Making A Difference
You may have noticed something around here. No, nothing physically has changed but it does have to do with the content of my blog. I don’t write about current affairs frequently and that is by design. As a rule I stay away from things like politics and religion because as someone so aptly stated, “opinions are like azzholes, we all have one.” And I am not in the frame of mind to debate or spur debate in my comments, at least not on these particular topics. But I would like to mention something that is relevant to all of us and relates to politics.
The right to vote.
I think it is indisputable that we all have this right and for many folks their ancestors fought and died to get this right. So, in my own small way I decided that I wanted to make a difference by registering some voters. I had second thoughts about going ( it was raining and I thought I might be outside) but I pushed myself and did it anyway. I ended up alone in a neighborhood that was not so nice (inside a grocery store so I was safe) and I did it.
I was successful in my quest to register voters. Not many but more than one. Reactions to me were varied; one woman never voted in all of her forty-seven years. She was already registered but still took a moment to speak to me. I spoke to parolees that wanted to vote but were unable to. I talked to people that chose not to vote at all. As remarkable as all of this may sound there are other similar stories out there. And being in that place, at that time made a difference. Because even those that didn’t feel like registering or were already registered had a person to remind them about the importance of voting, especially given the history here in the South.
I would like to challenge you to do the same - make a difference in someone’s life. And no it doesn’t have to be political but whatever it is you’ve been thinking about doing --volunteering at your child’s school or mentoring a child whatever – just do it!
Tell me, what have you been thinking about doing to make a difference but put off? Writing it down may push you along.
The right to vote.
I think it is indisputable that we all have this right and for many folks their ancestors fought and died to get this right. So, in my own small way I decided that I wanted to make a difference by registering some voters. I had second thoughts about going ( it was raining and I thought I might be outside) but I pushed myself and did it anyway. I ended up alone in a neighborhood that was not so nice (inside a grocery store so I was safe) and I did it.
I was successful in my quest to register voters. Not many but more than one. Reactions to me were varied; one woman never voted in all of her forty-seven years. She was already registered but still took a moment to speak to me. I spoke to parolees that wanted to vote but were unable to. I talked to people that chose not to vote at all. As remarkable as all of this may sound there are other similar stories out there. And being in that place, at that time made a difference. Because even those that didn’t feel like registering or were already registered had a person to remind them about the importance of voting, especially given the history here in the South.
I would like to challenge you to do the same - make a difference in someone’s life. And no it doesn’t have to be political but whatever it is you’ve been thinking about doing --volunteering at your child’s school or mentoring a child whatever – just do it!
Tell me, what have you been thinking about doing to make a difference but put off? Writing it down may push you along.
Comments
Thanks for reminding me to pursue this. But I shouldn't be surprised you're service oriented - don't I remember you from Spelman?:)
The last two years, I have been extremely involved in my son's school. You name it, I did it. I felt like I wanted to shift gears. I would always want to help out there, but I felt a bigger call. After reading a book and visiting the Holocaust Museum in DC, my goal is to volunteer in some way in the effort to prevent genocide. I have put out a few e-mails to some organizations to see if they could use my skills. I am waiting for a response. I'm sure I will post about it one of these days. I am excited I have identified my passion and can't wait to start making a difference--however small it may be,
Thanks for the reminder to vote and for encouraging others to do their part!
I made a new friend who is raising money for cancer research, I decided to help her by spreading the word and bring attention to her cause. A chain of goodness =)
♥
Jen
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Thanks for stopping by, what a great blog you have!
Thanks for checking out my blog!!
Remind me to take my pocket size Purell!
You really gave some great insight about people's perception regarding voting. Priceless!
I also left you a little something at my blog below the circus post (sorry I got ya again but you really deserve this one)
I don't talk politics or religion on my blog either, but I always vote when I get the opportunity.
As for things i need to do and haven't.......it's private but i'll talk about it someday perhaps.....maybe after I do it, but I did make a decision just yesterday to pursue this. It will improve my life and maybe even my self esteem in some ways.
By the way, I left you a goodie over at my place. Enjoy :)
http://absolutelymoms.blogspot.com/2008/09/bloggy-awards.html
You are inspiring!
I used to do a lot of volunteering back in Idaho. Today I have pared down on it and still do volunteer at church - that is my slice of making a difference.