[kovar]

It is hard to change the world if you're not standing on a solid foundation. I speak from some experience - I run an all volunteer organization that has actively saved lives, and improved others. We're in a very quiet state because I failed to build that foundation.

I regularly try to convince people who are new to emergency services that they have to take care of themselves if they want to care for others. If you're on shaky ground physically, emotionally, or financially then you're likely to fail just when the person (community, group, client) that you're trying to save (serve, help, support) depends on you the most.