Erickson - You First, Me Second

This book is a must-read for anyone who works to make the critical connections between corporations and community. While service to less than privileged populations is her life work, Pam Erickson has dedicated herself to opening doors, maximizing opportunities, and making it easy for corporate America to share its bounty.

B. J. HARRISON WAYMER
FOUNDER, B. J. WAYMER ASSOCIATES, INC.

As former president and chairman of Standard Textile Co., Inc., I have worked with Pam Erickson for many years by donating textile products to Operation Blessing, knowing that these products will be used wisely. Her compassion and dedication to helping the less fortunate are fantastic. It is my pleasure and good fortune to know Pam and Operation Blessing. Keep up your wonderful work.

PAUL HEIMAN
STANDARD TEXTILE COMPANY

As an international lawyer and leader of a humanitarian nonprofit in Guatemala, I have been privileged to apply the principles contained in Pams firsthand accounts of creating relationship mergers. These principles in this book have helped me fuse my work and my passion to serve humanity into one harmonious life journey.

MARIO BUCARO
PARTNER, CENTRAL LAW

It has been my privilege to work closely with Pam in the nonprofit sector for many years. She has been an innovator and an instrument for social change, using her passion and talents to inspire the corporate and nonprofit communities to work together for the common good of those in need. This book captures much of her passion and creative methodology, inspiring the reader to become an agent for change in our society.

DAVE PHILLIPS
PRESIDENT, CHILDRENS HUNGER FUND

Do you know where you are going to be leaving your mark? This is one of the fundamental questions that author Pam Erickson asks and helps answer in her fine book, You First, Me Second. Erickson is able to share practical stories that exemplify the power of a shared vision, mutual respect, and open communicationthese lead to relationship mergers that have a lifelong impact. You First, Me Second is a powerful work that leaders will find valuable.

CARLOS CAMPO
PRESIDENT, REGENT UNIVERSITY

Pam is rightWhen the right people are motivated by the right reasons, they will do the right things. The problem often is that good people and organizations do not know what to do. That is the power of this book. It tells the stories of successful efforts by companies, nonprofits, and innovative people to make a difference in the world. Reading their stories should inspire all of us. Pam is just the person to tell us these stories. Her own work in serving the needs of people living in poverty around the world is an example in itself!

MICHAEL J. NYENHUIS
PRESIDENT AND CEO, MAP INTERNATIONAL

Pams efforts in relationship building helped us to engage our sponsors, players, fans, and hundreds of volunteers to serve our community. The Two Teams, One Goal event has become a highlight for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals efforts to eradicate hunger in our city. In the process thousands of people received the assistance they needed. A true home run!

BEN AKEN
SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY RELATIONS,
KANSAS CITY ROYALS

PAM ERICKSON

Most CHARISMA HOUSE BOOK GROUP products are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchase for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, and educational needs. For details, write Charisma House Book Group, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, or telephone (407) 333-0600.

YOU FIRST, ME SECOND by Pam Erickson
Published by FrontLine
Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
www.charismahouse.com

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are from the Amplified Bible. Old Testament copyright 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified New Testament copyright 1954, 1958, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Copyright 2013 by Pam Erickson
All rights reserved

Visit the authors website at www.youfirstmesecond.com.

Cover design by Justin Evans
Design Director: Bill Johnson

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
An application to register this book for cataloging has been submitted to the Library of Congress.
International Standard Book Number: 978-1-61638-968-0
E-book ISBN: 978-1-61638-969-7

Names and details of incidents in this book have been changed, except those for which permission has been granted. Any similarity between the names and stories, where changes have been made, in this book to individuals known to readers is purely coincidental.

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication.

First edition

13 14 15 16 17 987654321
Printed in the United States of America

This book is dedicated to my sister Lynda, who
passed away in 2011 after a lengthy battle with
cancer. Throughout my life she encouraged
me to remain faithful, stay the course, and
believe that dreams really do come true. Even
though shes gone, her words still inspire me.

Contents

by Ryan Nece

I WOULD LIKE TO express appreciation to my friend Michael Briggs, who is a living testimony of the selfless you first, me second lifestyle. His encouragement, sound counsel, and constant availability have been of incredible value to me.

Michael is a creative consultant who has worked with various companies and organizations for more than three decades, including the publishing and retail communities, parachurch organizations, and some of the largest ministries on the planet. As founder and president of Briggs Creative, Michael is a behind-the-scenes leader who helps to establish and refine strategies for an organizations growth and success. With his years of rubber-meets-the-highway experience, Michael brings a unique perspective to those he serves. He is truly one of a kindthe type of friend everyone needs on his team.

I N MY YOUNG life I have had the privilege of being surrounded by superstars. My father, Ronnie Lott, was an NFL Hall of Famer and was on four Super Bowl teams filled with superstars. In my own career I was surrounded by great athletes both in college and in my seven years as an NFL player. But despite all the very talented players I have been around, none compare to the individuals who make positive impacts in the lives of others on a daily basis. These heroes and sheroes are the true superstars who make our world a better place. In You First, Me Second you will not only learn why Pam Erickson is someone I respect, admire, and consider to be a superstar, but you will also learn that no matter who you are or where you are, you can be a superstar too. Pam and I have both learned its not what you have but what you give that affords you the opportunity to be considered a superstar.