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.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Kathryn once said to me ” you can do ANYTHING you want” ~ her belief in me in the last year, through many difficult times, has given me the courage to do ANYTHING…things I never dreamed possible…
& yes… we can give money… but action & words of encouragement inspire more.Kathryn gave me that with wholehearted sincerity.
Though I havent met you Kathyrn, though I know I will, of the many people I have observed in the world of social media & online networks you truly ARE
” passionate about bringing change and passionate about encouraging others to realize their potential to do so too.”
I am so proud to have met you when I first joined twitter and without your care would never have moved on so far. Thankyou.
Have you ever heard the phrase “change happens one conversation at a time”? Action certainly is essential, but I think conversation is underrated as a tool for change. Not just any kind of conversation though, but rather thoughtful and open dialogue about the issues we face, our commitments and the possibilities we see for the future.
Your title got me thinking. It is only when we care more about our commitments than we do about how we occur to others or whether everyone buys into our point of view or even likes us because of it (or not) that we can truly lead change.