I popped into Duane Reade this morning to grab a couple things for my day and as I walked in, the laughter from the two ladies behind the counter got me laughing. I chuckled into the store, went about my business, and then when I got to the register, I said my normal hello and told them how much they added to my day. This is not uncommon, people interacting and connecting over laughter, but I bring this up for a reason.
Right now, at all Duane Reade drugstores, they are assisting to raise money for the New York Aids Walk. As I was checking out, the cashier asked me if I would like to donate and I responded I won’t be able to today, but will be walking to support the cause. Her response was “Oh that is fantastic. One day I’ll get out there and walk.”
Our conversation then turned into the greatness that she is doing every time she asks a customer if they would like to donate. Yes, this is an extremely tedious and the rejection rate is higher than anything else, but it still is most effective in asking as many people to donate as possible. The people donating then know that it is going to be donated because the integrity of the company is involved. “I’m just going to go for a walk. You’re doing the hard part.” and she laughed.
The end of that conversation is the true reason for this post though. She said that her asking everyone was a good reminder of what the current status of this cause is to all of us, especially the younger generation. They seem to either be unaware, haven’t taken it serious, or just don’t believe that this cause is something they have no responsibility in. Not even just with AIDS awareness and prevention, but any cause. How do we make sure that there is a separate measure taken when dealing with our younger adults and their responsibility into the future? If we are working on moving forward, positively as one community, they have to take interest.
Again, these questions I ask are only for thought and to produce ideas. There will be a day though that those ideas may need to be shared. Write them down and sit with them because it’s possible that you or someone else may find your idea perfect.