Today’s dot was written by Presley Thompson from Minot State University’s leadership class
I’m a part of a club on my college campus called Miles for Smiles, which raises money for children with cleft lip and palate. Each year, we host fundraisers leading up to our annual walk, our final hurrah. With this, all proceeds go toward funding these life-changing surgeries.
No matter what you are doing, someone will struggle to see the bigger picture and where they fit into it. For example, we sold baked goods for $2, and while this seemed like a “pointless” fundraiser, it was one of our biggest successes. Though people often groaned at the idea of contributing in a small way, they needed to be reminded that $2 is more than nothing.
During the 2025-2026 school year, we raised over $5,000, enough to fund around 21 children’s surgeries. When people heard this, they were shocked to find that something as simple as a bake sale could have this level of impact.
But this is the point: every contribution matters.
As a leader, it is your responsibility to remind people how they make a difference. Their voice, their effort, and their willingness to contribute all add up to something even bigger than they had originally imagined.
So, contribute. Support the idea. Be part of the success.
