Boys of Baraka

I just finished watching an extraordinary documentary. The Boys of Baraka by Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing is an intimate look at a group of young men from inner city Baltimore who are accepted to attend a special school in Kenya. The boys all share the strife of living in abject poverty, on streets that suck kids into a life of drugs and crime. They also share a dream of being more than just another number, more than another young man in an orange jump suit, more than a man in a box six feet under. They all want to graduate and escape the life they are seeming destined to live.

When the young men leave home to attend the Baraka school for boys, they are given a fresh chance. Removed from their surroundings they are given the opportunity to succeed, to dream, to grow. They evolve, not just because they age, but because their heart and soul are allowed to breathe. Shot over 3 years, the film gives us an inside look at what opportunity and dreams can create. Some of the boys make it, some of them fall back on their return home. It is both inspiring and hurtful. I say this because only a handful are given the chance. The world they live in, one I can never truly understand, never lets go. The chance is what they need. The environment is their salvation.

This story exists all over the world. Poverty is not limited to Baltimore. We have the ability to alleviate the suffering, to promote a better surrounding, but we lack the will. We can change, we choose not to. The Baraka School is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of something simple and profound taking place with just a change of scenery. We can make that happen anywhere, anytime. Dreams are powerful things, when you take them away you are left with a yearning. Give people a chance to dream again and they will grow. Inspire yourself by inspiring others. Baraka School can only manage a small group of young men, but we have the ability to help an entire world.

Social Websites for People Interested in Changing the World

The more and more I get into this blogging thing, and get connected with other people who are doing the same thing or interested in doing the same thing, the more I am getting turned on to new or different social networking websites for people who are interested in doing something to improve the world. I came across this great blog post, Networks for Change, by Jason Diceman over at WorldChanging. He outlines and gives a general overview of what each has to offer. I have profiles on a number of them now, but it is difficult to keep up with them as they pop up. I just joined a new one in its BETA phase called UnltdWorld. I am new to all of them and couldn't give an honest opinion one way or the other on which ones I like best and why. If you have any feedback please pass it along.

The great thing about social network websites is that you are able to connect with people from all around the world who you share some sort of interest with. The important thing, though, is to take advantage of your ability to network and take action. It is not enough to add someone to your friend list and watch your number of friends rise. What is important is to take the connection and make a difference with it. How many of your friends on these websites have you talked to since they were added. I know this because I am probably the most guilty of all. There is no substitute for creating actual friendships and making real connections. They are possible over the internet but they don't magically exist because you "agree to being their friend". Make the most of the opportunity that sights like Facebook provide. Post your new project, or idea and let others take an interest, ask opinions, hear advice. Make use of this 'Flat World' instead of taking it for granted.

Heroes

Last night I watched the CNN special/awards show on Heroes. While I had not heard of all the heroes profiled there were a couple that I had read about at other times and was happy to see them receive some recognition for their work. We, as a society, rarely give praise or awards to those who really deserve it. Regular people who do extraordinary things. We have numerous awards for actors, and singers but this is the first time, that I have seen anyways, that a show on everyday heroes has been broadcast on a major television network. It makes you think about what it is we really value.

My first holiday act of kindness is to write a letter to my everyday hero. I want to let them know how big a difference they have made in my life because they need to be recognized. They may not have all the paparazzi following them around, or be on the front page of a magazine, but they certainly deserve all the praise in the world. While I will not share with you this letter because I am not sure they would want me to, I will say this:

A long time ago they gave me a book to read for class. They took the time to get to know me, even though I didn't know who I was, and they recommended a book they thought that I would enjoy based on who they saw within me. The book changed my life. Not directly, or immediately, but the seed was planted then. I left for university later that year and that experience stuck with me. I found myself because this person took the time to pay attention. It was insignificant at the time because I am sure, knowing their character, that they did this with everyone they met. Sometimes, like was the case with me though, that insignificant act turned out to be a very significant turning point in my life. I am who I am because of many factors but the journey and path I found in life was based on a kind persons taking time to care. They are my everyday hero, deservedly so.

I don't want to tell anyone what to do, or to take the time to do this. However, I want you to think about what it would be like if someone told you that you were their everyday hero and why. Would that be a big pick-me-up? put a smile on your face? We need to tell the people in our lives how much they mean to us. We need to recognize the good and real instead of fawning over people who star in movies or sell millions of records. The people in the world who need our praise are too often the people we overlook. Take the time this holiday season to make notice.