By Mark Neff, CEO, Forsyth Humane Society
In an age where communication is instantaneous and emotions can be broadcast with the tap of a key, it’s more important than ever to pause and ask ourselves: “Do I have all the facts?”
As the CEO of Forsyth Humane Society, I am deeply proud of the work we do every day to advocate for animals and support the people who love and care for them. But in our increasingly digital world, I’ve also observed a growing tendency—within our communities and beyond—to rush to judgment and unleash criticism without taking time to understand the full picture. This isn’t just a matter of social decorum; it’s about integrity, empathy, and the values we choose to uphold as individuals and as a society.
Too often, someone’s reputation—be it an individual, a business, or an organization—is damaged by the power of a social media post or email that’s rooted in frustration or hearsay rather than truth. What’s often missing from these moments is due diligence—the simple act of ensuring that we’ve gathered all sides of a story before reacting. We must remember that every narrative has more than one perspective, and often, what we see or hear initially is incomplete at best.
And this isn’t just about fairness. It’s about humanity. We rarely know the full story of what someone else may be carrying. The coworker who seems withdrawn may be struggling with personal loss. The business you feel didn’t meet your expectations may be working through staff shortages or internal crises. The individual you’re tempted to criticize online may be giving everything they have to hold it all together. By rushing to judgment and reacting publicly, we may unintentionally inflict harm on people who are already in pain.
That’s why I believe so strongly in the power—and the necessity—of kindness.
It may sound simple, but in a time when kindness feels in such short supply, choosing it is an act of courage. Choosing to listen instead of assume. Choosing to ask instead of accuse. Choosing to respond instead of react. These are the choices that define our character, and they can be the difference between division and understanding.
This does not mean we avoid accountability or excuse poor behavior. Feedback, when grounded in fact and shared constructively, is vital for growth. But we have alternatives in how we engage with one another, especially when emotions are high. When we’re disgruntled or disappointed, let’s start by seeking direct and respectful dialogue. Let’s use the channels available to us to express concerns privately and with care. Let’s remember that people are human—and most are trying their best.
As a community, we are stronger when we choose empathy over outrage, truth over assumption, and kindness over condemnation. The work we do at Forsyth Humane Society is built on compassion—for animals and for people. That compassion doesn’t end at the shelter door. It extends to how we treat one another, how we show up in times of tension, and how we choose to communicate in a digital world that often forgets the human on the other side of the screen.
So before you hit “send,” I invite you to pause. Ask yourself if you’ve sought the full story. Consider the weight of your words and the lives they touch. And whenever possible, choose the path of grace. It may not be the loudest choice, but it’s often the one that brings us closer to the kind of community—and the kind of world—we all want to be part of.
With respect and gratitude,
Mark Neff
CEO, Forsyth Humane Society
