Where Will Darius’ Journey Take You?
If you haven’t heard about Darius Weems, it’s about time you got to know him. Take a few minutes to watch the video below or spend some time on the Darius Goes West website and you will learn about Darius, eleven of his best friends, their journey in search of a wheelchair “pimped” by MTV and efforts to raise awarenesse about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and handicap accessibility across America – and you will be inspired in a most profound way.
People all across the country have been spurred into action by Darius, including thousands of students at Morgan County HS and Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School writing letters to more than 50,000 public high schools and middle schools in the country, with Morgan County even sending copies of the Darius Goes West DVD with their letters. Students were motivated to help Darius and his friends meet their goal of selling 1 million Darius Goes West DVDs before Darius turns 19 (the age his brother Mario died of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) on September 27, 2009. Each DVD sold raises $17 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, increases awareness, and honors Mario’s life, Darius’ courage and all children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Watching this young man grow up on his journey, revel in each experience, raise his voice for young people with DMD and increase the chance of a cure is more than inspiring, it is a powerful example of a living life fully and that (more…)
Where is Your Moon?
You may ask yourself – where’s my moon, my levee, my dream?
Well it’s here, with you. Step forward.
As the economic news confronts us each day we may be tempted to focus on what we cannot do, the obstacles. It is more important than ever to turn our attention to our moons, levees and dreams. To bring our energies to bear in service to our personal and collective visions of the future.
There are things that may have be placed on hold…but that doesn’t mean we stop all action. We can keep planning, connecting and taking steps forward. In fact, staying in motion is the key to success!
If you are looking for a bit of inspiration, check out USAService.org – you’ll be amazed how much doing something for others boosts your energy and renews your spirit!
The First 100 Days
President Obama started his First 100 Days in office and made his first proclamation:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century.
A day of Renewal and Reconciliation for us all. A day to consider our common purpose. A day to reflect upon President Obama’s words to us yesterday:
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
A day of renewal seems like the perfect time to start your own First 100 Days.
What will you commit to creating in your life and community in these next 100 Days?
A good place to start might be on the new WhiteHouse.gov website – check out The Office of Public Liaison; Intergovernmental Affairs (OPL-IGA) set up by the new administration to facilitate communication with elected officials.
Or just head out to your local Starbucks and join the “I’m In” campaign, a joint initiative with the Hands On Network. Get a free cup of coffee for pledging 5 hours of service and take a few minutes to think about the next 99 days!
President-Elect Barack Obama’s Victory Speech
While there is so much to say about the evening’s events, I thought it best to let our new President’s words inspire us to think about our responsibility to what is possible. Watch the speech, listen to the audio of Barack Obama Victory Speech provided by NPR or read the transcript below.
November 5, 2008 · In these prepared remarks provided by his campaign, President-Elect Barack Obama calls himself the unlikeliest presidential candidate. He thanks many members of his campaign, along with his enormous army of volunteers, and he warns supporters about what he calls the enormity of the tasks at hand that now face the U.S. He concludes by telling an anecdote about a 106-year-old African-American voter from Atlanta. (more…)
The Extraordinary Possibility of Democracy
Democracy is…the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.
— Harry Emerson Fosdick
This quote arrived in my in box today and I thought it most appropriate to share with you.
Today, while you are waiting in line to cast your vote, recognize our new President will be an ordinary person who decided the extraordinary was possible.
After you vote, take some time to think about the extraordinary possibilities available to you and make a plan to step into your vision.
It Takes a Woman, W-O-M-A-N!
Women have been fighting to break into the highest ranks of government long before they had achieved the right to vote. It started in 1864 when Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the National Woman Suffrage Association, and they have been making great strides ever since.
Victoria Woodhull was nominated for President of the United States by the newly formed Equal Rights Party in 1872, on a ticket with Frederick Douglass.
Belva Lockwood ran as the candidate of the National Equal Rights Party in 1884 and 1888. Her running mate in the first election was Marietta L. Stow – an all female ticket! (more…)
Randy Pausch Dies Leaving us the Last Lecture Legacy
On July 25, 2008, Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired students in the classroom and audiences around the world with his Last Lecture, died of complications from pancreatic cancer. Pausch, 47 years old, died at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia surrounded by his wife Jai and their three children: Dylan, 6, Logan, 4, and Chloe, 2.
ABC release this statement from Jai Pausch:
“I’d like to thank the millions of people who have offered their love, prayers and support. Randy was so happy and proud that the lecture and book inspired parents to revisit their priorities, particularly their relationships with their children. The outpouring of cards and emails really sustained him.”
The Carnegie Mellon University website posted news of Randy Pausch’s death with an article describing An Enduring Legacy.
Indeed, Pausch’s legacy will endure. Each time I listen to the lecture I walk away with a new insight. And this evening is no different. As this day draws to a close, Randy beacon remains bright…“If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.” (more…)
A New Way to See the World – Pangea Day
Where will you be on May 10, 2008?
If you haven’t heard of filmmaker Jehane Noujaim, The TED Conference and Prize (Technology, Entertainment, Design), or Pangea Day – the post is for you!
In 2006, filmmaker Jehane Noujaim won the TED Prize, an annual award granted at the TED Conference. She was granted $100,000, and more important, a wish to change the world. Her wish was to create a day in which the world came together through film. Pangea Day grew out of that wish.
To get a better idea of her vision, take a look at her acceptance speech:
On May 10, 2008, Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro will be linked for a live program of powerful films, live music, and visionary speakers. The entire program will be broadcast – in seven languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet, television, and mobile phones. Twenty-four short films will be featured to inspire, transform, and allow us see the world through another person’s eyes. The films will be selected in late April, but a few short promos and anthems are available on the site now. One anthem – Imagine! – Kenya Sings for India is featured below:
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Add Women, Change Everything – The White House Project
That’s the mantra of The White House Project!
What a rallying cry – Add Women, Change Everything!
If you haven’t heard of The White House Project, it is a national, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, with a mission to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, even the U.S. presidency. The White House Project aims to “create a culture where America’s most valuable untapped resource—women—can succeed in all realms.”
The White House Project website offers a plethora of resources, tips and programs to inspire, motivate and move you into action! Great places to start include:
Vote Run Lead for information about the political process. You’ll learn how to be more active as a voter, activist, even a candidate!
Enterprising Women for resources to boost your business prowess! Increase your visibility, raise your voice and claim your seat at the table!
Invite a Woman to Lead let’s you send a postcard, like the one below, to the powerful women in your life! Who are you going to invite to run for President?
For some quick tips on how to get started, The White House Project highlights
14 Ways to Lead in Your Life (more…)
To work is to pray. Laborare est orare.
This week, in response to the passing of William F. Buckley, Jr., many reflected on what the National Review editors aptly identified as his “wit, style, and intelligence.” Among those memorializing his life, was MSNBC’s Hardball host, Chris Matthews.
A friend and fellow political junkie, Lee Westell sent me the Hardblogger post in which Matthews offered a poignant commentary, explaining
In all the books and columns he wrote, in all the editions of National Review he published, our great William F. Buckley, Jr. was offering up “his” prayer. This is what he was doing, his work, at his desk, when he was taken home.
To work is to pray. Laborare est orare.
It was clear Matthews was inspired by both Buckley’s prayer and St. Benedict’s precept. Such a simple and beautiful concept; yet one that remains elusive for many.
I do believe when your work is a reflection of who you are, it is your most profound communication with the world.
Chris Matthews’ touching remembrance is a fitting tribute to the wit, style and intelligence of William F. Buckley and at the same time, a call to reflect on our own prayer.
