Saturday, January 24, 2009

Change Starts with You

The past few weeks have been an interesting time. A time when the entire world is wanting change: change from the past to a hope of what a new year might bring; change from a wavering global economy; change in power and political ideology; the list for change is endless.

Being an American this is an especially interesting week as one Presidential Admininstration transitioned to another. Everyone is hopeful for change and for the new Administration to solve the problems we face with diminishing resources, war and conflict, a wavering economy, the list goes on and on. While I'm hopeful progress can be made, the belief that one man and his cabinet can change the world by themselves is quite illogical.

Making the world a better place takes individual efforts by everyone. We all have the responsibility to reach out to those in our circle of influence to make a difference. Making this difference and promoting positive change can be simple. Here are just a few ideas to consider:

  • Give a kind smile to a neighbor or passerby

  • Help a neighbor carry in their grocieries

  • Volunteer a couple hours a month at your child's school

  • Grant someone a compliment

  • Donate your spare change to a favorite charity

  • Give a kind, listening ear to someone who is down

Some of these ideas literally only take a few seconds of your day, but make a lasting impact on the lives of others. World governments may or may not be able to solve our global problems, but we can most certainly make each day a little better by lending a helping hand.

This site is dedicated to those efforts. I will be posting ideas and information on how you can get involved and make a move for change. Send me stories you'd like to share or information you have about how individuals can get involved. I welcome any suggestions.

Service in Guatemala

One of the exciting things I will be participating in this year is a trip to Guatemala to help individuals and families who live in the Polochic Region. A group of approximately 200 people will travel to this region to spend a week helping to stregthen the communities. The trip is scheduled for August 8-18, 2009.

We are partnering with Choice Humanitarian to lead a group of people to Guatemala to build a health clinic and school in a region that has much need. To learn more abut Choice see their website at http://choicehumanitarian.org/. You can also view some video clips about their organization at the botom of this blogsite.

Over the next few months, we will be making preparations which include fundraising, developing workshops, and making travel preparations. To find out more about the project, visit the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52363113880 or just give me a ring and I'd be happy to tell you more.

If you know anyone who would like to participate in this type of service opportunity please pass the information along.

Peter Singer Suggests 3 easy ways to make a difference

Want to do something to make the world a better place? Here are three easy ways to do it:

1. DO SOMETHING FOR THE WORLD'S POOREST PEOPLE
Donate some of your spare income to help those in great need. I support Oxfam, an organization that works directly with local grass roots organizations in developing countries, and supervises the way its money is used to prevent corruption and waste. Here are links to the Oxfam organization in your country: Australia, Belgium, Canada (Québec), France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, USA and for unlisted: http://www.oxfam.org.

2. DO SOMETHING FOR ANIMALS
No single human practice causes as much suffering to nonhuman animals as factory farming. Right now, billions of animals are locked in small cages so that they can't even stretch their limbs, or turn around, or are crowded into large sheds, tens of thousands of them in each shed, unable ever to go outside or enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Boycott this inhumane system of production. Don't buy factory farmed meat, eggs or dairy products. Better still, go vegetarian or vegan. Here’s a great website for the information you need.

3. DO SOMETHING FOR OUR PLANET'S ENVIRONMENT
Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Use public transport, walk or ride a bike whenever you can. If you must drive, get a fuel-efficient one, perhaps a hybrid. And remember, factory farming is a wasteful form of production that requires a lot of fossil fuel, so eating fewer - or no - animal products will cut the amount of emissions for which you are responsible.

These three points are all about living in a way that is ethically responsible. Try it - you'll find it gives more meaning to your life and it's a great antidote to boredom. There is always so much to be done. And talk to others about what you are doing. Don't preach or be self-righteous, or fanatical about it, that just puts people off, but at the same time, don't be shy about setting an example, and use opportunities that arise to let others know what you are doing.

Top 10 Ways Teens Can Make a Difference

This is a great website for youth to utilize as they look for opportunities to become involved in the community and make a difference. The site is filled with ideas and toolkits to help teens learn how to get involved.

http://www.youthnoise.com/page.php?page_id=952

52 Simple Ways to Make a Difference


Making a difference can be easier than one might think. Former Senator Paul Simon points out 52 Simple Ways to Make a Difference in this how-to book. This can be a great resource as you look for ways to help make a change and promote good in the world. Paperback copies are available on Amazon.com for $10.99.

Here are some service project ideas

Here is a list of service project ideas from Global Youth Service Day: http://tools.ysa.org/downloads/gysd/media/SERVICE%20PROJECT%20IDEAS.pdf. You can also find additional resources at http://ysa.org/Home/tabid/37/Default.aspx.

Helping Teens plan Community Service Projects

Here is a great article that outlines 7 steps in helping teens plan a community service project:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4442800_help-teens-plan-organize-community.html

Easy Ways to Volunteer your Time

Here is an interesting article with 8 easy ways to vlounteer your time: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/148410/easy_ways_to_volunteer_your_time.html