From NY State - Step Up to the Plate

Today I received a letter that not only inspired me - it reminded me that each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. It's not organizations that change culture or societal norms (although some companies do great work) - it's individuals making decisions to be everyday champions.  

I thought I would share this letter with you - because it 's good for all of us to be reminded that there are all kinds of good people who are making a difference in our world.

Dear Rob,


I read about your presentation and wish to let you know that I truly share
 your passion for teaching workplace safety.  I have two teenage girls that 
worked on a farm. I know exactly how difficult it is for them to tell an
 employer they want to help but what they're being asked to do may cause 
injury. I also know from observing teens at work that they are sometimes
 placed in situations beyond their life experiences or personal comfort zone.

In fact, this past Sunday, I happened to be shopping at my local
Walmart in upstate NY.  While waiting for my turn at the check out, I was
 hit with a cold and steady gusty wind, recognizing at that moment that I 
had chosen a checkout line directly in front of the exit door
, which remained ajar. The young, female hispanic cashier
 was stationed at the cash register for the next eight hours.  She was
 shivering.

We started talking; she told me that she was given the cash
 register because the other girls complain when they are placed there and
 she was afraid to speak up because "I'm not the complaining type, I do as I'm told."

I asked her if she had a coat. She told me that she didn't 
think she was allowed to wear a coat. I talked with her about how to ask her managers either for a 
coat or to be placed at one of the four other registers that were currently 
closed and at a warmer location. The young cashier felt she couldn't
 talk to her manager.

I told her to watch me and I showed her how to solve 
the problem. I spoke to the managers and they immediately moved her.  As 
the managers walked away, and the cashier was closing out her register, she 
looked over at me and smiled. I winked back.  Lesson learned....

Sincerely,


Chris Duffy

So the next time you are out and about - remember that you can create change - just by stepping up to the plate and making a difference for someone.