Keep Showing Up.

“I can go a few days without food but if I show up to work without deodorant, man, I feel gross.”

That’s part of what a TSA agent shared as I zipped through security at a small airport.

The agent noted they aren’t supposed to mention the government shutdown but can share if people ask.

And, friends, you know me… I asked. “You all aren’t being paid right now, are you?”

“Going on 25 days,” the answer began. I then learned that there’s a local business who is bringing donuts by every morning so the team won’t go hungry. 

There’s a collection now for diapers so their kids won’t go without. 

People are donating deodorant and toothpaste and shampoo - and that’s what some feel is most critical to keep showing up and feeling not just human but professional.

To keep showing up.

And keep showing up.

And keep showing up.

Last time this happened, I was flying from Denver and, friends, you’d never have guessed that crew was working without pay. 

Same as today, they were friendly and professional. Taking their role seriously and moving fellow life travelers on their way in geographic travels.

On one hand, I’m heartened anytime people keep showing up for each other.

Looking out for our community, defined as broadly as “anyone needing to get from here to there,” is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

This is flexing civic muscle to support each other and I’m here for it.

At the same time, this didn’t need to happen. This isn’t a weather event we can’t control. This isn’t a physical virus that spreads before we can figure out what to do. This isn’t just circumstances we couldn’t see coming.

This is dysfunction among a small group while the rest of the country pays the price. It’s been a long time in the making, but that doesn’t make it easier to be using civic muscle because we’ve been left holding the heavy bag that wouldn’t otherwise be on our shoulders.

So as angry as I am, I’m also grateful that amidst that all of this, people keep showing up for each other.

And keep showing up.

And keep showing up.

And keep showing up.

Piper Hendricks, CEO

(Originally posted on LinkedIn. Posted here with the invitation to let us know where you see people showing up in your community.)