Thinking Outside the Box In A Suffering World (PT2)

In “Thinking Outside the Box In A Suffering World (PT1)“, I asked my readers how many times they had heard the expression “thinking outside the box?”  After discussing the concept’s history, I wondered if in addition to the obvious business and scientific implications, it has relevance in our broader relationships as members of the human family?

Forthcoming installments of this article will center on individuals and organizations who have taken significant chances, and made uncomfortable commitments to help others, even as the recession economy was pressing down long and hard on them.  These are not the Kiva-like success stories, at least not yet; they are the stories of resolve and courage, of sacrifice and hope, demonstrated at a time when doing so is the most difficult.

Does thinking outside the box make sense in a suffering world?  The answer lies not in what people say, but in what they do.

THE ONLY ONE FOUNDATION

Recently, it was my honor to become acquainted with a bright and dedicated light in the new “outside of the box” firmament, the Founder and President of the Only One Foundation Inc.

Like so many others in today’s fragile economy, Rick Abbott, a structural engineer for consulting engineering companies, found himself unemployed.  Rick, a humble and dedicated Christian, spent many months fighting against the torrent of professional unemployment, frustration and concern for family. Knowing that architects in particular have suffered greatly at the hands of the recession, (with nearing 60% of their profession out of work), Rick began thinking (and taking action) outside the box.  Choosing courage and compassion instead of fear and complacency, he established the Only One Foundation.

The Only One Foundation brings willing volunteer Architects, Engineers, and Designers, together with other non-profits that are helping the needy. Design professionals are allowed to use their skills to directly help those in need.

As explained on their website in their own words:

“Our mission statement is to show the love of Jesus Christ by providing free Christian professional architectural and/or structural design services to: orphans, widows, single mothers, homeless people, unemployed people, under-employed people, physically poor, spiritually poor people, people or communities in crisis, or other non-profit organizations that have similar Christian mission statements.”  They have prepared a brief video that explains What They Do.

Recently returned from Haiti, Rick captured the devastation, both in property and personal terms, in this video: Haiti May 2010.

Earlier today I asked Rick for his thoughts:

“I really believe we can change the world,” he said.  “If everyone did something no matter how small it might look, it would make a difference.”  “Our motto”, he continued, “is ‘Do what you can with what you have.’”

Rick has been told that he has “… stumbled on an organization model that has never been done before.”  He believes that his new organization “has great potential to help many people, and to create leaders in our profession that has for so long been prevented from impacting our society for good.  I expect to go back to Haiti, but I also expect to engage many architects and engineers here in the US to do service using their skills to help others both here and abroad. The idea is to help others in our own back yard, in our kitchens and teach others to do the same.”

The job Rick Abbott has set out for himself and his associates is enormous.  But something tells me that they will succeed.  Selflessness and compassion in the midst of crisis, helping those who cannot help themselves, and doing so out of deeply held spiritual beliefs, together have a way of discovering hope where there appears to be none.

I’m sure you will join me in wishing them well.

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