"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems."
Mohandas Gandhi
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Loss and Gain
Loss and Gain
Henry Wadswarth Longfellow (pd)
When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.
I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.
But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.
Henry Wadswarth Longfellow (pd)
When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.
I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.
But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday Thoughts
"Things do not change; we change." — Henry David Thoreau
"People don't resist change. They resist being changed!" — Peter Senge
"If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." — Mary Engelbreit
"People don't resist change. They resist being changed!" — Peter Senge
"If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." — Mary Engelbreit
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Make a difference
“Don’t walk away because you think you can’t make a difference. Pick a cause! Be a citizen! Vote! Tell your governments what you want them to do and what you will not tolerate that they do on your behalf!” Louise Arbour (former Canadian judge and chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda)
I was at an important session last night. The Calgary Foundation celebration was a follow-up on its Vital Signs report card where Calgarians indicated that they are unhappy and embarrassed by situations and issues in this prosperous city. Residents gave barely passing grades to issues as diverse as education, disparity, housing, health and wellness, arts, and environment. The report is meant to spur discussion and hopefully action in improving the 12 areas surveyed.
In the midst of the evening, Eva Friesen- President of the Calgary Foundation, gave a brief history. She concluded that in 2007 TCF had assets of $334 million had collected more than 445 million in 2006 and granted $33 million. I was surprised at the applause that this received because what I heard was that over $300 million dollars was tied up, accomplishing nothing, while the city was crumbling around us. Imagine what half the foundation's assets might be able to 'solve'.
“The most powerful people in a democracy are individuals.” President Jimmy Carter.
I was at an important session last night. The Calgary Foundation celebration was a follow-up on its Vital Signs report card where Calgarians indicated that they are unhappy and embarrassed by situations and issues in this prosperous city. Residents gave barely passing grades to issues as diverse as education, disparity, housing, health and wellness, arts, and environment. The report is meant to spur discussion and hopefully action in improving the 12 areas surveyed.
In the midst of the evening, Eva Friesen- President of the Calgary Foundation, gave a brief history. She concluded that in 2007 TCF had assets of $334 million had collected more than 445 million in 2006 and granted $33 million. I was surprised at the applause that this received because what I heard was that over $300 million dollars was tied up, accomplishing nothing, while the city was crumbling around us. Imagine what half the foundation's assets might be able to 'solve'.
“The most powerful people in a democracy are individuals.” President Jimmy Carter.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Blog Action Day
On October 15th - Blog Action Day, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone's mind.
In its inaugural year, Blog Action Day will be co-ordinating bloggers to tackle the issue of the environment.
What Each Blogger Will Do
Bloggers can participate on Blog Action Day in one of two ways:
Publish a post on their blog which relates to an issue of their own choice pertaining to the environment.
For example: A blog about money might write about how to save around the home by using environmentally friendly ideas. Similarly a blog about politics might examine what weight environmental policy holds in the political arena.
Posts do not need to have any specific agenda, they simply need to relate to the larger issue in whatever way suits the blogger and readership. Our aim is not to promote one particular viewpoint, only to push the issue to the table for discussion.
Commit to donating their day’s advertising earnings to an environmental charity of their choice. There is a list of "official" Blog Action Day charities on the site, however bloggers are also free to choose an alternate environmental charity to donate to if they wish.
So what can you do - well we have talked about replacing incandescants with cfl's, recycling, saving water, driving less, walking more, carrying reusable grocery bags, and putting on a sweater. On Blog Action Day, I encourage you to take a more meaningful action (something that might be a bit diffucult). Today or tommorrow or one day this week - only eat food that was grown within 100 kms from your home. Give it a try
In its inaugural year, Blog Action Day will be co-ordinating bloggers to tackle the issue of the environment.
What Each Blogger Will Do
Bloggers can participate on Blog Action Day in one of two ways:
Publish a post on their blog which relates to an issue of their own choice pertaining to the environment.
For example: A blog about money might write about how to save around the home by using environmentally friendly ideas. Similarly a blog about politics might examine what weight environmental policy holds in the political arena.
Posts do not need to have any specific agenda, they simply need to relate to the larger issue in whatever way suits the blogger and readership. Our aim is not to promote one particular viewpoint, only to push the issue to the table for discussion.
Commit to donating their day’s advertising earnings to an environmental charity of their choice. There is a list of "official" Blog Action Day charities on the site, however bloggers are also free to choose an alternate environmental charity to donate to if they wish.
So what can you do - well we have talked about replacing incandescants with cfl's, recycling, saving water, driving less, walking more, carrying reusable grocery bags, and putting on a sweater. On Blog Action Day, I encourage you to take a more meaningful action (something that might be a bit diffucult). Today or tommorrow or one day this week - only eat food that was grown within 100 kms from your home. Give it a try
Thursday, October 4, 2007
On Friday, October 19, 2007 over 7000 youth will unite at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, and thousands more all across Canada will participate in National Me to We Day, a one-of-a-kind event organized by Free The Children.
Is your family passionate about social issues? Are you looking for a fun way to get involved? National Me to We Day will launch the year-long initiative in which families can participate to create change for children in the developing world.
Begin your family's world-changing adventure today!
Are you passionate about social issues? Looking for a fun way to inspire your colleagues to get involved? National Me to We Day will launch the year-long initiative in which all businesses can participate to create change for children in the developing world.
Sign up today to join the global Me to We community in bringing about change for a better world.
Click here to find out how.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Today
After a great trip to Montreal filled with sightseeing, cycling, shopping and self indulgence it was great to find this post on Cool People Care
5 minutes of caring
How May I Help You?
by Sam Davidson (Thursday, August 9, 2007)
This is the magic phrase of all relationships.
Pay careful attention today to see if there are any opportunities to help someone. Chances are, we hustle through our days and don't notice all the people at the office, at home, or around town that could use a hand. See if you can hold the door open for someone. Find out if anyone needs a ride somewhere. Ask around if anyone would like some coffee or a snack. Often times, we don't like to ask for help. Change the conversation by asking if they need it first. Simple, random favors are a great way to show you care.
5 minutes of caring
How May I Help You?
by Sam Davidson (Thursday, August 9, 2007)
This is the magic phrase of all relationships.
Pay careful attention today to see if there are any opportunities to help someone. Chances are, we hustle through our days and don't notice all the people at the office, at home, or around town that could use a hand. See if you can hold the door open for someone. Find out if anyone needs a ride somewhere. Ask around if anyone would like some coffee or a snack. Often times, we don't like to ask for help. Change the conversation by asking if they need it first. Simple, random favors are a great way to show you care.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Short Vacation
I am on my way to Montreal for a few days and wanted to leave you with these;
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." -- Helen Keller
"Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversations." -- Elizabeth Drew
"Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings." –- Hodding Carter
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." -- Jawaharal Nehru
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
A Better Place
One of my favorite blogs - Mr. Besilly asks "If you could focus on one idea that would make your life a better place to live starting tomorrow, would you do it?
If that one thing had a positive effect not only on you but on someone else in direct proximity to your life, would you be even more motivated to do it?
Do you know what time it is?
It's never too late to get started.
Or is it?"
What if you started on August 2nd, determined to make a difference in someone's life?
Who would you choose? What would you do? What is stopping you?
If that one thing had a positive effect not only on you but on someone else in direct proximity to your life, would you be even more motivated to do it?
Do you know what time it is?
It's never too late to get started.
Or is it?"
What if you started on August 2nd, determined to make a difference in someone's life?
Who would you choose? What would you do? What is stopping you?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Start Small
Once again Mr. Besilly provides some nonsilly advice. "I believe that sometimes we simply need permission to start small. I get trapped in thinking so big when I'm nurturing new ideas, that I lose sight of the best place to start."
I tend to think bigger with more ambiguity and have tried to surround myself with some detail people. My bias towards action has had me start projects without adequate preparation or research but I don't often feel trapped in the big thinking. However I know (now) that not everyone is an extroverted activist so I the 'start small' advice is valuable. Mr Besilly quotes Mark Twain to end his post so I will do the same.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Never Doubt
The following is from Nuts and Bolts
I have no pithy comments or clever observations except to say that I agree.
Your Voice Really Matters
July 18th, 2007 by Chief Nut
Let’s start with a quote from Margaret Mead:
Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Now consider how most people (and, I mean the VAST majority) go through their daily grind with blinders on. Not just physical blinders – seen in people’s general unwillingness to help each other – but also psychological blinders … where people seem to just not care about their fellow man and the impact they, as individuals, might have on the world.
Now consider a post by blog evangelist Robert Scoble where he talks about the services being offered by PodTech.net and the future of what we call “television”. He tips his hand about how he views this emerging technology, NOT by talking in acronyms or techie-ese, but by pointing out that these technologies can make a difference in how we view the world. He describes a new divide. Not a divide between the “haves” and “have nots” but between people who are aware of what’s going on in the world and those others wearing blinders.
If you’re finding that you’ve got blinders on, please take them off for just a moment to see the world around you. In fact, it’s possible to keep them off permanently in your business life and affiliate your marketing efforts with a worthy social cause. Heed Margaret Mead’s advice and the world can truly be changed.
This advice has been brought to you by the liberal streak in what is normally a pretty middle-of-the-road kind of guy. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.
Go Ahead, Socialize ...
I have no pithy comments or clever observations except to say that I agree.
Your Voice Really Matters
July 18th, 2007 by Chief Nut
Let’s start with a quote from Margaret Mead:
Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Now consider how most people (and, I mean the VAST majority) go through their daily grind with blinders on. Not just physical blinders – seen in people’s general unwillingness to help each other – but also psychological blinders … where people seem to just not care about their fellow man and the impact they, as individuals, might have on the world.
Now consider a post by blog evangelist Robert Scoble where he talks about the services being offered by PodTech.net and the future of what we call “television”. He tips his hand about how he views this emerging technology, NOT by talking in acronyms or techie-ese, but by pointing out that these technologies can make a difference in how we view the world. He describes a new divide. Not a divide between the “haves” and “have nots” but between people who are aware of what’s going on in the world and those others wearing blinders.
If you’re finding that you’ve got blinders on, please take them off for just a moment to see the world around you. In fact, it’s possible to keep them off permanently in your business life and affiliate your marketing efforts with a worthy social cause. Heed Margaret Mead’s advice and the world can truly be changed.
This advice has been brought to you by the liberal streak in what is normally a pretty middle-of-the-road kind of guy. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.
Go Ahead, Socialize ...
Friday, July 13, 2007
13 Actions for Friday 13th
1. Smile at a stranger.
2. Take your recyclables to the depot.
3. Clean a closet or shed and donate unused items to a thrift store.
4. Shut off your computer/monitor when leaving the room for more than 20 minutes.
5. Contact an organization/agency that works in an area that you are passionate about and ask about volunteer opportunities.
6. Logon to an activist website and gain some new awareness and maybe sign a petition.Global Action Amnesty Canada
7. Put a jar on your bedside table. At the end of each day, dump your change into the jar. At the end of each month, give the change to a homeless person.
8. Buy some locally produced food from a Farmer's Market.
9. Call or write a friend or mentor and let them know how much they mean to you.
10. Take reusable bags to grocery store.
11. Clean up a portion of a neighbourhood park.
12. Write a poem.
13. Do not be afraid.
8.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Action is Clear
Friday, January 5th, 2007
This will appear as a ‘bit o’ rant’ regarding the lack of courage being demonstrated by municpal authorities in Calgary.
On January 1, 2007 Calgary finally became a smoke free city (well almost). No smoking in public places including restaraunts and bars and patios (to be defined). An exemption until January 1 2008 was given to Bingo Halls, Casinos, and bars that had installed separate ventalated rooms. Jan 1 comes and goes and a few bar owners are openly contraveening the bylaw and publically suggesting that there is nothing that can/will be done by enforcement officers. Now there has been a lot of nonsense around this issue with lobby groups coralling councillors and aldermen speaking out on the issue. The media has used secret cameras to show bars where smoking is continuing and suggesting that there has been a impact on business for both the complying bars and offending saloons. One bar owner is suggesting that more than 1/2 his revenue comes from VLTs so he should be treated like a casino. If that happened, he would need to share 50% of his revenue with a charity.
The action is clear - before this becomes a laughing stock again, officers need to clamp done as hard and fast as possible on offenders. Whether you agree with the bylaw, we can’t allow flagrant abuse of our rules. Warn them , fine them, close them down!
This will appear as a ‘bit o’ rant’ regarding the lack of courage being demonstrated by municpal authorities in Calgary.
On January 1, 2007 Calgary finally became a smoke free city (well almost). No smoking in public places including restaraunts and bars and patios (to be defined). An exemption until January 1 2008 was given to Bingo Halls, Casinos, and bars that had installed separate ventalated rooms. Jan 1 comes and goes and a few bar owners are openly contraveening the bylaw and publically suggesting that there is nothing that can/will be done by enforcement officers. Now there has been a lot of nonsense around this issue with lobby groups coralling councillors and aldermen speaking out on the issue. The media has used secret cameras to show bars where smoking is continuing and suggesting that there has been a impact on business for both the complying bars and offending saloons. One bar owner is suggesting that more than 1/2 his revenue comes from VLTs so he should be treated like a casino. If that happened, he would need to share 50% of his revenue with a charity.
The action is clear - before this becomes a laughing stock again, officers need to clamp done as hard and fast as possible on offenders. Whether you agree with the bylaw, we can’t allow flagrant abuse of our rules. Warn them , fine them, close them down!
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Least That I Can Do
Tuesday, October 17th, 2006
I was chatting with a supporter and friend, thanking him for his assistance and he said ” It is the least I can do”. This got me thinking about what is the least I can do every day. What small action can I take that will make a difference in someone elses life? I would encourage you to visit http://www.metowe.org/ and take a look at the desktop tool for Everday actions. Todays action:
Think of two people in your life who are not getting along. Using your ability to see both sides of a situation, help mediate their conflict.
Any small action that can contribute to helping others find peace is worth doing. Imagine what would happen globally if in every dispute there was a third party to listen to both sides and bridge the gap. Maybe world peace would be possible!
They seem to have found a way to help us all turn small actions into big impacts. What is the least you can do today?
I was chatting with a supporter and friend, thanking him for his assistance and he said ” It is the least I can do”. This got me thinking about what is the least I can do every day. What small action can I take that will make a difference in someone elses life? I would encourage you to visit http://www.metowe.org/ and take a look at the desktop tool for Everday actions. Todays action:
Think of two people in your life who are not getting along. Using your ability to see both sides of a situation, help mediate their conflict.
Any small action that can contribute to helping others find peace is worth doing. Imagine what would happen globally if in every dispute there was a third party to listen to both sides and bridge the gap. Maybe world peace would be possible!
They seem to have found a way to help us all turn small actions into big impacts. What is the least you can do today?
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Small Steps 3
Saturday, September 23rd, 2006
How can the choice of your family activities impact the environment? I am refering to the social stuff of our lives - how we spend time ‘playing’ with others. I would start by saying that we should always play nice, as my mom always told me.
I don’t know the kinds of things that you do with your kids, spouse, sibs, friends but would suggest that the further they are removed from technology, the more environmentally sensitive they likely to be. Choose to be outdoors over in, choose to be active rather than sedinatary, choose self propelled activities rather that motorized. Play board games rather than video/computer, go on a picnic, play catch, kick a ball, go for a walk, visit a park, smell the flowers, make a snowman… you get the idea.
Inside our homes we have a great opportunity to positively impact our environment and save $. The little things will make a difference. Shut off lights, computers, tvs when you are leaving the room ( make sure that there isn’t someone still in the room first), turn the heat down 2 degrees and put on a sweater, shut the tap off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Rethink your morning routine and I bet you can find numerous ways to reduce your use and sabe cash. We will discuss other ways to inve$t in savings in the Reduce blog, next week.
If you have followed the blog or series you will recall that your choice of employment can have a dramatic impact on the environment. I am not taliking about us all becoming tree-hugging greenpeacers (that’s what one of my kids calls me) but thinking about the place and activities that dominate about 50% of our waking hours. I am not going to expound on this idea but if you have suggestions - send them to podcast@everydayaction.ca or post a comment here. I have one more $10 Starbucks card(their prices are going up) for a randomreader who submits an idea.
How can the choice of your family activities impact the environment? I am refering to the social stuff of our lives - how we spend time ‘playing’ with others. I would start by saying that we should always play nice, as my mom always told me.
I don’t know the kinds of things that you do with your kids, spouse, sibs, friends but would suggest that the further they are removed from technology, the more environmentally sensitive they likely to be. Choose to be outdoors over in, choose to be active rather than sedinatary, choose self propelled activities rather that motorized. Play board games rather than video/computer, go on a picnic, play catch, kick a ball, go for a walk, visit a park, smell the flowers, make a snowman… you get the idea.
Inside our homes we have a great opportunity to positively impact our environment and save $. The little things will make a difference. Shut off lights, computers, tvs when you are leaving the room ( make sure that there isn’t someone still in the room first), turn the heat down 2 degrees and put on a sweater, shut the tap off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Rethink your morning routine and I bet you can find numerous ways to reduce your use and sabe cash. We will discuss other ways to inve$t in savings in the Reduce blog, next week.
If you have followed the blog or series you will recall that your choice of employment can have a dramatic impact on the environment. I am not taliking about us all becoming tree-hugging greenpeacers (that’s what one of my kids calls me) but thinking about the place and activities that dominate about 50% of our waking hours. I am not going to expound on this idea but if you have suggestions - send them to podcast@everydayaction.ca or post a comment here. I have one more $10 Starbucks card(their prices are going up) for a randomreader who submits an idea.
Where Do I Go From Here?
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006
In previous blogs I described a sophisticated process of finding action that is immeadiate, relevant and concrete and how to use your passion and skills to help you find an appropriate action. But where do I begin looking? Back in the first blog and podcast, I said I would be featuring some opportunities, organizations and grassroots groups that are making a difference. In each blog and cast, I will provide you with some good actions/organizations and some not so good actions/organizations. I am also going to talk about something in the news, review a book or interview one of our Everyday Action Hero nominees.
You are able to examine and intepret this blog with relative ease because somewhere in the past you learned to read. Not everyone had that opportunity or the opportunity came at the wrong time. Research shows that learning to read at an early age is fundamental to success in school and life. If you can read, then you can help teach someone. You could offer your services at a school or youth group but they likely are more interested in a consistent approach offered by an organization. ” Calgary Reads” is an example of a small organization ( budget <$150,000) that reaches young readers in Grades one and two. Last year a total of 296 tutors worked with 504 students in 49 schools in every quadrant of Calgary. Calgary Reads has developed two half day training sessions and ask that you tutor at least twice a week for sixteen weeks. If the issue is that some children are having difficulty reading, then an immeadiate, releveant and concrete action is to help them learn to read better. Calgary Reads says that you are ” giving the child the gift of reading”. If lteracy is an area where you feel passionate then look for an existing progarm or group in your community. Some links from Canadian cities are at the end of this blog.
I would recommend that you pick up a copy of “Making a Difference: Changing the World One Penny and One Minute at a Time” by Dr. Rhonda Hackett. Check your public library for a copy of this 150 page how-to guide. Rhonda has found a way to inspire us to turn our intentions of helping into a realized goal while benefiting others. There is a focus throughout on donating financial resources but they steps she outlines work equally well for donating your time and skills. You can find more information about Dr. Hackett’s organization Nivek on their website.
If you have any comments, concerns, flames or flowers you can leave comments here or email optimistic.bob@gmail.com Let me know what you are thinking and what you might like to see covered.
In previous blogs I described a sophisticated process of finding action that is immeadiate, relevant and concrete and how to use your passion and skills to help you find an appropriate action. But where do I begin looking? Back in the first blog and podcast, I said I would be featuring some opportunities, organizations and grassroots groups that are making a difference. In each blog and cast, I will provide you with some good actions/organizations and some not so good actions/organizations. I am also going to talk about something in the news, review a book or interview one of our Everyday Action Hero nominees.
You are able to examine and intepret this blog with relative ease because somewhere in the past you learned to read. Not everyone had that opportunity or the opportunity came at the wrong time. Research shows that learning to read at an early age is fundamental to success in school and life. If you can read, then you can help teach someone. You could offer your services at a school or youth group but they likely are more interested in a consistent approach offered by an organization. ” Calgary Reads” is an example of a small organization ( budget <$150,000) that reaches young readers in Grades one and two. Last year a total of 296 tutors worked with 504 students in 49 schools in every quadrant of Calgary. Calgary Reads has developed two half day training sessions and ask that you tutor at least twice a week for sixteen weeks. If the issue is that some children are having difficulty reading, then an immeadiate, releveant and concrete action is to help them learn to read better. Calgary Reads says that you are ” giving the child the gift of reading”. If lteracy is an area where you feel passionate then look for an existing progarm or group in your community. Some links from Canadian cities are at the end of this blog.
I would recommend that you pick up a copy of “Making a Difference: Changing the World One Penny and One Minute at a Time” by Dr. Rhonda Hackett. Check your public library for a copy of this 150 page how-to guide. Rhonda has found a way to inspire us to turn our intentions of helping into a realized goal while benefiting others. There is a focus throughout on donating financial resources but they steps she outlines work equally well for donating your time and skills. You can find more information about Dr. Hackett’s organization Nivek on their website.
If you have any comments, concerns, flames or flowers you can leave comments here or email optimistic.bob@gmail.com Let me know what you are thinking and what you might like to see covered.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Use Your Skills and Develop New Ones
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006
Now that you have found a cause/issue that you are passionate about and spent some time raising your awareness of the issue and gained understanding and respect for the impacted population. You are ready to act.
There are two possibile approaches. You can take immediate , relevant, and concrete action using existing skills, possibly the same skills that you use everyday in your job, or you can take a completely different role and learn new skills.. If you do a lot of public speaking at work then maybe you can become a vocal proponant for change. If you do artwork or design find a way to be creative. If you are in sales, raise funds or pitch change. Managers could organize group action, tradespeople can paint,wire or plumb an at-risk families home. An IRC action can be very effective and efficient if you are using familiar skills, strategies and tactics.
However, on your way to becoming an Everday Action Hero you can try new tasks, take on new responsibilites, and develop new skills. The action may not come as quickly but your new skills can make future opportunites easier. You may also acquire new skills and then decide to change jobs to utilize your learning.
Don’t let a lack of experience deter you from making a difference. Use your skills and gifts or take on new challenges and learnings to make a difference,. The key is - You can make a difference.
Now that you have found a cause/issue that you are passionate about and spent some time raising your awareness of the issue and gained understanding and respect for the impacted population. You are ready to act.
There are two possibile approaches. You can take immediate , relevant, and concrete action using existing skills, possibly the same skills that you use everyday in your job, or you can take a completely different role and learn new skills.. If you do a lot of public speaking at work then maybe you can become a vocal proponant for change. If you do artwork or design find a way to be creative. If you are in sales, raise funds or pitch change. Managers could organize group action, tradespeople can paint,wire or plumb an at-risk families home. An IRC action can be very effective and efficient if you are using familiar skills, strategies and tactics.
However, on your way to becoming an Everday Action Hero you can try new tasks, take on new responsibilites, and develop new skills. The action may not come as quickly but your new skills can make future opportunites easier. You may also acquire new skills and then decide to change jobs to utilize your learning.
Don’t let a lack of experience deter you from making a difference. Use your skills and gifts or take on new challenges and learnings to make a difference,. The key is - You can make a difference.
Follow Your Passion
Friday, August 18th, 2006
Are you enraged by some injustice? Have you or friends/family been touched by an issue or illness? Have you recently become aware of an issue in your community, country or internationally? Has someone approached you to help with a project or issue? Did a news story shake you into action. Are you passionate about an issue?
There is a three link chain that should help you to find action that is immediate, relevant, and concrete. The links are connected like a chain where each one is important and dependent on two more links. The process isn’t linear but rather circular. When you complete the three links you are only temporarily finished because link three connects back to link one.
Link one : Raise your awareness of the issue. A little bit of time invested in researching what the issue really is ( 5,000 people are homeless), what the background situation is (2000 are suffering from mental health issues, 2000 are experiencing substance abuse, 1000 are catastrophically homeless because of job loss or illness), what is being done by individuals and organizations ( is the existing action helping), and can you join, cooperate or collaborate with existing action.
Link two: Gain respect and understanding for the impacted individuals, families or groups. Without link two, your well meaning actions will come from your perspective on the issue and be harmful, detrimental or not well received. Using the fictional example( the issue is real the numbers are fictional) from Link one, 5000 homeless - you may have personal values that suggest that the homeless just need to get a job and work harder. If you haven’t done background research you wouldn’t realize that 75% of the catastrophically homeless are already working fulltime and more than 25% of ill and addicted are holding down jobs. This is really the most difficult link because we all bring our past experiences and biases with us. Letting go of strongly held beliefs and being open to new possibilities can be challenging and requires us to be focused on what is best for others. Don’t panic, it may be difficult but this is a skill that we use everyday in relationships with families, co-workers, and friends (sometimes more successfully than others).
Link three: Take action. After raising awareness of the issue and gaining understanding and respect for the impacted individuals you are ready to find an action that is immediate, relevant and concrete. Remember to take a manageble bite of the issue. You likely can’t personally help all 5000 homeless people or even join the efforts of others to find a solution to the big problem. But, maybe you can look for action that would benefit the 1000 that are homeless because of family crisis or job loss. Maybe you can join a campaign to bring about a living wage and/or affordable housing.
After taking action and allowing the ripples to bounce around for a while, you can see what changes have occured. Did the action make a difference? Does it need to be modified a bit? Is there a better solution? Our best efforts and experiences to reduce or eliminate homelessness have left us with a growing problem. This is an unimaginable problem to have in wealthy countries like Canada, United States or Great Britain and will require as yet unimagined solutions. Keep imagining!
Are you enraged by some injustice? Have you or friends/family been touched by an issue or illness? Have you recently become aware of an issue in your community, country or internationally? Has someone approached you to help with a project or issue? Did a news story shake you into action. Are you passionate about an issue?
There is a three link chain that should help you to find action that is immediate, relevant, and concrete. The links are connected like a chain where each one is important and dependent on two more links. The process isn’t linear but rather circular. When you complete the three links you are only temporarily finished because link three connects back to link one.
Link one : Raise your awareness of the issue. A little bit of time invested in researching what the issue really is ( 5,000 people are homeless), what the background situation is (2000 are suffering from mental health issues, 2000 are experiencing substance abuse, 1000 are catastrophically homeless because of job loss or illness), what is being done by individuals and organizations ( is the existing action helping), and can you join, cooperate or collaborate with existing action.
Link two: Gain respect and understanding for the impacted individuals, families or groups. Without link two, your well meaning actions will come from your perspective on the issue and be harmful, detrimental or not well received. Using the fictional example( the issue is real the numbers are fictional) from Link one, 5000 homeless - you may have personal values that suggest that the homeless just need to get a job and work harder. If you haven’t done background research you wouldn’t realize that 75% of the catastrophically homeless are already working fulltime and more than 25% of ill and addicted are holding down jobs. This is really the most difficult link because we all bring our past experiences and biases with us. Letting go of strongly held beliefs and being open to new possibilities can be challenging and requires us to be focused on what is best for others. Don’t panic, it may be difficult but this is a skill that we use everyday in relationships with families, co-workers, and friends (sometimes more successfully than others).
Link three: Take action. After raising awareness of the issue and gaining understanding and respect for the impacted individuals you are ready to find an action that is immediate, relevant and concrete. Remember to take a manageble bite of the issue. You likely can’t personally help all 5000 homeless people or even join the efforts of others to find a solution to the big problem. But, maybe you can look for action that would benefit the 1000 that are homeless because of family crisis or job loss. Maybe you can join a campaign to bring about a living wage and/or affordable housing.
After taking action and allowing the ripples to bounce around for a while, you can see what changes have occured. Did the action make a difference? Does it need to be modified a bit? Is there a better solution? Our best efforts and experiences to reduce or eliminate homelessness have left us with a growing problem. This is an unimaginable problem to have in wealthy countries like Canada, United States or Great Britain and will require as yet unimagined solutions. Keep imagining!
Immediate, Relevant, and Concrete
Thursday, August 17th, 2006
Each opportunity to make a difference that we discover should be given the IRC test. Is the action immediate? You are ready to do something and putting off the action will not benefit you or those people that are impacted by the issue or problem. If an action meets the immediate criteria, it will also immediately cause ripples. Not all actions are going to make the same ripple and while we can never be sure how the ripples will grow, we can anticipate what the results might be.
The second criteria is relevance. We can get caught up doing things that are not relevant to the issue or a solution. In order to be relevant, the action needs to have significant bearing on or connection to the act. Don’t be fooled into doing ‘busy work’ just for the sake of doing something. Ask questions about the effect of your actions. “What difference does this acton make?”
The third and possibly most important criteria for choosing everyday action that the action needs to be concrete. While it is important to raise your awareness of an issue, attending an information session does not constitute concrete action. After your awareness has been raised the next step becomes action.
For example, everyday in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom children attend school without adequate nutrition. In these three countries, with so much wealth and government commitments to eliminate child hunger, this is unimaginable. It is also a huge issue that no one individual, organization, or government can tackle alone. So what can you do? It seems apparent that the solution to child hunger is to feed the children nutritious meals. Still a huge problem and a huge task. Let’s take a smaller bite. Are there children attending schools in your community that are not receiving a nutritious breakfast or lunch? Ask the school principal, teachers, or other parents. Are there existing programs working towards providing nutrition to these children? Are they effectively meeting the current need? If not, what can you do?
Some suggestions are to rally other parents and interested people to start a in-school nutrition program for children in need, drop off a case of tetra pack juice or a bag of apples at the school for distribution, or send an extra lunch to school with your child a couple of times each week. These actions are only suggestions and I encourage you to imagine local community-based solutions that are appropriate for your situation. Obviously each of these actions are going to require a different level of commitment. Let’s put them to the IRC test.
Start nutrition program
Will take time to plan and implement but once running the impact will be fast. Immediate 2/3 ( 1 low, 2 medium, 3 high).
Once the program is running it will have a significant bearing on the issue of child hinger in this school. Relevant 3/3
Kids are hungry and the program feeds kids. Concrete 3/3
Total 8/9
Deliver supplies or send extra lunch ( will likely have same score)
Either can happen today and have an impact today Immediate 3/3.
Both will mitigate hunger temporarily so action is relevant 3/3.
Supply of needed food mitigates child hunger 3/3.
Total 9/9
These are only suggested actions. Check your neighbourhood and talk to others about the issue. Persistent unimaginable issues require as yet unimagined solutions. Are you ready to imagine?
Each opportunity to make a difference that we discover should be given the IRC test. Is the action immediate? You are ready to do something and putting off the action will not benefit you or those people that are impacted by the issue or problem. If an action meets the immediate criteria, it will also immediately cause ripples. Not all actions are going to make the same ripple and while we can never be sure how the ripples will grow, we can anticipate what the results might be.
The second criteria is relevance. We can get caught up doing things that are not relevant to the issue or a solution. In order to be relevant, the action needs to have significant bearing on or connection to the act. Don’t be fooled into doing ‘busy work’ just for the sake of doing something. Ask questions about the effect of your actions. “What difference does this acton make?”
The third and possibly most important criteria for choosing everyday action that the action needs to be concrete. While it is important to raise your awareness of an issue, attending an information session does not constitute concrete action. After your awareness has been raised the next step becomes action.
For example, everyday in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom children attend school without adequate nutrition. In these three countries, with so much wealth and government commitments to eliminate child hunger, this is unimaginable. It is also a huge issue that no one individual, organization, or government can tackle alone. So what can you do? It seems apparent that the solution to child hunger is to feed the children nutritious meals. Still a huge problem and a huge task. Let’s take a smaller bite. Are there children attending schools in your community that are not receiving a nutritious breakfast or lunch? Ask the school principal, teachers, or other parents. Are there existing programs working towards providing nutrition to these children? Are they effectively meeting the current need? If not, what can you do?
Some suggestions are to rally other parents and interested people to start a in-school nutrition program for children in need, drop off a case of tetra pack juice or a bag of apples at the school for distribution, or send an extra lunch to school with your child a couple of times each week. These actions are only suggestions and I encourage you to imagine local community-based solutions that are appropriate for your situation. Obviously each of these actions are going to require a different level of commitment. Let’s put them to the IRC test.
Start nutrition program
Will take time to plan and implement but once running the impact will be fast. Immediate 2/3 ( 1 low, 2 medium, 3 high).
Once the program is running it will have a significant bearing on the issue of child hinger in this school. Relevant 3/3
Kids are hungry and the program feeds kids. Concrete 3/3
Total 8/9
Deliver supplies or send extra lunch ( will likely have same score)
Either can happen today and have an impact today Immediate 3/3.
Both will mitigate hunger temporarily so action is relevant 3/3.
Supply of needed food mitigates child hunger 3/3.
Total 9/9
These are only suggested actions. Check your neighbourhood and talk to others about the issue. Persistent unimaginable issues require as yet unimagined solutions. Are you ready to imagine?
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