If there’s one thing that has become clear to me, it’s that the world can use as many people as possible linking arm in arm to fight against social and economic decay. Even though conferences like G8 and campaigns like the Bono-fronted RED campaign have helped raise much needed awareness, the recent global economic collapse is widening the gap between the miniscule rich and ever-increasing poor.
In all of our endeavors, we should take a look to consider how proceeds, profits, or other benefits can make it into the hands and lives of those less fortunate. Remember, when times are tough for us in “first world” countries (a term I despise, but that most people understand), life hangs in the balance for many more people. If 1 out of every 6 people aren’t sure whether they’ll eat, drink clean water, or find shelter at night during “normal” times, you can be assured that the ratio weakens as global purse strings tighten.
Until this world starts thinking of poverty and hunger, homelessness and disease (preventable disease, my friends) as our problems, all will continue increasing.
We must be the solution.
Each and every one of us has the ability to do our small part. Think, if all your energy was placed or directed at a non-profit (or other charitable cause) for one day a month, or even every couple of months…wouldn’t you then be part of the solution? Do the math. Even if only a fraction of us lent a hand in those frequencies, there would be all of the necessary manpower and effort to begin changing lives. Isn’t that a simple request?
After all, a waterfall begins with a drop*…the true power of the singular is in the plural.
They are, in fact, our problems. And they need our solutions.
* This idea was pulled from on of my favorite movies: The Power of One.
Truly inspiring words Greg. Thank you for being the voice of our conscience.
Well said. It’s funny, I’ve recently been embroiled in a different version of this conversation, and it was refreshing to read your take.
It reminded me of a post from Alanna Shaikh at http://bloodandmilk.org/. She wrote:
“We’re all in this together. We’re not in this line of work because we want to help far-away strangers. We’re in it because, in the end, we’re one big blob of people on one scarred messy planet, and no one is truly healthy when others are bleeding. We are connected; there’s no way around it. It’s time to make that connectedness a source of strength.”
thanks for the thoughtful post, greg. the good news is that there are lots of people out there willing to help… i run a small nonprofit, Hippo Roller International, on a volunteer basis – and i’m consistently blown away by the number of talented people who volunteer their time, energy and expertise to help us in our mission to make a positive impact on the 1 in 6 people who have very limited access to water. the result is that we’re accomplishing amazing things, and at the end of the day, everyone feels really good about their involvement. precious, especially in these tough times.
Well said. It's funny, I've recently been embroiled in a different version of this conversation, and it was refreshing to read your take.
It reminded me of a post from Alanna Shaikh at http://bloodandmilk.org/. She wrote:
“We’re all in this together. We’re not in this line of work because we want to help far-away strangers. We’re in it because, in the end, we’re one big blob of people on one scarred messy planet, and no one is truly healthy when others are bleeding. We are connected; there’s no way around it. It’s time to make that connectedness a source of strength.”