I grew up in a very small village in a large family where volunteering was expected and encouraged. My older brother was involved in municipal politics, my father was a volunteer firefighter and my mother joined every “woman’s” group that was on the go! I learned as I got older that volunteering was a part of life and a necessity. It not only helped others but brought great connections and satisfaction to one’s self. 

As I progressed through school and university, I was awakened to this huge world of opportunity to bring awareness, help others and create a like-minded group. A community around this awareness and common goal. I believe if we have any purpose or obligation in life it is to help others. We ALL need help in our lives. Everyone. Some of us are fortunate enough to be able to have that support or help come through family and friends, or can afford to pay for it. 

When we move from the individual level to the societal level and beyond, help is required in all instances to educate, empower and facilitate change. Necessary change. 

Do I believe we can do that? Yes, I do. I believe that each one of us has a responsibility to try. Opening one person’s eyes to a cause, or an organization that could benefit, is helping. We all have the power to do that. 

Social change doesn’t happen with a donation, although that is extremely important. Change happens with a switch in perception, principles and with political ACTION.  
I hear people asking frequently, but how can talking about something really help? How will it change anything? Why do you bother?  

Look at my friend and someone I admire greatly, Mark Horwath (@hardlynormal). Mark just finished a tour around America talking and making videos about homeless people.  You can read more of the details here and on his personal blog. 

Mark opened so many people’s eyes to what is actually happening with America’s homeless crisis. His travels, videos, presentations, and talks gave a voice to a population silenced by society and gave rise to a community determined to help. I am so proud, grateful and deeply honored to have played a small part in this with him. 

Defending my interests and actions as someone passionately caring about global issues, human rights and people in general should not be necessary.  

But I will. I am passionate about bringing change and passionate about encouraging others to realize their potential to do so too.

Last week something really exciting and really worthwhile happened all because I acted on a hunch.

I’m connected to a lot of people. I always have been. I love connections. I love connecting people with other people that I know would work well together or benefit just from engaging. I think my dream job would be just that – sort of like a matchmaker but with no specific goal in mind.

I acted on a hunch and made one of my most important connections yet! I want to share it because I want you to see how acting on a hunch, an idea, can really pay off.

I love non-profits. I love agencies supporting those who need support. I especially love when a single individual becomes motivated enough to see a problem that requires action and takes it upon themselves to do it.

I have met a few of those kinds of people. One in particular I met is Mark Horvath. (@hardlynormal on Twitter). I found him through some one else’s conversation and was immediately intrigued. Here is a guy roaming around with the homeless, interviewing them and sharing their stories. How awesome is that?

I also have met a wonderful woman (@GillianK) who happened to work for a PR company that represents . Yes, the Hanes underwear/sock people. Gillian is awesome. Super professional, patient and she understood and did not dismiss my impassioned plea out of the dark to pitch one of her clients just because I asked.

Homeless shelters, street advocates and Mark will tell you giving someone who lives on the street and spends their day walking, new socks is like handing them gold.

AH ha! Gillian works for Hanes, Mark advocates and assists for homeless people. It all made sense to me! It seemed like a win-win situation for everyone!

Gillian responded right away. I let Mark know and the idea took off! What a great fit! Hanes will be sponsoring Mark’s cross country tour by providing brand new socks for distribution in all cities his road trip takes him to. And, they will be promoting InvisablePeople.tv through their digital initiatives.

Sure I’m proud of making these connections and seeing something really wonderful happen as a result of it. I’m thrilled! But the thing I keep repeating is “you just never know….. ”

Take that chance, act on that hunch – do it.

Homelessness is not a new issue but the numbers these days are staggering. Follow @hardlynormal and you will learn about the real face of homelessness. Not just the statistics, which are important and shocking, but you’ll hear real stories from real people – just like you & me – who have no where to live.

When I first heard of Mark I contacted him through the email address on his website just connecting and asked him how I could help. He responded back by telling me a little bit about himself but the thing that I remember the most from that email was this:

“How can I help you?”

We CAN all help. It’s important. Do it. Act. What do you have to lose?