“Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others.” Buddha
Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day
Do Something
As the lazy days of summer have quickly passed us by and images of students heading back to school surround us, I wondered what are the students of today doing? The amazing answer is that almost 2 million of them are part of DO Something.Org
DoSomething.org was started back in 1993 by Andrew Shue (yes, of Melrose Place fame) and Michael Sanchez. Their one goal was to make community service as popular and most importantly, normal as watching TV or playing sports—something so ingrained in young people that they wouldn’t think twice about helping others or volunteering.
Shue approached Aaron Spelling, the executive producer of Melrose Place, and asked for 30 seconds of air-time during the show to tell the world about Do Something. Spelling agreed and Do Something was officially launched!
Do Something has always been all about social change and when Nancy Lublin, came on board as the new CEO, she revitalized and transformed Do Something by moving the projects online and focusing on social changes 25 and under.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzW2t2kbTR4&feature=player_embedded]
It truly is amazing what happens when each of us just Do Something.
Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
Back to School Promise
As most of us are preparing in one way or another for back to school, the smell of fresh pencils and the endless possibilities that a new piece of paper brings. That excitement is sadly not a reality for all.
Currently, 1 out of 4 of High School Students in the United States is dropping out of school. As I heard this terrible statistic I ran across a man who regardless of politics has really made a difference and continues to reach out to our youth, General Colin Powell. He is a reminder that one person can make a difference and that our children all deserve America’sPromise.org
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BBbeHPULlI]
So as you pack up the backpacks remember the 1.3 million students that won’t finish school this year. Renew your own promise to educate and remember the power of one.
Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
A little girl’s birthday wish…..
I am always so intrigued and inspired by the rebirth that comes from terrible loss. Life is a mystery but how tragedy can turn around into something beautiful for others always gives me hope. Hope in humanity, hope in goodness and just a chance to perhaps see a bigger plan. Hope that one little person really can make a difference.
Rachel’s story is just that….
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISA_WbHEug8]
Rachel has now raised over $1,000,000. for Charity Water
Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
See whats hatching in Boston
Since its summer time, our family is heading east this week to Boston. I asked a friend from Boston if there is any cause dear to her heart that I should see, her response, One Hen.Org
Truly a great story about a few women taking their children’s book, One Hen, and turning the book’s message of microfinance into a real-life non-profit. The book is a story of a West African boy who receives a loan to buy a hen and becomes an entrepreneur in the process. It is the story of one person creating change for himself, then his family and ultimately for his community.
The beauty of this real-life story is how one book, one message and one author can create change for thousands of children.
Click here to see for yourself.
True life imitating art in the most beautiful way.
Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
Charity Profile: Theresa Gartland
“If you want to be remembered, do something memorable.”
Charity Matters wants you to get to know these inspirational people that will be remembered for their remarkable gifts of compassion to those in need. Theresa Gartland is exactly that, remarkable Here are her answers to Charity Matter’s Questionnaire.
What Charity Matters to you?
Urban Compass, of course!
What or who inspires you?
My students inspire me every day! Even though they live in a very violent and depressing neighborhood, they are the most resilient, positive, happy children I have ever met. They have a thirst for knowledge and a strong desire to succeed; they cherish every moment they are at Urban Compass. They are risk takers – they want to explore and you can feel their excitement the minute they step into the UC van because they know they are going on an adventure they have never been on, exploring a new community, learning more about what life has to offer. They don’t take for granted what for most of us are everyday experiences.
When did you realize that you made a difference?
It’s in the little moments that you realize you are making a difference in these children’s lives. It’s when they give you a hug and hold you tight and won’t let go. It’s when you see them quietly working on their homework, striving to be their best. It’s when a student says, “Thanks Ms. G- I want to be a good person when I grow up and stay out of trouble, just like you.” When a teacher, principal or parent lets me know the student’s math or reading scores are improving because of Urban Compass. It’s when I get home at night and reflect on the day, thinking about the smiles I saw, the laughter I heard, and the hugs I received; and the tears I cry are coming from a place of compassion, knowing that we have provided a place for these children to create positive childhood memories that they wouldn’t have otherwise.
If you could get everyone to do one small act of kindness, what would it be?
I don’t know if this is an act of kindness but a small thing we all can do is to validate each other more. Whether you are 8, 28, or 48 years old, you still want to hear that you are doing the right thing, that you are a good person, and that you are making good decisions in life. I see it all the time with the students I work with: they want approval, they want recognition, and they want to know that they are ok. I am constantly looking at each one of them in the eyes and saying “I’m proud of you!” Those words are so powerful, so meaningful. The students respond with a smile and you can see new confidence in their eyes. We don’t tell our friends, partners, spouses, children, parents, students, and co-workers often enough that we are proud of them.
What is your motto?
“The best thing you can do is help those who want to be helped.”
Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
Urban Compass
With over 1.8 million non-profits in the United States alone, I thought where do you begin? For me, Urban Compass is a place close to my heart and a place that gives children a beginning, a hope and pays everything forward.
Located in Watts, an economically depressed area known for its high drop out rates, poverty, crime and gang violence…which triples in the hours following school. The local elementary and middle schools are recruiting grounds for new gang members with some children joining as early as eight years old.
Urban Compass was formed in partnership with Verbum Dei High School and 112th Street Elementary School to combat poverty and violence and make a difference in the lives of children in Watts. This incredible after school program captures children at a very volatile age and offers an alternative model for them: an environment that challenges them to dream of a rewarding future where they can accomplish anything and escape poverty.
Urban Compass is featured in Daughtry’s video “What About Now” (at approx 2min) you will see that Urban Compass is the path to now.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roDXSHSEuoo&ob=av2e]
Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
Happy New Year!
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” ~Benjamin Franklin
2012 is here and with it comes a slew of goals, lists and resolutions for the New Year. The beauty of New Years is the endless opportunities it provides. Hope for the future, like a blank piece of paper so ripe with possibilities.
My goals are to continue to find inspiring stories of goodness and people that are making a difference, to share with you. A thought, a quote, a person who makes Charity Matter. So, whatever you find on your to do list for 2012, make sure to find sometime to help someone in need. As Ben Franklin said, “May each New Year find you a better man.”
Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us
Happy New Year!
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” ~Benjamin Franklin
2012 is here and with it comes a slew of goals, lists and resolutions for the New Year. The beauty of New Years is the endless opportunities it provides. Hope for the future, like a blank piece of paper so ripe with possibilities.
My goals are to continue to find inspiring stories of goodness and people that are making a difference, to share with you. A thought, a quote, a person who makes Charity Matter. So, whatever you find on your to do list for 2012, make sure to find sometime to help someone in need. As Ben Franklin said, “May each New Year find you a better man.”
Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us