From the Desk of Marty Schaffel: The One Percent Rule

I remember the first time I got involved with a non-profit organization. It was one that had been sorely neglected and poorly led. When I decided to get involved, I had many grand plans to make a difference—huge initiatives and changes.

 I recall one of my mentors telling me that a lot of significant changes cannot happen overnight. He said you should use the One Percent Rule.  I asked him what that was. He said, make it your mission to get up every day and attempt to move the needle just one percent! And do that every day. He said you would accomplish more and fail less if you do that. He told me it was like eating a steak. Cut it into small pieces and eat it one piece at a time. That way, you will not choke on it. I thought it was very wise advice.

 I have been bombarded this past year with letters and phone calls from members asking for changes to be made and things to be accomplished. And my responses have incorporated a similar response. That is, we can do these things with active volunteers. We do not have the staff to do everything we need and want to do.

 So now, I come to all ASHA members with a simple message. Could you help us be one percent better every day? Go and fill out the form to join a committee that fits your interests and needs. Nominate yourself or someone you respect for the board of directors. We have made a lot of progress this year. But there is still so much more we need to do. We need an active association that wants to make a difference. We need to be one percent better every day. With that mindset, we will make huge strides.

 We need your ideas. We need your passion. We need our collective effort to make us one percent better every day. So please volunteer to make a difference.

2021 ASHA Committee Application Form

2021 ASHA Board of Directors Nomination Form

Marty Schaffel, ASHA President