A Few Items Of Interest

I thought I would share a few things I have come across in the last couple of months that might be of interest to someone. They are all ideas on change and making the world a better place.

Do Something Awards:
Their mission statement is -

"We believe young people have the power to make a difference. It is our aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of do-ers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.

Our website is a community where young people learn, listen, speak, vote, volunteer, ask, and take action to make the world a better place. Currently, only 23% of this generation actively volunteers. Our hope is to create a do something generation: a world where more than 51% of young people are involved with community action."

Wiser Earth:
Their mission is -

"WiserEarth serves the people who are transforming the world. It is a community-editable international directory and networking forum that maps and connects the largest movement in the world – the hundreds of thousands of organizations and concerned individuals within civil society that address social justice, poverty, and the environment.

WiserEarth provides the tools and a platform for non-profit organizations, funders, social entrepreneurs, students, organizers, academics, activists, scientists, and citizens to find each other, make connections, build alliances and share resources.

WISER stands for World Index for Social and Environmental Responsibility."

Change Me:
Here is a screen capture of their website -


and finally,

The Better World Essay Contest:
This was a contest to write an essay about how to become a better world. There are five essays, each with some great ideas and meaning.

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.

A Role Model For Us All

Age means nothing. I was reminded of this today when I came across this truly remarkable young girl, Laura, who has started a spirited project by the name '25 Days to Make a Difference Campaign'. She is a role model to us all at a very ripe young age. She is doing small deeds over the course of 25 days that will make a small but meaningful difference in the lives of some. More importantly though, the project is a pass it on project that will involves many other individuals that will affect even more lives.

While I had planned to do a few activities over my holiday break to do my part this holiday season, in light of Laura's project I am going to make it my 12 acts of holiday kindness. Over the course of the next 3 weeks I am going to do 12 things that will hopefully make someones holidays a bit easier and a bit more jolly. I encourage everyone else to follow Laura's lead and attempt to do a few small things this holiday season. While you are at it email Laura with your acts and let her know that what she is doing is truly making a difference.

If you are wondering what you could possibly do and coming up blank, I encourage you to check out Laura's list of activities for inspiration. You can also feel free to post ideas to this blog and give me some ideas on what my 12 acts should be.

Remember, the holidays while extremely enjoyable for some can be extremely difficult for others. It is the season for helping our neighbors, our family, even complete strangers.

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