In a world that often feels disconnected and superficial, one man from Nashville, Tennessee, is on a mission to bridge the gap and create more meaningful relationships. John Richardson has dedicated his life to connecting with people, fostering genuine relationships, and making a lasting impact through volunteering.
For John, volunteering is not an obligation; it is a calling. In his youth, John attended metro public schools, which instilled in him a passion for community and the desire to make a difference. He finds joy in being a connector and engaging with people on a deep level.
Empowering Future Leaders Through Scouting
John’s commitment to the Boy Scouts of America runs deep; he currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster in the Middle Tennessee Council and has been volunteering for over a decade. His journey with the Scouts began the moment his mother purchased a yellow Cub Scout neckerchief from a consignment store.
His volunteer work is even more special because he now gives back to the same troop where he earned his Eagle Scout rank in the late ‘90s. The virtues and principles instilled in him through Scouting, including trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, and kindness, continue to shape his volunteer efforts and everyday life. Despite not having children of his own, John’s passion for giving back and preparing the next generation of leaders remains unwavering.
To John, nurturing a new wave of leaders extends beyond skills development. He firmly believes that spending time together allows us to discover the similarities that bind us. Scouting offers young individuals, irrespective of gender, a unique opportunity to explore various career paths, engage with professionals in those fields, and cultivate essential leadership skills. Scouting provides a safe and supportive space for young people to experience failure, learn from it, and grow into resilient individuals who enter adulthood equipped with invaluable life lessons.
The Three-Pronged Approach
While youth and mentorship hold a special place in John’s heart, he finds immense joy and wisdom in both older and younger individuals. He advocates for maintaining three levels of people in our lives.
The first level consists of older people who have experienced more of life, offering invaluable insights and wisdom. These mentors, who know John well enough to call him out when he strays from his life’s calling, play a vital role in his journey. The second level is comprised of his peers, with whom he shares his daily experiences. Lastly, the third level is made up of the Scouts and the next generation of leaders. His hope is to make an impact on future generations. John continually asks himself, “How am I doing in those three levels?”
“I would be selfish if I learned all these great lessons and had a great life but didn’t pay it forward, so volunteering is a great way for me to give back.”
Fostering Democracy through Civic Engagement
John’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond Scouting. As a former political science major at the University of Tennessee, he has always been interested in politics and being an active citizen. Guided by the belief that good citizenship requires training, John teaches newly turned 18-year-olds how to vote, emphasizing the importance of participation in the democratic process. On election days, he leads a team of retirees as an Officer of Elections for the Davidson County Election Commission, ensuring a smooth voting experience for his fellow citizens.
The Power of Connection and Tres Dias:
For John, connecting with others is about seeking to understand, unconditional love, and meeting the needs of the individuals he encounters. One such way he does this is through his involvement with Tres Dias.
Tres Dias is a Christian organization that originated in Spain, offering a three-day course focused on faith and personal development. It provides a safe space for individuals to rediscover their faith and share their stories without judgment.
“We live in a society and culture that is very merit-based, where if you do this activity well, you get rewarded. Imagine a culture where we don’t care what you’ve done, we’re gonna love you where you are unconditionally, and encourage you like crazy.”
During one memorable encounter at a church, a gentleman sat beside John and expressed interest in Tres Dias. John sponsored him to attend a weekend retreat. After spending considerable time together, the man confided in John: he shared that when they had initially crossed paths, he had been grappling with thoughts of suicide. However, through the presence and support of John and the individuals he met at Tres Dias, his life had been imbued with newfound purpose and meaning.
Be it through Tres Dias or the Boy Scouts, each time John extends a helping hand, he not only experiences a personal sense of fulfillment but recognizes the impact he has on others. Engrossed in their stories, he momentarily sheds his own burdens, finding solace in being present for someone else.
“It’s not about us. It’s not. It’s about serving and loving others, finding ways to meet people unconditionally, loving them where they are, and realizing that by doing so, it leads to a more fulfilling life, and a life that matters.”
