The power of tradition is never more apparent than at this time of year when the winter holidays become the main focus. And while many traditions are steeped in spiritual beliefs, it seems even more come from the rituals established within our own families…however you may define “family”.
Regardless of their origins, the significance of our traditions are powerful. They give us a sense of belonging, a sense of prediction, a sense of order like no other. Think about it…was there a time in your family when a tradition changed? Remember the reaction? Or maybe you can recall a time you went to another family’s holiday gathering whose traditions were different? You may have stared in polite disbelief and thought to yourself, “You do what? When? How?...Why?” While we can rarely answer the why, we know its importance. Traditions are the framework, the structure that creates our memories… the stories of our lives.
Couldn’t your WEB or Link Crew program be considered a family? True, there may be no blood relation, but sometimes isn’t it these relationships that are the most significant and meaningful because they are ones we’ve chosen? In much the same way you chose to become a coordinator (and many say you’re crazy because of it!), your Leaders chose to become mentors to the younger students at their school. Neither you nor they were forced to answer the call (although some coercion may have been involved), but you did.
And look what happened…you have been a part of helping create the tradition of students caring about each other and helping in each other’s success. And now it’s not only a part of your WEB and Link Crew program traditions, but a part of your school’s yearly traditions and rituals as well. It’s become one of those things that, if ever questioned, the answer is very simple: "It’s just what we do."
What other events or rituals have you put in place so that each member of your WEB or Link Crew family knows what you do and why you do it?
If you haven't created traditions for your program, now is the perfect time. What if, at this time of year, you started the tradition of a community service project that involves all your Leaders and the 6th/9th grade classes? What if you started hosting a banquet for your Leaders to thank and acknowledge them for all they have done for your school? Or what if you hosted a Holiday Extravaganza at lunch for the Leaders to reconnect with their group?
As with families, every program takes on a flavor of their own, establishing its identity through their traditions. Take this time of year to do something special, no matter how big or small, so that 4 or 5 years from now, when someone asks, "Why do we do this?" the answer will simply be, "It’s just what we do."
