It’s officially Game Changer season at the Foundation! You may be wondering, ‘What is a “Game Changer” anyway?’
I’m assuming, like me, you may be a sports fan. As a sports fan, you can recognize when a player enters the game that is so skilled, determined, and full of effort that they change the game in a positive way for their team.
In our Barberton Community Foundation world, a Game Changer is BIG DEAL because we view everyone in our community as “on the Barberton team.”
It’s our annual award that is bestowed upon an individual, and on one business or nonprofit organization, that’s made important, lasting, positive contributions to our community and the lives of our residents.
In my view, it is the highest honor that could be received in our community! It’s a recognition of respect for our community and all of us who call it home. It’s a celebration of hard work that happens on behalf of others. It’s honoring how the characteristics that make our community great – grit, grace, and growth – are alive and witnessed by others.
A Game Changer is willing to step forward with vision when the moment calls for it. They are action takers. They are unafraid to face difficult challenges. They are determined to keep working a problem until they find a solution. They understand how their words and actions impact those around them. They lead by serving. They inspire with integrity.
Their actions line up with their intentions. Last year two recipients were honored, beginning with Phil Hodanbosi, a lifelong educator in Barberton honored posthumously for his work as an instructional coach and beloved math teacher. His wife, Carol Hodanbosi, accepted the award on his behalf. Also
honored was the Barberton Public Library, recognized for its essential role in lifelong learning, digital inclusion, and community leadership.
In case you didn’t know, anyone in our community can nominate an individual or a business or nonprofit for our Game Changer award!
Who do you know that represents the best of our community? Who have you seen going above and beyond to serve others? Send us your nomination! But, if you can’t think of a Game Changer to nominate, I’m going to challenge you.
Ready?
If you can’t think of a nomination-worthy Game Changer, it is a sign that you need to become one.
The easiest thing to do is to see something you don’t like, or hear about something you don’t agree with, and complain about it!
Hey, we all do it, right?
But, instead of complaining, what if you turned that criticism into curiosity?
What if you ask why something is the way it is, instead of complaining about it?
What if you learned about it, and then did something about it?
(Are you feeling challenged yet?)
If you’re inspired and looking for a place to start, find a community organization to join! Barberton is so fortunate to have two different Kiwanis Clubs and one Rotary Club, all of which are full of wonderful people dedicated to improving our community.
There are other boards and commissions the City of Barberton has which are always looking for new voices and different experiences in their meeting rooms.
If I were to list all of them here, I would run out of space!
So, if you do not know where to start, call or email me and I’m more than happy to hear what you like to do and try and recommend a group you may feel inspired by – with a warm introduction, of course.
Another great place to start is to visit https://www.barbertoncf.org/game-changer-nominations to make your nomination for the 2025 Game Changer Award!
But if you cannot think of someone worthy of the Game Changer nomination, it’s time for you to become one!
In Community,
Josh Gordon
Executive Director
Barberton Community Foundation
