Stepping Up
| Jurisdiction | Kansas,United States |
| Citation | Vol. 80 No. 3 Pg. 08 |
| Pages | 08 |
| Publication year | 2011 |
By Jim Oliver, Foulston Siefkin LLP, Kansas Bar Foundation president, joliver@foulston.com
The Kansas Bar Foundation recognizes contributors for their generosity each time they achieve certain milestones of giving. We acknowledge them at a banquet, we give them mementos, and publicly recognize their accomplishments.
Fellow: $1,000
Fellow Silver: $1,001-$5,000
Fellow Gold: $5,000 - $9,999
Fellow Diamond: $10,000 - $14,999
Pillar of the Foundation: $15,000 - $49,999
When our wise staff liaison, Meg Wickham, suggested I write a column encouraging next-level giving, my first reaction was: who cares? In the value system to which I claim to subscribe, generosity becomes hypocrisy if the motive is personal recognition or public approval. But after thinking about it, I believe we should care. Here's why:
Heroes and Values. Every organization has values that represent what it considers good and admirable. Its heroes are defined by its values (and vice versa). They are the people we respect and admire. Heroes are people who have done something that isn't easy that is an example for others — something that others aspire to do.
When you look at the names of Kansas lawyers who have contributed at the higher levels, you see people who are great examples. They have not only contributed generously, but also earned the money they gave by being brilliant, hard-working lawyers. These Fellows set the highest standard among their peers by taking an active role in meeting the critical need of our fellow citizens for legal assistance. To put it in common vernacular, heroes save other people's butts. They pick up where the rest of us fail. They make us all look better, and they make real-world help available for people who can't help themselves. It is fitting and necessary to honor, thank, and emulate such people.
Goals and Priorities. Our goals and priorities affect what we do with our careers and our income. And they affect how we think of ourselves and our profession. When I looked at the different levels of Fellow, I had to ask myself some questions. If I really share their beliefs and commitment, do I show it? What should I be doing if I really believe in justice for all? What image of my profession am I conveying? Can I accomplish something of significance in which I can legitimately take pride? Making it a goal to become Fellow Gold or Diamond, or one of the...
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