whittlesey.
- My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been. Diane Arbus
- In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own. Alice Walker
- Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much the heart can hold. Zelda Fitzgerald
- Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them. Ann Landers
CHALLENGE
- Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
- This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in. Theodore Roosevelt.
ACTION
- The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. Walter Bagehot
- Conditions are never just right. William Feather
- If you want to innovate, to change an enterprise or a society, it takes people willing to do what’s not expected. Jean Riboud
- The outrage of hunger amidst plenty will never be solved by “experts” somewhere. If will only be solved when people like you and me decide to act. Frances Moore Lappe
- The prime function of a leader is to keep hope alive. John W. Gardner
FRIENDSHIP
One World, One Heart- by Susan Polis Schutz
We must talk until there are no more words; We must explain until everything is understood; We must be honest until nothing is hidden; We must listen until everything has been said; We must question so that we know why; We must be fair so that everyone’s basic needs are met; If there is no communication, there will be no bond; If there is no bond, there will be no friendship
Celebrate All that Binds us Together, by Susan Polis Schutz
Celebrate the budding flowers, the clear blue sky, the deep green forests, the perfect full moon, the twinkling stars; Celebrate the miracle of a baby, the optimism of children, the laughter of adolescents, the responsibility of adults, the wisdom of our elders; Celebrate the love in our hearts, the spirit in our souls, the health of our bodies.; Celebrate all that binds us together as one.
A Friend, by Susan Polis Schutz
A friend is someone who is concerned with everything you do; A friend is someone to call upon during good and bad times; A friend is someone who tells you the truth about yourself; A friend is someone who knows what you are going through at all times; A friend is someone who does not compete with you; A friend is someone who is genuinely happy for you when things go well; A friend is someone who tries to cheer you up when things don’t go well; A friend is an extension of yourself without which you are not complete
True Friendship Has Many Ingredients, by Sonya Williams
True friendship isn’t seen with the eyes; It’s felt with the heart when there is trust, understanding , secrets, loyalty and sharing; Friendship is a feeling, rarely found in life; But when it is found, it has a profound impact on ones well being, strength and character; A true friendship does not need elaborate gifts or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued; To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction, a friendship only needs certain key ingredients; undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust, deep and soulful secrets and endless sharing; These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor can make a friendship last a lifetime.
Friendship, by Mia Evans
Friendship begins with meeting someone during the path of life. Someone you get to know and gradually get to know even better.; You discover what a job it is to spend your moments with this person.; It’s nice the way the good feelings remain. ; The happiness last and the memories you make start to turn into some of your favorite treasures.; Friendship is two paths converging on the way to the same beautiful place.; Friendship is walking the way together; Friendship is opening up to one another. Sharing thoughts and feelings in a way that never felt never comfortable before.; It is a complete trust, sweetened with a lot more understanding and communication than many people will ever know.; Friendship is two hearts that share and which are able to say things no outsiders ever could. Friendship is an inner door that only a friend has the key to.; Friendship is a gift, continually giving happiness. It is strong and supportive, and few things in all the world will ever compare with the joy that comes from its wonderful bond.; I want you to know that our friendship is one thing I’ll cherish all my life and it’s something that you can always count on.
Friends, by Andrea L. Hinds
Friends are very special people who accept each other with unconditional caring. They recognize each other’s talents and faults and acknowledge them without judgment.; They are incapable of turning away when times are tough and life’s problems seem hard to bear.; Instead they encourage each other so they can enjoy the good times and find strength to endure the bad times.; They’re never afraid to say what they feel and can be honest without causing hurt or pain.; They can depend on each other because they have the kind of trust that allows them to share the best and worst of their lives with laughter and without fear.; You are one of these people, and I’m glad you are my friend.
TABLE BLESSINGS
- As we join together to give thanks and partake of this food, may be realize that this sustenance is not the real requirement for our well being. Our zest, motivation and energy are derived from each other. We are grateful for this association and its material and spiritual benefits to us.
- We know that the joy in our hearts is reflected in our eyes. May we keep that bright sparkle as we join in dining together at this happy occasion. May love reign throughout our meal and be with us eternally. We give thanks for our many blessings.
- As we are about to dine, let us realize that we do not live in a vacuum; that we all have something to give to others. May we, in this social moment, give a bit of ourselves, so that all may benefit from this meeting. We give thanks for this food and its blessing.
- Please bless this food which we are about to eat. The joy we share at these occasions nourishes our hearts, minds and bodies. We give thanks for this opportunity.