What if funders and all of us really stopped waiting for perfect information and started acting now?

In the past few weeks, I’ve seen the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma take immediate action twice and change what people thought was possible.

Go ahead with your study, but act now

First, at the Oklahoma State University Rural Renewal Symposium, Denna Wheeler at Oklahoma State University presented a paramedicine project. That’s using EMTs to deliver more care in rural areas, like monitoring patients discharged from hospital to home, or doing check-in visits for people with chronic conditions. Rural EMS often have some slack time during their days, so they could often do more to provide health services. I love this idea! 

Denna’s team conducted online surveys to assess people’s acceptance and interest in the target county. That’s when the Masonic Charity Foundation stepped in and funded immediate training for the EMTs – even while the study was just starting.

Turns out, 86% of those surveyed were interested. And thanks to the Masons, the EMS already had preliminary training in progress. Action happened much sooner because someone was willing to move before having perfect information.

Bring the contracts to the announcement

Then just a couple of weeks later, I presented at the Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils event. The Masonic Charity Foundation was scheduled for a lunch announcement of their $13 million fund to fill gaps in services for aging Oklahomans – home repairs, accessibility improvements, health and dental services. The funds would be distributed through the Regional Councils’ existing Area Agencies on Aging.

Presenter Don Stanton said, “We understand the mission.” Then he announced they’d do pictures in the back. They pulled out the big ceremonial checks for photos. And then they pulled out contracts to sign.

I was shocked, and in a good way. How many of these announcements have you been to where it’s all about the photos and announcement? Contracts and actual work have to wait for some follow up meeting, where there will probably be new restrictions or new reporting requirements or something. 

Choose action over process

I don’t know if the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma has always been this action-forward and Idea Friendly, but don’t you love to see it?

This is what’s possible when organizations choose action over process. They didn’t wait for five-year plans or endless committees. They understood the mission and acted.

Think about your organization. What have you been studying, planning, or discussing? What would it look like to act this week instead of waiting for perfect conditions?

You don’t need perfect information. You need to understand the mission and show up with a contract ready to sign.