As Americans, we have a rich heritage of pausing to give thanks at this time of every year. This tradition dates all the way back to the Pilgrims’ celebration of their first harvest in the new world at Plymouth Rock in 1621. Many US Presidents, including our first President, George Washington, issued Thanksgiving Proclamations on behalf of the nation.

We want to take this opportunity to express our thanks for you and to you, our clients and subscribers and for the opportunity to serve you. We also want to offer this Thanksgiving Proclamation for Nonprofit Leaders to encourage you to thank those that make your mission possible and give life to your vision.

A Thanksgiving Proclamation for Nonprofit Leaders

We are grateful to serve as a nonprofit organization functioning as an extension of the heart of America in our local community. While many of us serve those living on the margins of our society, we do so on behalf of others who support our work with their compassion, bounty and generosity from the mainstream of society. We are grateful for the philanthropic spirit that expresses itself in every community of our nation.

We pause today to express our gratitude to Almighty God for the work He has called us to do on His behalf among the distressed, disillusioned, disenfranchised and downtrodden of our land. We recognize that we are all fellow pilgrims and need the help, hope and hands of others to help us through difficult passages in our journeys. Indeed, we are humbled by the opportunity and privilege of serving others and do not take this service for granted. We seek to see the face of Christ in the poor we serve whether they are poor in spirit, hope, or basic necessities of life.

We are grateful to every company, donor, foundation and agency that has freely given of their treasure to underwrite our mission. We are grateful to every volunteer who invests his or her time, energy and sweat equity to help us do the work we are graced to do. We are grateful for the talents of every staff member, volunteer and board member who lighten our load with their labor. We are grateful for the trust placed in us by our clients and partners.

In spite of the current challenges facing our nation, we are filled with hope and confidence that we will overcome these challenges and our nation will regain its greatness. For these rich and bountiful blessings we pause and express our gratitude.

Attributed to Kevin Monroe, member of the National Speakers Association and a Partner at X Factor Consulting where he dedicates his time and talents to helping nonprofit organizations achieve their mission by providing consulting, coaching, workshops, training, and keynote speaking.

The staff of X Factor Consulting is grateful for the privilege of serving extraordinary leaders and organizations. We hope you have joyous celebrations with family and friends this Thanksgiving. Due to the Holiday schedule, Great Grassroots Governance will not be published in December, but will resume publication on January 27, 2009.

Happy Holidays!