Column: Live United, by Dawn Schroeder

If I had to choose my favorite season, it would be summer, but fall is a close second. I love the changing of the colors; however, winter comes right after fall, and I don’t love winter.

Love.

A strong emotional word that is used quite often in our language. Being newly married, my interpretation of love is happiness, romance, affection, kindness and lifelong.

Love is also compassionate. Compassionate love is the kind of love that comes from empathy, care, trust and, above all, respect from others. Compassionate love binds people together. It’s not easy for people to step out of their comfort zone or away from their own needs to help others or to show true concern for their needs, but that is what our community is built on.

I was asked, “What inspires you?”

My answer is: love. With love, all good things are possible.

Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Love is the strongest force the world possesses, and yet it is the humblest imaginable.” Love is what inspires people in our community to help others and make personal sacrifices. Love is what drives our neighbors, co-workers and individuals to volunteer. Love inspires me to try harder, be better and give more.

I have volunteered in various settings in our community, and I’m always inspired by the people. Knowing that just a few hours of my time or a minimal amount of money can change the lives of others instantly is so gratifying.

Currently, I work with the Operation Round Up organization, established through Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services.

Since its inception in 2003, Operation Round Up has granted over $200,000 to local individuals, families and charitable foundations in need in our community. Participating FMCS members have the option to round up their electric bills to the next nearest whole dollar and those monies are deposited into a separate ORU fund.

Nonprofit organizations in our community as well as individuals who reside in the FMCS service territory may apply for funds. What a great way to give back to our community, working together to enrich others’ lives.

United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, financial stability and healthy lives. United Way’s mission is: Uniting people and resources to improve lives.

Our mission at FMCS is to provide efficient, reliable energy and other value-added service for our member-owners and their communities. The heart of United Way and various local businesses in our community is to give back to the community. The heart is a shape that symbolizes love; I encourage you to find it in your heart to give a little more this year. Share, help where you can, be involved and give back.

Whether it’s in your home, at your workplace or in the community, compassionate love is all around, and I am proud to be a part of this community.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live united in 2011.

Dawn Schroeder works at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services.