What does it mean to be responsible? According to Merriam Webster, it means that one is
: having the job or duty of dealing with or taking care of something or someone
: able to be trusted to do what is right or to do the things that are expected or required
: involving important duties, decisions, etc., that you are trusted to do
1
a : liable to be called on to answer
b (1) : liable to be called to account as the primary cause, motive, or agent<a committee responsible for the job> (2) : being the cause or explanation<mechanical defects were responsible for the accident>
c : liable to legal review or in case of fault to penalties
2
a : able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations : trustworthy
b : able to choose for oneself between right and wrong
3
: marked by or involving responsibility or accountability <responsiblefinancial policies>
4
: politically answerable; especially : required to submit to the electorate if defeated by the legislature
For our clients, responsible means that they are: “able to be trusted to do what is right or to do the things that are expected or required”; “able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations” ; “able to choose for oneself between right and wrong”; and even “accountable” to the community. We hold our clients and empower them to be responsible to their families, to their friends, to their employers and colleagues – ultimately to their communities. Responsible to their families includes proper money management, meeting needs first and foremost, providing unconditional love and opportunities for personal growth and development, and is not limited therein. Responsible to their employers and colleagues means, but is not limited to: they show up for work on time, complete their projects, call out when truly sick and make arrangements for their shifts/schedules to be covered, ensure they have proper child care in place for snow or sick days, and treat everyone with respect. Responsible to their communities means that they make worthwhile contributions, pay their taxes, support their children and children’s groups (such as girl scouts or Boys & Girls Club, etc.), support their churches or social groups, volunteer at local area organizations, recognize needs of varying levels in individuals and establish programs that encourage others, and any other ways to value themselves and their communities.
What are ways that you can be responsible to your families, your work, or even within your communities?