The Problem with/Plus of ADD or ADHDHVAC and Launching the Blog

I’ve never been tested for ADD (et al, – in fact I joke about the fact I can’t stay focused long enough to figure out what ADD, ADHD…I could sure use a snack, I wonder what’s on TV…what was I saying), but I sure feel blessed and cursed by what I understand the ailment to be. Coupled with constant, multi-tracked streams of thought rattling through my brain, it’s no wonder I oft converse out loud with myself. A short career in radio supported that "conversing with myself" thing.

The litany of ideas that come and go is sometimes frustrating because there are things that I leave undone or forgotten. Sometimes I am running (mentally, though I wish I could actually literally run to be in better shape) forward so fast, there are (some) good ideas left in the wake.

Like Billy Blazejowski in the movie "Night Shift" - "Wanna know why I carry this tape recorder? To tape things. See, I'm an idea man, Chuck. I got ideas coming at me all day... I couldn't even fight 'em off if I wanted. Wait a second... hold the phone! Hold the phone! ...(snip) What if you mix the mayonnaise in the can, WITH the tuna fish? Or... hold it! Chuck! I got it! Take LIVE tuna fish, and FEED 'em mayonnaise! Oh this is great. [speaks into tape recorder] Call Starkist!

I have always been this way. In all honesty, for the longest time, I didn't realize everyone wasn't mentally pinged like Billy and me all the time.

My hope for this blog is to capture some ideas, give a forum for some feedback, and provide an opportunity to revisit, enhance and activate a few when appropriate.

I am passionate about improving our non-profit community’s efficiency – administratively and in service distribution – and effectively reaching more people in need with a higher percentage of our budget.

For years, the for-profit sector has been trimming, redesigning and attempting to increase the productivity-level per dollar invested. At some point – I have believed since I entered the community non-profit world – that they (those people/businesses we are all asking for support) were going to turn to us and ask how we are improving efficiencies and tightening up our own operations. At some point, we are going to have to provide an accounting, in real numbers of their return on investment.

The current model of fragmented, independently operating non-profits is neither efficient nor effective in delivering services to our clients. We don’t communicate about who each of us is serving with what; we all keep separate databases of needs and information. We, each agency, spend the same amount of time collecting the same information from each person that seeks help.

The world is changing and we have the opportunity to lead the change instead of waiting to have it dictated to us. We have an obligation be good stewards of funds invested in our agencies by our community to serve our community.

I am excited about some of the partnerships that we are starting to develop in order to stream-line our efforts and improve services to our clients. Even more exciting are the ideas we will continue to develop as we talk and learn more about each other and how we can help each agency be the best it can be.

Please share your thoughts, tear apart mine, give your suggestions – get involved. We have a rapidly growing population in need and we need everyone’s time, talents and support to try to help them, which in turn will help our community.