The first question my publisher asked me at the outset of writing Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause Through Nonprofit Board Leadership was quite pointed: “Why do you want to write this book?”

My response was straightforward, as well: “Because I think everyone should discover and serve their cause.” Not only is deep personal fulfillment found in connecting to a greater purpose, but our world is very much in need of help.

Look around.

Climate change threatens to degrade the environment for generations to come. The gap between those who have sufficient resources and those who do not continues to grow at an alarming rate. Our healthcare system is increasingly strained, burdening uninsured and underinsured patients with impossible debt. Elderly people spend their days alone, at home, lonely and disconnected. Political polarization is affecting our national unity as citizens increasingly identify more closely with a political party than their shared country. War and conflict rages across the globe with devastating consequences on human life. Artificial intelligence is replacing workers who will need to be retrained for new career paths. Floods of migrants are leaving their countries fleeing poverty and violence in hopes of making a better life for their families. Millions of children lack access to a quality education, limiting their potential and hampering their prospects for a prosperous life. Arts education has evaporated from most public schools, depriving young people of the cognitive, social, and emotional development that it offers. These are just a few of the substantial challenges we face as a society.

In his book Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner writes, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

There is a lot of “hunger” in the world around you. The challenges we face as a society are numerous and they are substantial.

In short, you are needed.

The world needs a legion of Causies - people who step up and make an intentional, substantial, long-term commitment to serve their cause.

Now, I’ve heard lots of objections from people over the years who feel like they can’t make a meaningful difference in society. Busyness, to be sure, is at the top of that list. But there are many more.

• “I don’t know anything about the nonprofit sector. I’ve only worked in business.”

• “That stuff is for bleeding-heart liberals, not capitalists like me.”

• “I don’t have anything to offer. My skills wouldn’t be useful.”

• “I don’t have a lot of money. Serving on a nonprofit board is for the rich.”

• “Sounds interesting, but I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

These dissents miss the mark. These barriers can all be overcome. And these mindsets misunderstand the role of a Causie.

I wrote Becoming A Causie to provide a road map for busy professionals just like you to get off the bench and onto the field—serving their community, region, nation, or world. I firmly believe that everyone should find and serve their cause.

Giving the very best of who you are to a cause that resonates with your personal values is a must do, not a nice to do.

Muhammad Ali said it best: “Service is the rent you pay for a room on this Earth.”

Thanks for taking time to read these thoughts. To learn more about how to become a Causie, and identify your own cause, join the Causie Community! - Rob

Becoming a Causie" is now available for pre-order in paperback and audiobook! Check out your local bookseller or Amazon.com