You should never be just a number…

...not at DMV/BMV, not at the doctor's office, and certainly not at your place of employment. You are valuable. You deserve to be seen for the person of value you are. Period. No exceptions. Same holds true for others. Everyone. No exceptions. No exceptions for the person experiencing homelessness or addiction. No exceptions for the quiet child in the back of the classroom. No exceptions for the waitress or the clerk at the quickie-mart. No exceptions for the immigrant. Everyone is a person uniquely created and valuable because they are. Everyone.

I am a person who values systems and efficiency. The challenge of being built with a get-'er-done mentality is not diminishing the people side on the way to task completion. I have a responsibility to never fail to recognize that the purpose of our tasks is ultimately about serving people. We don't just serve the 'homeless;' we are serving individuals with unique stories who are experiencing homelessness. We aren't just coaching a nonprofit that distributes food to 3,000 units per month. We are coming alongside a community-based organization to improve efficiencies and strengthen an organization that provides food to individuals and families and neighbors.

At CDP we envision communities where everyone can thrive. As we seek to serve, educate, support, develop and connect keeping the value of people front and center is critical. It's not just a good idea, it's a core value.

So let's hold each other to a higher standard of not ever seeing each other as just a number. Let's improve efficiencies and build stronger businesses without losing sight of the people who will benefit from our work. Let's look for ways today to value people who cross our path as the unique individual creations they are. I promise to strive to never see you as just a number or another linked-in connection. I will value you and ask you to do the same.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP