Making a Difference

Tom Peeler, Executive Director
Mohave Educational Services Cooperative, Inc.

Making a difference. Each of us knows or has heard of someone making a difference. The parents who taught us many of life’s lessons. A teacher reaching the student everyone else gave up on. A man sharing his riches with his community. A sick child starting a charitable organization to comfort other sick children. A woman starting an alcohol awareness organization in the hope that no other mother would lose her daughter to a drunk driver. All of these people made a difference in the lives of others.

I recently had the opportunity to work with a group of school purchasing professionals who are making a difference regarding a new law requiring fingerprint checks for certain people contracted to provide services on school property. The goal is noble. Protect our children from dangerous people. However, many believe the legislation will result in an unanticipated need for additional school and contractor resources, plus a high cost for implementation and management.

After reviewing the law, the group of purchasing professionals decided to make a difference. First, they drafted contract requirements to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Next, they held meetings to share the information with school purchasers throughout Arizona. Finally, they decided to address trouble spots in the legislation by changing the law.

Changing laws is not business as usual for this group. They are public purchasers, not lawmakers. For many, this was the first foray into the legislative process. Undaunted, they met with the legislation’s sponsor, voiced their concerns, offered to help revise the law while maintaining its goal, and drafted an amendment to the legislation.

This story is not complete. The proposed amendment must still be sponsored and presented to the legislature. Achieving that goal, it must then be passed into law and signed by the governor. None of this is a given.

Regardless of the outcome, this group made a difference. They ventured outside their comfort zones to seek a needed solution. They did so unselfishly, professionally, and without any guarantee of success. Most importantly, they something they believe will benefit school districts, vendors and commerce in this state while continuing to protect our school children.

I tell this story for two reasons. First, I am extremely proud of this group and their effort. Second, to point out the need for making a difference. We all can and should do so. It doesn’t have to be a difficult undertaking. Comfort someone. Explain something. Listen to someone. Volunteer somewhere. Support a cause. Develop a new process. Do something to make some part of life, no matter how small, better than it was before. In my experience, making a difference not only benefits other, it also does wonders for you.

Thank you for reading this article and considering its request. As always, thank you for supporting Mohave Educational Services Cooperative, Inc.

JTP