Seattle news stories flashed the tragic 13-car accident this summer that took the life of a rising leader. In fact, the nation responded to her simple call for action to bring clean water to an African town.
Interestingly enough, nine-year old Rachel Beckwith had only one wish for her 9th birthday. All she wanted was donations rather than gifts to make up the shortfall for her goal to raise a $300 donation. In a “give-me” generation, how amazing that she chose to give rather than receive!
According to the Seattle Times, she shared in a call for action: “I found that millions of people don’t live to see their 5th birthday,” she added: “And why? Because they didn’t have access to clean, safe water so I’m celebrating my birthday like never before. I’m asking everyone I know to donate to my campaign instead of gifts for my birthday. Every penny of money raised will go directly to fund freshwater projects in developing nations.”
After her untimely passing, thousands responded to her example and helped push her shortfall of $80 to a contribution of more than $1 million. How fascinating it is that her call, servant leadership, and passing before her time compelled others to support a worthy cause.
With that said, we should all let Rachel’s example and unsolicited leadership inspire us to think selflessly and to be servant leaders.
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
