Mary Elcano admittedly does not like public speaking, but her speech was inspiring nonetheless. She brings no ego to the stage; only an honest and straightforward respect for the American Red Cross and an earnest hope for its future.
“I promised to let you know what I know when I know it. What I know is this.”
She mentioned that she’s gained new perspective as the acting CEO instead of the General Counsel. She’s not the person who offers legal advice but the one who must make decisions based on advice. She admits the former is much easier.
“We are all interim. We are temporary custodians in this mission of caring that is steeped in American history…”
She said we must sustain and build this mission in the time given us to serve it.
“Make no mistake. The times we are given are challenging. Inaction is not an option. We must chart the right course forward because the stakes are high.”
The American Red Cross mission is as enduring as the human spirit and we are charged with carrying it out.
She challenged us to close our eyes, picture the emblem, and recognize all the emotions that run through our heads when we do that. She then challenged us to always keep the symbol and that feeling in mind in our work.
She closed with the lyrics to Carly Simon song Now and Forever:
We had a moment
Just one moment
That will last beyond a dream,
Beyond a lifetime
We are the lucky ones
Some people never get to do
All we got to do
Now and forever
4 responses so far ↓
1 lynne // Mar 28, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Love the blog–hated I couldn’t make it this year, but this helps bring it to the whole world!
2 Carrie Housman // Mar 28, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Thanks for the fabulous coverage Wendy, I feel like I’m there.. and wishing I really was!
3 Wendy Harman // Mar 28, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I’m glad it’s helping! Mary was really great - She also promised that this would be her last Convention speech as interim president.
4 Wendy Harman // Mar 28, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I almost forgot to point out that in presenting the award to the National Youth Council Mary said the word, BLOG.
We’re in!
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