The 80/20 Principle

As anyone who has ever been involved in any sort of activity knows, there is a principle that you can bank on: twenty percent of the people involved will end up doing eighty percent of the work required. It doesn't matter if you are putting on a fundraiser for the school band or coaching your kids' team or decorating for prom, it is generally the small group of "doers" that shoulder the load.

At first glance, this seems a bit depressing; you mean 80 percent of the other parents/board members/committee members/whatever are reaping the benefits without contributing much? Well, yes. But I have also noticed that most people are generally involved in something that they care deeply about, which means that they are the "20 percenter" in some area. And that both makes sense and is very encouraging; we can't give our all to every opportunity that comes along. The Mister and I have a phrase around our house that our kids now grudgingly quote: there are unlimited opportunities, but only limited resources. This is true whether you're talking about money or time or energy.

With that said, we have some 20 percenters in Higley Groves and Higley Groves West that are trying to find some other 20 percenters to help with some fall activities:

Higley Groves is planning a Fall Festival on Sat Oct 15; there will be a chili cook-off, crafts for the kids, and hot apple cider. Plans are being finalized, but they could use some volunteers to pull things together. You can contact Terri Hirning for more info at 480-773-7125, or email her at hirning@cox.net.

Higley Groves West is planning a Pecan Festival in November, with the date yet to be announced. This, too, requires the help of some 20 percenters. If you'd like to throw your name in the pot, email me and I'll put you in touch with the organizers.