This past year was a tough one. I think that for many families, there were fewer, if any, presents exchanged during the holidays. However, I noticed that people focused instead on exchanging the true gifts of the season: their time, good will, and sincere desire to help one another.
When considering different topics for this column, I asked myself, what makes the DAYL different from other professional organizations? Why should someone take the time to join and participate in this organization, versus others? And the theme that stood out in my mind was that the members of the DAYL make a difference. The members of the DAYL give their time and good will, and help each other and those in the community.
This theme of making a difference was only further solidified to me last month when the DAYL Historical Committee presented an updated history of the DAYL from 1977 to the present. I had the privilege of participating in writing the Historical Affidavit, and by far, my favorite part of the process was reviewing the past newsletters. Yes, I very much enjoyed the photos of hair styles from the past (and recognize that 20 years from now future young lawyers will also question our hair and wardrobe choices). But what truly stood out as a constant over the many years of the DAYL, was the significant amount of time given by young lawyers to not only further their own development, but to also create programs and projects for children, teens, and non-profit organizations in the Dallas Community. I was further impressed by the names I recognized of individuals who, as young lawyers, served on various committees and led different projects. They have gone on to serve our community today as judges, political leaders, bar leaders, and business leaders.
As a member of the DAYL, you have so many opportunities to make a difference. I know that I am a better lawyer for having participated in this organization, and I challenge you to make your membership matter. There are 35 different committees and over 150 projects that the DAYL implements each year. You can find a description of each committee at the DAYL website, http://www.dayl.com. If you are interested in participating on a committee, just let Cherie Harris or me know, and we will connect you to the committee chairs. I also challenge you to participate in at least one community service project this year. Even if your own time is limited (and whose isn’t) there are a variety of activities that are low in time commitment but high in the impact it has on others in need. For example, one day over lunch you could serve a meal to the homeless with the Aid to the Homeless Committee, or one evening you could answer legal questions over the phone with the Ask a Lawyer Committee. You could be the point person for gathering teddy bears at your office during the Barristers for Babies annual Teddy Bear Drive, or you could spend a few hours organizing a recycling drive with the Environmental Awareness Committee. You could greet new members at a DAYL Social and help them get connected, or you could mentor a teenager in a local Dallas high school just by sending e-mails through the E-Mentoring Committee. And the list goes on... there are so many ways to get involved!
Winston Churchill once said that “we make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” I cannot wait to see how you make a difference this year through your involvement with the DAYL. Let’s get started making a difference together.
