And the winner is . . .
Nancy Macri's "Social and Academic Tutoring" Initiative
Thanks to those attending the St. Augustine Florida BYOW party. We met and an overall feeling of grace descended. Palpable was the sense that we were working together to make a difference. We actually wanted to help. I hope we do. We could only champion one of the causes, but the following are some of the wonderful ideas that were not chosen: Urban Farming, Spiritual Paradigmatic Change, Invisible Children, Thrift for Cancer, The ARC, Reuse the Shoes, and Recycling. An almost unanimous vote went to Nancy's "Academic Tutoring." In groups we will arrive at an elementary school and read to children with learning or behavioral issues. The brilliance of Nancy's program is that it foments interest in education now for these students. Without this program, without the individual focus on single students, the unfortunate outcome for these students is bleak.
BYOW Party: August 9, 2008
The Broadstrokes:
1) Contact 20, or heck 5, people and tell them about the August 9 party. They have until then to think of a way to better the world. Be sure to have everyones contact information before your party ends.
2.) At 6:30 each person will present their idea, and in 2 hours everyone will vote and choose a charitable direction.
3.) Email pictures or video of your party with your group's direction to betteryourownworld@yahoo.com.
4.) Fill out the "Contact Us" information, and a BYOW representative will be in touch.
5.) Implement the action using all who attended your party.
Tacoma, WA
NY, NY
Welcome to our newest member(s). I am thrilled to announce Cindy Arnold's "Skies Unlimited" classes from Fort Lewis in Washington state have accepted the challenge. Go to the following site for information about her creative and inspiring approach to teaching and being a good steward of our world: http://www.fortlewismwr.com/SKIES_Unlimited.htm
Darrel Galles Signs for BYOW banner: dgsigns@bellsouth.net
Dear Editor, March 11, 2008
Like many, I find myself asking the same questions in regards to multi-faceted issues facing our world: “What can I do?” I have even thought, “Someone should do something” about one of the many issues any citizen could address. Recently, I came to a less than remarkable conclusion: “I am a somebody.” Maybe alone with my limited funds and humble place in society, I am ineffective but I have friends. While my friends are generally of the same status, together we could do something.
First, why do we believe that activism is for the aberrant or for those with dissenting views? Have we grown so apathetic through the inundation of defeats that we are no longer willing to endeavor change? When those trying to make a difference are thought of as romantic, quixotic, or some pejorative, we have traded our freedom of observation and activism for the safety of not being ridiculed. We have become eager to protect ourselves in anonymity while conversely our heroes become the conspicuous and ubiquitous athlete and celebrity. The only people worthy of making a change, or having a voice, are those with privilege. I disagree with this. I believe that a group of twenty could make a positive change.
On August 9, 2008, I and 19 friends will have a “Better Your Own World Party.” Prior to the date, we each will generate an idea that would simply better our world. Each idea should be easy to implement and at a nominal cost per person. At 6:30 pm, we will share our ideas, and at 8:30, after discussing these ideas in a social setting—at length—we will vote and champion one cause. Each of the 20 will be obligated to make this cause become a reality. I am going to generate a website for the event, and my hope is that many others will be moved to have their own BYOW Party. They would be obligated to do 3 things: take pictures of their event and send them to betteryourownworld@yahoo.com, provide some of the better ideas and the final idea being championed at said email address, and complete the task.
In truth, this idea came to me after much soul searching. Now that I have two children, I am suddenly willing to change my world, and I do see the hypocrisy in this. I understand that ridicule, again, will follow what may likely be seen as an indictment on apathy and the status quo. For many whom I have approached with this idea, I have been returned an empty gaze or a sudden change of subject. A change of subject seems the only comfortable and willing change to be exercised. Nonetheless, this is something that could take hold and utilize the latent energies when we have social gatherings. Fellowship is necessary and if a good cause burgeons from the setting, all the better. I would appreciate your posting this letter and hope that by doing so others will be willing to partake in this movement.
Sincerely,
betteryourownworld@yahoo.com
