Poverty, war, environment, child abuse, health care, corporate excess, animal welfare … on and on. Sometimes it seems that everywhere you look there’s something that could be changed and a campaign, lobby group, charity behind a call for action. Each has an appealing cause and all want support.
If I think about the historical figures I most admire, all have been at the forefront of some of the great social change movements:
- Women’s emancipation
- Abolition of slavery
- Ending colonial rule in India
- Integration of African Americans
- Collapse of apartheid
- End of totalitarian rule in Eastern Europe
- Helping the poor in Calcutta
- Etc.
Of course none of these movements were the result of a single person taking action. But each is clearly associated with an individual known for their devotion, passion and determination to change something. Whether they were simply the public face of the movement or were genuinely the driving force or instigator doesn’t really matter. Mention helping the poor in Calcutta and the name that immediately comes to mind is Mother Teresa.
These people made a difference and our world is a better place as a result of their lives.
None of them were perfect. They were ordinary human beings just like you and me. But let’s face it. Not of all us are going to turn into a Mandela, Pankhurst or Walesa.
And we don’t need to – all of us have the capacity to make a difference. Each of us has the chance to live a life which leaves the world in a better condition than when we arrived here. Maybe in small ways, maybe huge ways.
It really depends on you.
Do nothing
Of course this is an option. No one will judge me for it – because I doubt anyone will notice. It’s what many people do so I”ll have company.
Variations of this approach are:
- give up under the overwhelming weight of all those good causes and say ‘I’m too small and insignificant, there’s nothing I can do’
- close my eyes, ears and heart and surround myself with things to distract me from the pain and suffering in the world
- allow myself to be crushed under the burden of taking all that suffering on myself.
Do something
Where to start when there’s so much that could be done?
The complexity of the world we live in is such that we can rarely know the consequences of our actions. A small kindness or act of charity on our doorstep could make a huge difference on the other side of the world. We can never know.
I find these questions are helpful as a starting point:
1. In my lifestyle:
- am I creating more than I consume?
- do I make conscious choices about what I consume?
- am I informed about the source of what I consume?
- do I know what happens with the waste I produce?
2. With those around me:
- am I giving more than receive?
- do I serve more than I’m served?
- do I laugh and cry as much as I could?
3 In the rest of the world:
- am I informed about what’s really going on out there?
- what cause do I feel really passionate about?
- what resources (time, skills, contacts, money) do I have to offer?
- what am I really willing to do for this cause?
- are there communities I can join and offer my support?
I wish I had more answers for myself but asking these kind of questions, of course, is only the start.
Mandela didn’t lead his country out of apartheid only by asking questions. Pankhurst didn’t bring the vote to women by navel gazing. Walesa didn’t ignite Solidarity by soul searching.
They took action.
Each of us can take action and we can do something.
Which are the causes that really get you excited and geared up for action?
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I definitely take action. I might never lead a movement or become the face of a cause, but I take small actions every day, in the hopes that the ripples will spread throughout the pond we all live in. I think if we all focus on doing many small things, then together we can cause great change in the world for the better. Thanks for everything *you* do, Ian.
Same here. I don’t see myself becoming the driving force behind a cause (though who knows what the future holds), but I do believe in ripple effects. All those “little things” we can do on a daily basis adds up, and can inspire others to do the same.
Hi Ian,
Small steps…can lead to some pretty big stuff. Big in a global concept, or just big in one other person’s life. And it all matters. Here’s to taking action and making our world a little bit better…each of us, doing something…think how powerful that would be!
Great post! It definitely got me motivated and believing that I can actually make a difference in the world. It’s truly amazing what one person can do!
Hi Ian,
I used to think that everyone knew that one of the best things a person can do is to be of service and help make the world better. It was not until recently that I realized not everyone believes in helping others. You would think I would not be so naive but I was and it was heart breaking.
However, I realized that some people just do not know that we are in this together and what we do to one person, we are in a way doing to everybody. Actions have ripple effects. It is my hope that with time more people will realize this fact.
Health Care and Education are my hot topics… they rile me up, move me to tears, force me to feel, and encourage me to act. In fact, I’ve recently considered a possible run for office in the not-so-distant future, so that I might effect MORE change than I can now. My tiny voice needs a megaphone in order to be heard.
Who knows? But I do feel moved to speak up on both those subjects, so maybe one day I will make a difference too.
I know it’s impossible but I want the complete abolition of poverty. I can’t stand seeing many people die in hunger while others are wasting their foods on their plate. I my own little way I try to share a little of what I have to these unfortunate fellow beings, but I’m not satisfied. I wish I could do more.
Hi Walter, I don’t think the complete abolition of poverty is all that difficult. It’s just that vested interests get in the way. There would also need to be ways where people could connect and see the benefits of what they are doing.
I think its important to make a difference in our own circle of influence. Beyond this – to affect the world – the way most of us will probably do this is by joining organisations started by those we admire. In this way we can make our small contribution to the big changes needed.
@Jay And thank you for everything you do! I always smile when I see a message or comment from you.
@Hilda I agree. Step by step .. every journey is made up of steps.
@Lance I take heart from the small communities who are doing just that. Making a difference. And that includes all my fellow ‘bloggers’ who are making a difference!
@Dani Take it from me … you DO make a difference already!
@Nadia I continue to believe that everyone is compassionate at heart. With many people there’s some kind of blockage that means the message doesn’t always reach higher up the body where decisions are made.
Remove the blockages .. and love flows.
@Lisis Go for it!!!! Yeah … Lisis for President !!! You have my vote. Ummm well, you would if I could actually vote.
@Walter Impossible? Technically it’s probably possible – but requires a large scale change of attitude by the minority that consumes the majority. As the saying goes ‘There is enough for every man’s need but not greed’
Hi Ian – Individuals are powerful. Like you said, within a cause, some individuals can become the “face” of a movement and others have pivotal roles behind the scenes. I think what’s important is how you feel about what you are doing. You may not be the figurehead, but if you think that what you are doing is essential and important in it’s own right, it is.
I think we can all take action. Taking no action doesn’t solve anything. Becoming active on a certain task or topic, is a great way to make a true different. You have to talk the talk and walk the walk also. Cuz then if you just talk your walk won’t match your talk. Lol…a bit confusing but makes sense.
Great Post, Ian Peatey.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for stopping by. I’m usually better at talking the talk then walking the walk … but I do get out and do a bit of walking. When I’m not talking.