Our next guest blogger, Dan Bush, was the development officer for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. He now works for the Jericho Project. He is great for brainstorming the non-profit world, preferably over a cup of coffee. As we approach the 911 anniversary, his words are especially dear to me as I was on a Habitat for Humanity jobsite in Lowell on 9/12. When all the world seemed to be collapsing, and it was. I saw the smoke the day before. We, the clergy of Lowell, were building. It remains one of my most powerful experiences ever.

In astronomy, there is an optical phenomenon that is called the ‘green flash’ which occurs only occasionally. When the conditions are just right at sunrise or sunset, a green dot appears on the horizon above the sun. It only lasts for a moment, and you have to be ready for it. Some people have been fortunate and have seen this phenomenon many times thanks to their professions as pilots.

I look upon community organizing in the same way which is why I enjoy working in the community with Jericho Road.

There are times working on a project, an event, or interacting with community or a family that you have been serving in the both the beginning and the end where this same flash occurs, and it is a tremendously fulfilling moment. It only comes when circumstances are just right, and you have to be not only lucky, but open to experiencing it.

As a professional fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity for many years, and a community builder for even more, there are a few moments where this is likely to happen, sometimes because like the pilot, you are placing yourself in a reasonably predictable line that will increase your odds.

Working with a committee that is trying to address a need in their community, there is always such a flash. As the professional advising, the odds are great that you will be present when the committee or the sponsors ‘see’ the future flash of success. It’s always a rewarding moment.

In the context of my work with Habitat, and helping families see their own green flash, my favorite moments have always been after the dedications, and after the crowd has dispersed.   A few weeks after the ceremonies, the sponsor signs and the Habitat banners come down, and in a brief moment the families inside the homes are no longer labeled this or that, they are just people. Success!

This is an electrifying connection to share with the family and the community both.

The flash is only a moment. Circumstances have to be just right, and you have to be ready!

Look for it! Put yourself in the way of success to find your own green flash!

Shalom
Dan Bush
National Executive Director
Jericho Road Project