I spend a lot of energy on politics, because I believe it is a good and effective way to create positive change in the world. Everyone who wants to make the world and our country a better place, and to minimize suffering, should be aware of politics.
But there are many non-political ways to help our fellow man. I've been getting down and frustrated lately with politics, and especially in this holiday season, I needed to do something to pick myself up and adjust my attitude. So I made a commitment to do one very good thing every day from now until Christmas. Things that can mitigate suffering, bring a little joy, and make the world a better place.
My husband is currently unemployed and we have two small kids, so I am short on both money and time, so I am casting around to see what is in my reach. I wanted to share my little project to give others ideas about things they can do to make the world just a tiny bit better, and also to solicit ideas--cause it's only day 4 and I am running short. I will update next week with the additional things I have been able to come up with to do.
Day 1
The charity Child's Play helps to provide toys, games and books to children's hospitals. Though their Web site, you can actually view the Amazon wish list of local children's hospitals, so you know that you are sending them something that they need and want and will put to good use.
I bought a Melissa and Doug dinosaur stamp set and had it sent to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. It was only ten bucks. It's not going to cure cancer. But it's the kind of toy that my little girl totally loves, and if we were ever in the hospital, I would be SO thankful for my daughter to have something novel and fun to play with.
Day 2
I joined the Bone Marrow Donor Registry. As many of you know, there are simply not enough people on the bone marrow registry, and there are people who die needlessly because they cannot get the transplants they need to live. You sign up, they mail you a kit, you swab the inside of your cheek, and voila--you just may save a life one day. It's free to join, although they will ask you for a donation. They recommend $100, but I wasn't able to do that much. I was able to give $35, because my recent car repair came in under budget.
Day 3
On Day 3, I really stepped it up. I convinced my employer to sponsor a house with Habitat for Humanity, specifically, the Dekalb County chapter. I love Habitat, and this particular affiliate was started in part by my church back in the seventies.
This was so much easier than I thought. I sent out a mass email asking who would be interested. Our company only has about 40 people, but I got about 20 enthusiastic replies in only two hours. Ideal sized groups are about 15 to 20, and most of those people wanted to brings spouses and/or teenagers, so even if we have flakes, we have enough for 1 or even 2 days of a build. The people with Habitat asked if my company would be interested in ponying up any cash, and I said I would ask. And the president of the company was not at all hard to convince. I said that we could be an official sponsor with a $5000 donation, and she said 'ok'.
So, for very little effort in my part, I have not only helped a family get a house, but also helped put together a good, team-building activity that will be good for the company and will be good for all of the participants.
See how easy this has been? It's now Day 4, and I am running a bit out of ideas of very good things I could do, so, please throw out your suggestions of ways to make the world a better place. And consider taking the actions that I already have!
Happy Holidays everyone!