Ignite, Inspire, Commit
- Doris Dunn
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
I often write about the American Red Cross because its mission --to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors -- has inspired my passion to serve and to grow into a better person.
Ignite – The Spark
My own spark began when I was just fourteen. I started as a candy striper in a local hospital and later that year, I lost my mom to breast cancer. During her last month, I saw how much blood she needed, and I realized just how essential those donations were. That need ignited something in me. What began as a teenage volunteer role became a
lifelong devotion to the Red Cross.
Each of us has moments like that — times when our eyes are opened to a need bigger than ourselves. Those sparks are where giving begins.
Inspire – Stories that Move Us
As my own commitment deepened, I joined the Red Cross Board, served as Board Chair, and became part of the Tiffany Circle — a global movement of women philanthropists.
The Circle itself began with a simple insight: women often give differently, and together, their giving could transform communities.
Recently, I attended my first Tiffany Circle Summit in Washington, D.C., where more than 250 women gathered to learn, celebrate, and recommit to the mission. What inspired me most wasn’t just the formal sessions, but the stories:
Tayla Lynn, granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, who mobilized help after the Waverly floods in 2021 — proof that one person’s spark of compassion can ripple across an entire community.
The co-founders of Veronica Beard, who built a fashion brand while making philanthropy part of their DNA — reminding us that success and generosity can go hand in hand.
Breakout sessions that showed the less glamorous side of service: how shelters operate, how misinformation spreads, and what it takes to keep trust alive. Inspiration doesn’t always come wrapped in a pretty package; sometimes it comes in the practical, behind-the-scenes work that holds people up when life falls apart.
I left the Summit reminded that generosity is contagious — when we share it, it multiplies.
Commit – A Call to Action
In the nonprofit world, you often hear about giving your time, talent, and treasure. True impact happens when we commit all three.
Sometimes it’s writing a check, sometimes it’s rolling up your sleeves (literally and figuratively), and sometimes it’s simply showing up when it would be easier to walk away.
As Maya Angelou said, “When I decided to do something with my whole heart, I usually don’t regret my decision.” Commitment with your whole heart is what makes the difference.
I’ll leave you with three questions:
What first ignited your passion to give?
Who inspires you to keep going when it’s hard?
Where are you willing to commit — your time, your talent, or your treasure — to make the world better?
The world doesn’t need our perfection. It needs our passion. What will you ignite, who will you inspire, and how will you commit to giving beyond yourself?
If you’d like to learn more about the Tiffany Circle or the Red Cross, please send me a DM. I’d love to share more if you’re curious.
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If you're interested in learning more about my coaching and training services or how I can help you turn your visions into business realities, email me at doris@dunnwise.com, reach out via DM or visit my website at www.dunnwise.com. And be sure to listen to the Leaderish Podcast for great insights on Leadership.
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