pitw #61

to solve a problem or get a major task done, "release energy."

organizational expert peter drucker reminds us that just like in nature "energy" within an organization cannot be "created" -- it can only be "released." there are almost always enormous resources of untapped energy available at city year, and the best way to solve a problem or get a major project accomplished is to "release" energy around that problem or project. sometimes that means just letting people know about the problem or project -- and letting those with the energy come forward. other times it means creating a special team. for example, in the first year of city year rhode island the organization simply did not have all of the staff resources it needed to conduct the serve-a-thon or graduation. instead the call went out to the corps, and the energy released was extraordinary - corps members were pivotal to making both events outstanding. because city year seeks to be a "catalyst" or spark for broad civic engagement and idealistic action, city year corps and staff must become experts at techniques for releasing idealistic energies.


and that was putting idealism to work #61. (bing! - the sound a lightbulb makes when it goes off in your head.)