I was talking to an acquaintance this weekend who asked about the Historical Society. I told her about this really exciting project I (We) have been working on for over two years. It involves the creation of Little Compton's first narrative history, the volunteer participation of a Newberry Honor Award author, an exhibition involving new art by over 35 local artists and an investment of about $100,000.
She called it cute.
Please don't call my big projects cute.
Some of the things I do are cute. Doll making with little girls. Random Image Bingo with elementary school students. Wearing a costume to a fundraising event. Those things are cute. I know they are and it's OK for you to say it. I'll say it too.
But for my big projects - or the big projects of any other not-for-profit employee - please don't say cute - even if you think it - try really hard to think of another word.
"Interesting." "Wonderful." "Rewarding." "Charitable." Even "fun."
Those are good words. Those are the words that I hope come to mind when the staff and volunteers of small organizations tell you about the work they do to share art and culture with the public, feed the poor, beautify a neighborhood, find a home for animals or educate a child.
I say Bravo! Oh and how about, thank you!
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