With a career spanning decades, Marti Lawrence has embraced numerous roles - wife, mother, volunteer, nonprofit fundraiser, and social worker. Her journey exemplifies how compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment can transform lives and strengthen communities.
In this post, we will dive into her world, exploring her approach to volunteering, nonprofit board membership, and philanthropy. We will uncover insights and life lessons from a woman dedicated to bridging gaps, nurturing hope, and empowering those in need. Through her experiences, we will learn that serving others and fostering meaningful connections are not just noble pursuits but some of the most impactful roles one can undertake in life.
"We need each other to help us see what we can't see by ourselves.”
The Call to Serve
Marti's professional life seamlessly aligns with her personal values. She works in nonprofit fundraising as part of her pursuit of social work. She believes it's a meaningful place because she connects people who want to change the world with those who can. She works to bridge the gap between intention and action, between those who wish to make a difference and those who have the means to do so.
Her work goes beyond her professional role, and into various volunteer capacities, allowing her to connect with diverse communities facing challenges. While she didn’t always feel qualified to serve, she learned there is room for everyone to contribute, and making a difference often begins with a simple invitation.
"We all like to be invited to things. Whether we can come or not come is not important."
This insight underscores the power of inclusion and the importance of making people feel wanted and valued, regardless of their ability to participate.
She understands that many people are willing to serve but may hesitate to take the first step. "I think most people are just waiting to be asked to serve. I've seen myself sit in a room and think, well, if they ask me, I'll say yes, but I am not raising my hand." This observation emphasizes the importance of actively reaching out to potential volunteers and creating opportunities for engagement.
The Art of Listening and Letting Go
Over the years, Marti has honed her skills as a community leader, learning valuable lessons along the way. One of her most profound realizations came later in life:
"It took me over 60 years to understand that the smartest person in the room is the one who's listening."
This acknowledgment underscores the importance of active listening in community work – a skill that allows leaders to truly understand and address the needs of those they serve. She also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to step back and allow others to take the lead.
"I think there's something important about appreciating the ability to be a link in the chain and letting go when it's time to let go. That seems to be a challenge for a lot of folks. Having a transition plan is important."
This perspective speaks to the cyclical nature of community engagement and the need for sustainable leadership practices.
Embracing Diversity and Overcoming Challenges
During years of nonprofit board service, Marti has witnessed both the triumphs and challenges of community engagement. She acknowledges that bringing diverse voices to the table can sometimes lead to conflict, but she sees this as an opportunity for growth rather than a deterrent.
"I don't believe in criticizing people who care enough to show up. Let's find a way to make sense of what they care about."
She recounts a personal experience that illustrates this point: "There was a time when I was a part of getting someone to step up and serve on a board. He said yes because he cared deeply and passionately about the type of work that needed to be done. He showed up, had opinions, and was invested. Some of what he said and felt stepped on other people's toes and that's not okay, but it was because he cared and showed up - not because he was wrong."
This memory highlights the complexities of board dynamics and the importance of navigating disagreements constructively. Her ability to navigate these challenges and focus on common goals has made her an effective and respected leader. Her approach is one of patience and perseverance:
"Sometimes we've got to lean in a little harder, get past any hurt feelings, and focus on doing the work. You find the thing we can all agree on and that's what we work forward on."
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Marti's dedication to community service is evident in her long-standing involvement with multiple organizations. "I became a member of the founding board of Trinity Habitat for Humanity more than twenty years ago and have been involved with the organization ever since," she shares. This commitment stems from a deep-seated belief in the fundamental right to housing:
"I couldn't be more passionate about housing as a basic need, for people to live, to thrive."
Her journey into social work has also been shaped by personal experiences. "My husband and I met, got married, and became foster parents for twelve years. Through the foster care system, I worked with a lot of people, and it wasn't always easy, but those experiences led me to adopt my son and want to go back to school to learn and do more in social work."
The Essence of Community Engagement
For Marti, community engagement is about creating welcoming spaces and fostering genuine connections – key to serving others.
"Letting people know that they're welcome in this place and genuinely making them feel welcome is important. I think that is community engagement. Making sure they understand the door is open and that if and when they decide to come in, you are holding a space for them."
This inclusive approach extends to her work with vulnerable populations. "When I'm in kinship with people experiencing homelessness, I really feel like I'm connecting with the Jesus I believe in," she shares, revealing the spiritual dimension of her service.
She shared her philosophy on building new connections with others: "Choosing to be engaged in your community is as simple as finding others that are already helping and then doing what you can to be a part of it." She believes that everyone has something to contribute, no matter how small it may seem to them. "If you're willing to show up, there's something you can do," she affirms.
Facing Difficult Realities
Marti's commitment to service extends to some of life's most challenging moments, as evidenced by her volunteer work in hospice care.
"In volunteering with a hospice, it is hard because you must understand that all you're trying to accomplish is holding space for people, to be of help in any way, but that there are no words you can say. You are going to have to try to be okay with having no words because we all want to have some words."
This compassionate approach has allowed her to provide comfort and support to those facing the end of their lives. Her willingness to help others as they confront difficult realities shows us that sometimes, simply being present and offering silent support is the most powerful form of service.
Her Call to Action
Marti Lawrence's life and work encourage us to find meaningful ways to make a difference in our communities. Her path demonstrates that being involved in our community is not about grand gestures or heroic acts but about consistent, compassionate presence and a willingness to serve where needed.
As she puts it,
"Community engagement happens when people who truly want to help choose to do so."
Her legacy will not be about the specific projects she has undertaken or the organizations she has served but the ripple effect of her actions - inspiring countless others to engage, serve, and make a difference. Her story shows that serving others is more than a noble ideal; it's a practical and achievable reality that begins with the simple decision to care and take action.
More Resources
Discover a few of the volunteer and professional opportunities mentioned in this post:
License Master Social Worker (LMSW) An LMSW is a professional who has earned a master's degree in social work and passed a licensing exam, allowing them to provide social work services under supervision.
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) A CFRE is a professional certification for fundraising executives who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in fundraising and adhere to ethical standards.
Child Welfare Information Gateway Provides comprehensive resources and information on domestic and intercountry adoption for adoption professionals, adopted adults, expectant parents, birth parents, and prospective adoptive parents.
Trinity Habitat for Humanity Mobilizes volunteers to build and repair homes in partnership with families in need, aiming to eliminate substandard housing in the Fort Worth, Texas area.