The Community Table. Susan Cole Urano

       The event entryway was donated by Greenleaf Gardens Center. Photo courtesy of Ben Siegel

      Here’s a glimpse of effective teamwork. During interviews about their experiences serving as a committee member of a recent fundraiser, everyone mentioned the ease with which the committee functioned. One volunteer said, “This is a good event, good cause. The chair is great at navigating. Everyone is here for the right reason. The event is highly organized. Everyone knows what their job is.” Another member said, “The committee is really supportive. They agreed to the goals and are receptive to new ideas. They talk ideas through, are thoughtful. They integrate new ideas, are cooperative yet autonomous.” How do you generate that level of cooperation?

      A sense of community grows from the respect, trust, and friendships that develop within the group. The committee checks their egos at the door as they enter into the work of raising money to support their cause. There is no place at the table for self-aggrandizement and no spare energy to assuage the ego or promote the righteousness of a volunteer or guest. We’ve all worked on projects that derail because of the needs of one person, so pick your team carefully!

      This takes time. A good event starts about one year out. This head start allows for time to assemble the perfect team, test ideas, and secure a date and venue. Every member has a chance to get to know the team, to explore their ideas with others, and to really listen. Questions and ideas are raised and worked through as a group. The time it takes to build cohesion and trust is not wasted time. Once in place, the group will navigate choppier waters with ease. And don’t forget to throw in a little humor and make it fun!