Some days each week I sit at a red light at an off-ramp that crosses under the highway. Some of those days I try to quickly fumble in my pocket to find a few dollars to hand to the person clutching a roughly scrawled sign and clad in tattered, grimy clothes. Sometimes it’s a man. Sometimes it’s a woman. Sometimes a scrawny dog is nearby, sitting on a piece of cardboard on top of the gravel-strewn surface.
Every time, I find myself wondering: Are they hungry? Will these few dollars make a difference? Or would it be better that no one gives them money and they’re compelled to choose a different path—a different highway off-ramp or a different life option—to get by? It’s a question I can’t possibly answer in the seconds that it takes for me to fumble for my wallet and roll down my window before the light turns green (sometimes unsuccessfully). Can we ever fully know how our actions, tiny or larger ones, impact the lives of others?
I originally thought this week’s question would focus solely on the topic of kindness: I wanted to ask you to share an act of kindness you have witnessed or one of your own. I hope some of you will. But I also realized that it makes sense to pull back and ask the larger question of which kindness represents a subset. While the value and purpose of an individual act may be clear to those who perform it, it seems to me useful to also consider the larger question of how we—how each of us—contribute to making a positive difference in the world.
In recent months, many among this community sent postcards before the midterms, worked at a polling place, drove someone to vote, or wrote to friends or family about particular candidates or the need for them to vote. All these are examples of how to make a difference amid democracy under attack.
But what else? How do you make a difference? Maybe it’s as simple as a donation by the side of the road or to a candidate or charity. Perhaps it’s part of your larger work volunteering with an organization, the job you do every day, the artwork you craft and share, or the efforts you’ve made to raise your family. Maybe it’s as basic as the kind exchange each morning with an elderly neighbor or with the barista handing you a coffee. Perhaps it’s speaking up at meetings or in your online postings.
As always, I look forward to reading your thoughts and the opportunity for this community to learn from each other. At this time of the year, as the holidays approach, I hope this question is worth pondering. Please do be respectful in responding to each other.
I value your very thoughtful observations; thank you! I decided about 5 years ago that younger voters are not only the future of our democracy but also, and importantly, it’s savior! So with my wife and dedicated staff, we have registered 100,000 high school seniors in key states and created a nonpartisan nonprofit www.Inspiretovote.org. This effort will intensify in 23 and 24 and we welcome your participation for there is no question that our beloved democracy is in danger!
In Finland everyone, with rare exceptions, has a place to live, food to eat, health care and education. Although the US has a GDP per capita roughly 50% higher than Finland, there are more poor people in the US (over 40,000,000) than live in all of the Nordic countries (approximately 25,000,000). Finland is a democratic country with a market driven economy. It has, perhaps, the best prepared military in Europe in large part due to their neighbor to the east. It must import all of its oil and gas. So how does Finland do it--have all of these expendures with much less income per capita than the US and still have hardly any poverty or homelessness? The short answer is that Finland's governmental priorities are different than the US. Essentially, the needs of society are more important than the avarice of the few. It's really as simple as that and I think the Finns are happier for it.
I am very lucky to have been professionally successful. Years ago I quietly opened a college fund for my housekeeper’s then six-year-old daughter and donated to it every year. It has grown over the years.
This fall the young woman will become the first person in her family to attend college, and she’s well funded.
After being a reluctant target of a narcissistic rage (and developing PTSD as a result) I made the commitment to use my skills as a musical storyteller to alert those who have no understanding of the devastating impact trauma has had on our society. I refuse to sit idly by as 1/3 of Americans suffer symptoms of mental illness and do nothing. I can not avert my eyes to teen suicide or the 100’s if not thousands of suicidal teens who end up in the ER every night because they have no where else to go. Treatment is either inaccessible or unaffordable.
I did Facetime with my eight year old granddaughter yesterday to amuse her while she recovers from covid. She taught me a game called “What I see.” The idea is that you compliment someone by saying “What I see when I look at you is … (insert compliment).”
One of the things she said about me was. “When I look at you, I see an audience who laughs at my jokes and loves me very much.” Then she said, “You know, when you compliment someone else it always makes you feel good about yourself too.” Smart girl. She’s eight. It gave me great hope for the world. I’ve decided to try it more often. Maybe we need to get back into a practice of looking for the things to appreciate.
I drive a cab so I come across people up and down the economic spectrum. I keep my eyes open, I see someone struggling, I pull over and get them where they are going no charge. When I take someone’s groceries in and see they are a hoarder(very heartbreaking) I notify someone at the apartment or social services for a welfare check. I keep my eyes open and when I see something I say something.
Thank you for all that you do to promote democratic values and to remind us of our history. I've become increasingly alarmed at how online disinformation has contributed to unnecessary death and to the election of conspiracy theorists in our government. That's why I've joined The George Washington Initiative https://georgewashingtoninitiative.org/ to help fight the online garbage. People have been fed so much nonsense that they don't know what to believe. GWI is trying to do something about this.
My act is terribly small. The older woman has a good job, but I'd been gruff with her about something she was pushing when I was angry at the company pushing it, not her doing her job. I apologized today and she said she didn't remember (I know she did because she cringes when she sees me) -- but I was making her cry. I was glad I'd say something.
I’m a member of a local service club which raises funds and supports local children’s causes. The old service clubs our parents and grandparents joined — Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycee’s, Lions — are great organizations, do so much good within the communities, are all desperate for members and are a great way to meet people.
Also, through MindsMatter, mentor gifted first generation high school students from low-income families. Another excellent organization which has chapters in about 15 cities. The commitment and humility of these students inspires me and I’m four times their age.
At speakupmag.com, which is on Substack, we publish work by homeless and incarcerated writers. They get paid when published -- and we also give them 50% of any subscriptions they bring in as long as the subscribers stay active.
I live in the center of a large city, Philadelphia, whose population is 41% Black, 39% White, and 20% Other. The workplaces and store staffs are integrated, but large aspects of life in the city — from houses of worship to performing arts events to public transit to schools — are far from it. That separation can be a breeding ground for sweeping (and unfounded) ethnic generalizations from both sides. I try to lean against the breeze by bending over backwards to have at least a couple of friendly interactions in the park, on the street, or elsewhere in public, with strangers who happen to be Black Americans. At first, it didn’t come naturally. Now it does. It helps that I have a big friendly beautiful dog. I learn a lot, and I hope others do as well.
I make the most difference I can in as many ways as I can. I am a strong advocate for wildlife, wilderness and climate and have served on local land trust and water association boards. I am an active, involved member of my UU church, and serve as a Board Member as well as leading several projects. I have always followed the motto of one of my mentors. Making a difference is about our best combination of Work, Wisdom, and Wealth.
First of all, regarding people under highways, etc. I worked for both juvenile adult probation at one time, and in general, those spots are “owned” by the people who stand there. We were cautioned-it’s best to give them the name of a local shelter.
Now that I have silver hair – do not dare call it grey – I find that that hair is sometimes a segue to conversation with people who come into the Heard Museum shop where I volunteer several times a month. Last week a woman with 4 inches of blissfully curly silver hair walked in with her cane and approached the counter. I praised her hair after which I got the entire story of her six years of fighting and beating cancer. Evidently this wonderful hair was the product of losing everything and then gaining something better! It really doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day! Just pay attention.
I have a long-time activist friend who has diabetes and was in Vietnam during the war. He is a disabled vet (agent orange). He was totally mobile, but full of co-morbidities. When the pandemic hit, I told him that I would do all his shopping for him. That I wanted him to stay home and be safe. Then he had an auto accident (lost consciousness during a diabetic blackout. He totaled his car, was in the hospital forever, and then rehab. He finally had to lose his right leg due to a broken ankle that would not heal. I continue to shop for him, but only because he has no car. He gets around great on his fake leg. But now it is just a thing I do. To help. I feel good about myself when I do this. It is never a burden. He deserves someone taking care of this one thing for him. I am happy it is me.
For a couple of years, I was a substitute teacher in a NJ high school. I had classes of the good kids, always polite, did their homework, never late, on the fast track for good colleges and successful careers. But most of the time, I was given the classes others would turn down. The kids those in the teacher's lunchroom discussed with rolled eyes and disparaging adjectives. I liked them best !! They ran in the halls, started food fights in the cafeteria, lost their books, put tacks on chairs, slept, threw erasers-they knew all the tricks. Tried them on me for awhile. Lesson plans left for me were of no consequence or interest or value to these "students." So while I kept the concept of the lesson, I steered it to what they thought-about anything. Things they thought were funny, I honestly did, too. We talked about their souped up cars, making a moped from scratch, sports they liked, movies. We laughed, we clapped, sometimes we just all looked out the window and watched the band practicing on the football field. I did not belittle them, try to shame them,knew each one by name or nickname, often put my hand on a shoulder as I walked around. They came to trust me. They divulged often sad facts about their family, their fears, the real people they were under all the bluff. They spoke to me respectfully in the classroom and in the halls. If they saw me drive by them downtown, they waved, hooted and hollered with joy, happiness. They had personality. I acknowledged them. They existed. They had meaning. I loved them.
After all, as a student myself with the girl who sat ahead of me in homeroom , we threw papers or whatever out of the 2nd floor windows so the teacher would let us go outside to retrieve them. Mr. Tomkins was a good guy, he knew. I like to think he was my model with my "bad" kids.
I always take the time to notice a person's name on their name tag and thank or acknowlege them by name to show that I see them and appreciate the work or service they are providing.
I do several things for the community. I am a retried Nurse Practitioner and volunteer at several immunization clinics in the area. I am on the Sustainability Board of our city. I am on the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network working for a more sustainable community and home electrification. I am on the community tree committee, writing letters in opposition to removing our urban canopy. I am on the Neighborhood Association Board as the sustainability subcommittee member. I teach part time to help fulfil our need for more medical providers in the country. I also write postcards and letters encouraging people to vote in battleground states and am a Democratic Community Leader in a pilot project to encourage people in our neighborhood to vote as well. We all need to be involved in our communities.
I try and constantly give back to the community. Sometimes it’s providing time to sit on foundation boards and sometimes it’s donating money. Usually it’s both. When I see the person on the street or freeway off-ramp I think if it wasn’t for a few great things in my life, that could be me. I don’t always give them money but often times I do. I don’t know what triggers my action towards them on any given day
When I worked, I loved greeting and speaking with baristas and lunch counter employees. They must have liked it, too, as I noticed it wasn’t long before I’d get a wave or smile or a head start on my usual order.
Since retirement I’ve supported more and more organizations, from writing letters against razing local hills by a developer whose EIR was basically puffery to supporting national groups to prevent horse slaughter, to encouraging letting old growth forests remain standing, and more.
Individually, maybe not as much impact, but I do know I’m part of something larger.
I donate to candidates that support our democracy, sometimes do mailers, recycle usable clothes & home goods , donate to food banks and sponsor children on our local tree of sharing and at our local child abuse center. There’s enough of a need in society that usually once every month I can do something. Just something small each month as I’m retired and on social security & a pension..I feel we each should do something for others if we can.
Also, I was recently selected as part of a BioScience Core project, where artists are paired with Researchers and Scientists. We, as artists, interpret the information and will make art to showcase what the researchers are doing. ...I was paired with an NAU professor doing work to bridge the gaps that foster kids encounter when aging out of the system. Her work is so important and I am honored to have the opportunity to bring a larger spotlight on the issues. I don’t know what images I will create yet (ideas swimming around in my head at present), but I am so struck by the data of this underserved sect of the community! Many are homeless in their 20s, become addicted to substance abuse, and only 3% go to college. So, the professor’s emphasis is on Mentorship, living skills, employment. What these “kids” need is that ONE person they can trust. It can make all the difference. I cannot wait to create a piece that will speak to a larger audience! The exhibit will showcase in August in Phoenix and themes run the gamut.
I hope that the couple of things I do make a difference. I volunteer with a county service that provides rides for people to get to medical appointments. I drive several times a week. The church I attend has a food mobile that goes several times a week to needy areas. The food truck has 2 freezers, 3 refrigerators, and many shelves of fresh produce. We provide milk, eggs, butter, frozen meat in addition to canned goods. It's like a little store! I mostly help with restocking the vehicle 2-3 times a week.
In the godmother to a young teen (14) who started seriously self-harming during the pandemic (turns out the diagnosis is complicated--she’s highly gifted, on the spectrum, ADHD and OCD )--she is no longer able to live at home, is in a treatment facility and her parents aren’t allowed contact until she comes home. So my good deed is checking in on her and keeping at least one “normal” conversation running (talking about things she likes, like the math camp she attended in the summer). 🥹
I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as I too have given a lot of time energy and resources to generate the “good” but here in America with every organization and political candidate begging, pleading and writing long donor appeals for your money, I find myself asking when it is ever going to be enough? Donating your time, money and resources feels good for the causes you believe in but here in the US it seems everyone and everywhere someone has their hand out. Personally I need to focus on bringing in more income, energy and resources so I’ll be ready for the next batch of “please fund me” it gets exhausting really. Just my opinion no applause just send CASH! 🤣😂😅😝
You hit upon my passion. As I get older I think about how I can make a difference, how I can make the world a better place, in Judaism we call it tikkun olam. More specifically as I get older I think about how I can leave a footprint on the world so that I can think about my life and say I mattered. Much of what I do is donating money to favorite charities, and, again, as I get older, health charities are most important, because without health people have nothing. After a very bad experience I had in 2021 with an internist who had cared for me for more than 10 years, whose predecessor in that medical practice had care for me for many many many more years (40+), I left that hospital group and searched for a new internist. I asked friends for referrals and also turned to the internet. I called the office of an internist that had been recommended to me; and her office told me that she was not taking new patients. The office added that there were others in the practice who were taking new patients; and they actually named a few who were not only internists, but also gerontologists. I said "perfect" as I was getting older and older every day and clearly gerontology was in my future. Then I researched the internists/gerontologists on the medical group's website, looking for qualities I value in a doctor, as well as the doctor's approach to patients and medicine. I ended up with the most incredible internist in the world (and I tell him that often, though I don't get much of a response because he is so humble. He fixed up the problems the previous internist had caused; and as I told him, when he fixed me up he actually created a better version of me than I was before. With gratitude for this doctor, who led me to specialists in his hospital group to replace specialist I previously had, who actually found that I was being overrated and over medicated by my previous specialists, I became very involved in this hospital group. To add to the inspirations this hospital group was in the midst of building a new hospital campus, bringing it from its already highly regarded, excellent hospital campus to a beyond state of the art facility which will open late in 2023. With each meeting I attended at the hospital foundation I became more and more inspired. In addition to working with the Foundation, I became involved in Women For Health. That is a group of 30 - 35 women who commit to a donation each year and then listen to seminars from several groups across the hospital spectrum about new research, products, staff or programs that group would like to add to the hospital. Then at the end of the year we vote as to where we would like to contribute our cumulative funds. One individual can make a difference, but as a group, combining our monetary resources, we can make a bigger positive impact. It is such an incredible learning experience as these various groups present their proposed initiatives; and it is so fulfilling to feel that we are furthering the health opportunities of the community. I am also involved in the hospital auxiliary which has monthly meetings from hospital staff (e.g. a dietician who really educated us about the best proactive ways we can better our health); and the auxiliary is also the primary force creating fundraising events that will help the hospital continue to provide more and more state of the art services for the community. I also want to do more than just provide funds. I want very much to do something hands on. A number of years ago I had read about a church group that knit blankets for hospitals. I inquired at this new hospital group if they accepted knitted blankets from volunteers (as I had once inquired at a large NYC facility who told me that they just had too much knitted stuff and were shutting down that program). This NJ hospital group told me that they very much appreciated the donation of knitted blankets. I donated 1 blanket in September; and I am now finishing my 2nd blanket (I have already started my 3rd blanket as it is nice to switch off projects and especially colors when working on such a long project; and actually I have already purchased yarn for a 4th blanket). As I sit at home, enjoying my retirement years, I find knitting these hospital blankets so very fulfilling. I had found a talent that I had that could actually be used to help people. These blankets are used in the oncology department, for patients who are going through treatment. I sit at home and knit and think about the person whom I don't even know who, while going through a very difficult health challenge, will hopefully be warmed and comforted by the blanket I knit. Of all of the things I do, knitting these blankets touches me the most. As I learned from my Rabbi, in his discussion of his discretionary fund, where we can donate and he gives funds to congregants in need, whether it be a financial challenge because of the current erratic economy, or extra expenses because of a health challenge, or for whatever reason a congregant has a need. We can choose to give; and in his discretion, he gives funds to the recipient. It is anonymous, as we don't know the recipient and the recipient doesn't know the donor, thus avoiding any feelings of shame or obligation that the recipient might experience from having to seek help publicly. This has become my favorite fund at the synagogue. With the blankets, I am giving something that will hopefully be of value to the person who uses them, plus it has the extra bonus of being something I do hands on. I go to sleep at night very comforted after I have spent some time knitting that day, or some time in 1 of my other hospital or synagogue volunteer roles hoping that I have making a positive difference in the world, that I am leaving an anonymous footprint for now and for future generations.
I am now retired on a fixed income, but when I worked professionally, I had a housekeeper for many years who was desperately poor. I always tried to give her extra when I could. She and I also became close friends when I went through a very difficult period. Now, almost six years after I retired and moved, I am still in touch with her and send a generous money gift at Xmas, and often buy large bottles of vitamins to send her. More than money, we talk on the phone several times a year and she and I remain friends.
I value your very thoughtful observations; thank you! I decided about 5 years ago that younger voters are not only the future of our democracy but also, and importantly, it’s savior! So with my wife and dedicated staff, we have registered 100,000 high school seniors in key states and created a nonpartisan nonprofit www.Inspiretovote.org. This effort will intensify in 23 and 24 and we welcome your participation for there is no question that our beloved democracy is in danger!
In Finland everyone, with rare exceptions, has a place to live, food to eat, health care and education. Although the US has a GDP per capita roughly 50% higher than Finland, there are more poor people in the US (over 40,000,000) than live in all of the Nordic countries (approximately 25,000,000). Finland is a democratic country with a market driven economy. It has, perhaps, the best prepared military in Europe in large part due to their neighbor to the east. It must import all of its oil and gas. So how does Finland do it--have all of these expendures with much less income per capita than the US and still have hardly any poverty or homelessness? The short answer is that Finland's governmental priorities are different than the US. Essentially, the needs of society are more important than the avarice of the few. It's really as simple as that and I think the Finns are happier for it.
I am very lucky to have been professionally successful. Years ago I quietly opened a college fund for my housekeeper’s then six-year-old daughter and donated to it every year. It has grown over the years.
This fall the young woman will become the first person in her family to attend college, and she’s well funded.
After being a reluctant target of a narcissistic rage (and developing PTSD as a result) I made the commitment to use my skills as a musical storyteller to alert those who have no understanding of the devastating impact trauma has had on our society. I refuse to sit idly by as 1/3 of Americans suffer symptoms of mental illness and do nothing. I can not avert my eyes to teen suicide or the 100’s if not thousands of suicidal teens who end up in the ER every night because they have no where else to go. Treatment is either inaccessible or unaffordable.
If anyone wishes to join me on my mission please visit: www.themissinglink.mykajabi.com
I did Facetime with my eight year old granddaughter yesterday to amuse her while she recovers from covid. She taught me a game called “What I see.” The idea is that you compliment someone by saying “What I see when I look at you is … (insert compliment).”
One of the things she said about me was. “When I look at you, I see an audience who laughs at my jokes and loves me very much.” Then she said, “You know, when you compliment someone else it always makes you feel good about yourself too.” Smart girl. She’s eight. It gave me great hope for the world. I’ve decided to try it more often. Maybe we need to get back into a practice of looking for the things to appreciate.
I drive a cab so I come across people up and down the economic spectrum. I keep my eyes open, I see someone struggling, I pull over and get them where they are going no charge. When I take someone’s groceries in and see they are a hoarder(very heartbreaking) I notify someone at the apartment or social services for a welfare check. I keep my eyes open and when I see something I say something.
Thank you for all that you do to promote democratic values and to remind us of our history. I've become increasingly alarmed at how online disinformation has contributed to unnecessary death and to the election of conspiracy theorists in our government. That's why I've joined The George Washington Initiative https://georgewashingtoninitiative.org/ to help fight the online garbage. People have been fed so much nonsense that they don't know what to believe. GWI is trying to do something about this.
My act is terribly small. The older woman has a good job, but I'd been gruff with her about something she was pushing when I was angry at the company pushing it, not her doing her job. I apologized today and she said she didn't remember (I know she did because she cringes when she sees me) -- but I was making her cry. I was glad I'd say something.
I serve others. Run our local Habitat affiliate. I encourage others to volunteer. I write. We can all give more.
https://albellenchia.substack.com/p/trickles
I’m a member of a local service club which raises funds and supports local children’s causes. The old service clubs our parents and grandparents joined — Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycee’s, Lions — are great organizations, do so much good within the communities, are all desperate for members and are a great way to meet people.
Also, through MindsMatter, mentor gifted first generation high school students from low-income families. Another excellent organization which has chapters in about 15 cities. The commitment and humility of these students inspires me and I’m four times their age.
At speakupmag.com, which is on Substack, we publish work by homeless and incarcerated writers. They get paid when published -- and we also give them 50% of any subscriptions they bring in as long as the subscribers stay active.
I live in the center of a large city, Philadelphia, whose population is 41% Black, 39% White, and 20% Other. The workplaces and store staffs are integrated, but large aspects of life in the city — from houses of worship to performing arts events to public transit to schools — are far from it. That separation can be a breeding ground for sweeping (and unfounded) ethnic generalizations from both sides. I try to lean against the breeze by bending over backwards to have at least a couple of friendly interactions in the park, on the street, or elsewhere in public, with strangers who happen to be Black Americans. At first, it didn’t come naturally. Now it does. It helps that I have a big friendly beautiful dog. I learn a lot, and I hope others do as well.
I make the most difference I can in as many ways as I can. I am a strong advocate for wildlife, wilderness and climate and have served on local land trust and water association boards. I am an active, involved member of my UU church, and serve as a Board Member as well as leading several projects. I have always followed the motto of one of my mentors. Making a difference is about our best combination of Work, Wisdom, and Wealth.
Sitting here having some quiet time on a Sunday reading all the good things people are doing REALLY helps my state of mind. Thank you!
First of all, regarding people under highways, etc. I worked for both juvenile adult probation at one time, and in general, those spots are “owned” by the people who stand there. We were cautioned-it’s best to give them the name of a local shelter.
Now that I have silver hair – do not dare call it grey – I find that that hair is sometimes a segue to conversation with people who come into the Heard Museum shop where I volunteer several times a month. Last week a woman with 4 inches of blissfully curly silver hair walked in with her cane and approached the counter. I praised her hair after which I got the entire story of her six years of fighting and beating cancer. Evidently this wonderful hair was the product of losing everything and then gaining something better! It really doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day! Just pay attention.
I have a long-time activist friend who has diabetes and was in Vietnam during the war. He is a disabled vet (agent orange). He was totally mobile, but full of co-morbidities. When the pandemic hit, I told him that I would do all his shopping for him. That I wanted him to stay home and be safe. Then he had an auto accident (lost consciousness during a diabetic blackout. He totaled his car, was in the hospital forever, and then rehab. He finally had to lose his right leg due to a broken ankle that would not heal. I continue to shop for him, but only because he has no car. He gets around great on his fake leg. But now it is just a thing I do. To help. I feel good about myself when I do this. It is never a burden. He deserves someone taking care of this one thing for him. I am happy it is me.
For a couple of years, I was a substitute teacher in a NJ high school. I had classes of the good kids, always polite, did their homework, never late, on the fast track for good colleges and successful careers. But most of the time, I was given the classes others would turn down. The kids those in the teacher's lunchroom discussed with rolled eyes and disparaging adjectives. I liked them best !! They ran in the halls, started food fights in the cafeteria, lost their books, put tacks on chairs, slept, threw erasers-they knew all the tricks. Tried them on me for awhile. Lesson plans left for me were of no consequence or interest or value to these "students." So while I kept the concept of the lesson, I steered it to what they thought-about anything. Things they thought were funny, I honestly did, too. We talked about their souped up cars, making a moped from scratch, sports they liked, movies. We laughed, we clapped, sometimes we just all looked out the window and watched the band practicing on the football field. I did not belittle them, try to shame them,knew each one by name or nickname, often put my hand on a shoulder as I walked around. They came to trust me. They divulged often sad facts about their family, their fears, the real people they were under all the bluff. They spoke to me respectfully in the classroom and in the halls. If they saw me drive by them downtown, they waved, hooted and hollered with joy, happiness. They had personality. I acknowledged them. They existed. They had meaning. I loved them.
After all, as a student myself with the girl who sat ahead of me in homeroom , we threw papers or whatever out of the 2nd floor windows so the teacher would let us go outside to retrieve them. Mr. Tomkins was a good guy, he knew. I like to think he was my model with my "bad" kids.
I always take the time to notice a person's name on their name tag and thank or acknowlege them by name to show that I see them and appreciate the work or service they are providing.
I do several things for the community. I am a retried Nurse Practitioner and volunteer at several immunization clinics in the area. I am on the Sustainability Board of our city. I am on the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network working for a more sustainable community and home electrification. I am on the community tree committee, writing letters in opposition to removing our urban canopy. I am on the Neighborhood Association Board as the sustainability subcommittee member. I teach part time to help fulfil our need for more medical providers in the country. I also write postcards and letters encouraging people to vote in battleground states and am a Democratic Community Leader in a pilot project to encourage people in our neighborhood to vote as well. We all need to be involved in our communities.
I try and constantly give back to the community. Sometimes it’s providing time to sit on foundation boards and sometimes it’s donating money. Usually it’s both. When I see the person on the street or freeway off-ramp I think if it wasn’t for a few great things in my life, that could be me. I don’t always give them money but often times I do. I don’t know what triggers my action towards them on any given day
Steven: You are a breath of fresh air especially on Twitter. Thank you.
Rep. Ruben Gallegos (D-AZ) is considering a run for Sinema’s spot. We should consider donating to his search committee, if possible.
When I worked, I loved greeting and speaking with baristas and lunch counter employees. They must have liked it, too, as I noticed it wasn’t long before I’d get a wave or smile or a head start on my usual order.
Since retirement I’ve supported more and more organizations, from writing letters against razing local hills by a developer whose EIR was basically puffery to supporting national groups to prevent horse slaughter, to encouraging letting old growth forests remain standing, and more.
Individually, maybe not as much impact, but I do know I’m part of something larger.
I donate to candidates that support our democracy, sometimes do mailers, recycle usable clothes & home goods , donate to food banks and sponsor children on our local tree of sharing and at our local child abuse center. There’s enough of a need in society that usually once every month I can do something. Just something small each month as I’m retired and on social security & a pension..I feel we each should do something for others if we can.
Also, I was recently selected as part of a BioScience Core project, where artists are paired with Researchers and Scientists. We, as artists, interpret the information and will make art to showcase what the researchers are doing. ...I was paired with an NAU professor doing work to bridge the gaps that foster kids encounter when aging out of the system. Her work is so important and I am honored to have the opportunity to bring a larger spotlight on the issues. I don’t know what images I will create yet (ideas swimming around in my head at present), but I am so struck by the data of this underserved sect of the community! Many are homeless in their 20s, become addicted to substance abuse, and only 3% go to college. So, the professor’s emphasis is on Mentorship, living skills, employment. What these “kids” need is that ONE person they can trust. It can make all the difference. I cannot wait to create a piece that will speak to a larger audience! The exhibit will showcase in August in Phoenix and themes run the gamut.
I hope that the couple of things I do make a difference. I volunteer with a county service that provides rides for people to get to medical appointments. I drive several times a week. The church I attend has a food mobile that goes several times a week to needy areas. The food truck has 2 freezers, 3 refrigerators, and many shelves of fresh produce. We provide milk, eggs, butter, frozen meat in addition to canned goods. It's like a little store! I mostly help with restocking the vehicle 2-3 times a week.
In the godmother to a young teen (14) who started seriously self-harming during the pandemic (turns out the diagnosis is complicated--she’s highly gifted, on the spectrum, ADHD and OCD )--she is no longer able to live at home, is in a treatment facility and her parents aren’t allowed contact until she comes home. So my good deed is checking in on her and keeping at least one “normal” conversation running (talking about things she likes, like the math camp she attended in the summer). 🥹
I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as I too have given a lot of time energy and resources to generate the “good” but here in America with every organization and political candidate begging, pleading and writing long donor appeals for your money, I find myself asking when it is ever going to be enough? Donating your time, money and resources feels good for the causes you believe in but here in the US it seems everyone and everywhere someone has their hand out. Personally I need to focus on bringing in more income, energy and resources so I’ll be ready for the next batch of “please fund me” it gets exhausting really. Just my opinion no applause just send CASH! 🤣😂😅😝
Hmm. I’m on Facebook and you can email me here: contact@cbmg.enterprises. The link is: https://themissinglink.mykajabi.com/
You hit upon my passion. As I get older I think about how I can make a difference, how I can make the world a better place, in Judaism we call it tikkun olam. More specifically as I get older I think about how I can leave a footprint on the world so that I can think about my life and say I mattered. Much of what I do is donating money to favorite charities, and, again, as I get older, health charities are most important, because without health people have nothing. After a very bad experience I had in 2021 with an internist who had cared for me for more than 10 years, whose predecessor in that medical practice had care for me for many many many more years (40+), I left that hospital group and searched for a new internist. I asked friends for referrals and also turned to the internet. I called the office of an internist that had been recommended to me; and her office told me that she was not taking new patients. The office added that there were others in the practice who were taking new patients; and they actually named a few who were not only internists, but also gerontologists. I said "perfect" as I was getting older and older every day and clearly gerontology was in my future. Then I researched the internists/gerontologists on the medical group's website, looking for qualities I value in a doctor, as well as the doctor's approach to patients and medicine. I ended up with the most incredible internist in the world (and I tell him that often, though I don't get much of a response because he is so humble. He fixed up the problems the previous internist had caused; and as I told him, when he fixed me up he actually created a better version of me than I was before. With gratitude for this doctor, who led me to specialists in his hospital group to replace specialist I previously had, who actually found that I was being overrated and over medicated by my previous specialists, I became very involved in this hospital group. To add to the inspirations this hospital group was in the midst of building a new hospital campus, bringing it from its already highly regarded, excellent hospital campus to a beyond state of the art facility which will open late in 2023. With each meeting I attended at the hospital foundation I became more and more inspired. In addition to working with the Foundation, I became involved in Women For Health. That is a group of 30 - 35 women who commit to a donation each year and then listen to seminars from several groups across the hospital spectrum about new research, products, staff or programs that group would like to add to the hospital. Then at the end of the year we vote as to where we would like to contribute our cumulative funds. One individual can make a difference, but as a group, combining our monetary resources, we can make a bigger positive impact. It is such an incredible learning experience as these various groups present their proposed initiatives; and it is so fulfilling to feel that we are furthering the health opportunities of the community. I am also involved in the hospital auxiliary which has monthly meetings from hospital staff (e.g. a dietician who really educated us about the best proactive ways we can better our health); and the auxiliary is also the primary force creating fundraising events that will help the hospital continue to provide more and more state of the art services for the community. I also want to do more than just provide funds. I want very much to do something hands on. A number of years ago I had read about a church group that knit blankets for hospitals. I inquired at this new hospital group if they accepted knitted blankets from volunteers (as I had once inquired at a large NYC facility who told me that they just had too much knitted stuff and were shutting down that program). This NJ hospital group told me that they very much appreciated the donation of knitted blankets. I donated 1 blanket in September; and I am now finishing my 2nd blanket (I have already started my 3rd blanket as it is nice to switch off projects and especially colors when working on such a long project; and actually I have already purchased yarn for a 4th blanket). As I sit at home, enjoying my retirement years, I find knitting these hospital blankets so very fulfilling. I had found a talent that I had that could actually be used to help people. These blankets are used in the oncology department, for patients who are going through treatment. I sit at home and knit and think about the person whom I don't even know who, while going through a very difficult health challenge, will hopefully be warmed and comforted by the blanket I knit. Of all of the things I do, knitting these blankets touches me the most. As I learned from my Rabbi, in his discussion of his discretionary fund, where we can donate and he gives funds to congregants in need, whether it be a financial challenge because of the current erratic economy, or extra expenses because of a health challenge, or for whatever reason a congregant has a need. We can choose to give; and in his discretion, he gives funds to the recipient. It is anonymous, as we don't know the recipient and the recipient doesn't know the donor, thus avoiding any feelings of shame or obligation that the recipient might experience from having to seek help publicly. This has become my favorite fund at the synagogue. With the blankets, I am giving something that will hopefully be of value to the person who uses them, plus it has the extra bonus of being something I do hands on. I go to sleep at night very comforted after I have spent some time knitting that day, or some time in 1 of my other hospital or synagogue volunteer roles hoping that I have making a positive difference in the world, that I am leaving an anonymous footprint for now and for future generations.
I am now retired on a fixed income, but when I worked professionally, I had a housekeeper for many years who was desperately poor. I always tried to give her extra when I could. She and I also became close friends when I went through a very difficult period. Now, almost six years after I retired and moved, I am still in touch with her and send a generous money gift at Xmas, and often buy large bottles of vitamins to send her. More than money, we talk on the phone several times a year and she and I remain friends.