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“I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn’t touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God.” From A Gift for God by Mother Teresa
“There’s people you can’t help, fix, or save, but there’s nobody you can’t love.” Bart Campolo, CCDA 2009
“To be totally ignored is a painful experience. Children will go to any lengths to be noticed. We need to be noticed and loved just because we exist.” From Taking Charge by JoAnne Nordling
What the rich, famous and powerful get in our country is attention. Lots and lots of attention. Every move they make, every word they say is written down, recorded and dissected by more people than they could ever truly know. And why? Is it because they are better people? Is it because they are smarter? Is it because they are more kind and compassionate? Do they deserve all this attention from those of us who will never meet them?
What do the poor, young and powerless get? Heads turned aside from those who pass them by. Arguments swirling over and around them about the cause of their poverty or how to educate them. Special neighborhoods built just for them so that others don’t have to see their living conditions. Special spaces for the young and the old so that they don’t slow us down or get in the way of our plans and programs. Large waiting rooms where they sit for hours to receive a few minutes of time before a social worker moves on to the next person.
Many times over the last few years, I have been reminded to pay attention. Pay attention to my children to discern their needs and cries for help. Pay attention to each person who crosses my path that I may smile and acknowledge they exist. Pay attention to see the small ways I can make a difference right where I live.
I resolve this day to pay attention to the young, the old, the slow, the helpless, the refugee, the homeless. Notice and love those who are ignored and forgotten. I may not solve their “problems” or eradicate social ills, but I may help someone feel human again. And in the process I may just become more human myself.
People of the Second Chance was started by Mike Foster and Jud Wilhite. Mike serves as the Creative Principal at Plain Joe Studios. The design firm specializes in strategic ideation, interactive media, and environmental design. In addition to his role on Plain Joe’s executive team, Mike leads an innovative non profit organization called Ethur. He and his wife Jennifer live in Southern California with their two children. Jud leads Central Christian Church in the Las Vegas area and is the author of “Eyes Wide Open” and “Uncensored Grace: Stories of Hope From The Streets of Las Vegas.” Thousands of people attend services at Central’s campuses each weekend, along with a global community who attend online.
People of the Second Chance gives voice to a scandalous movement of radical grace in life and leadership. They are challenging the common misconceptions about failure and success and stand with those who have hit rock bottom in their personal and professional lives. It is a community that is committed to stretch themselves in the areas of relational forgiveness, personal transparency, and advocate for mercy over judgment. They are not ashamed of scars, wounds, or failures and leverage them as a source of strength and character development. People of the Second Chance have experienced a second chance so they actively support social justice organizations and advocate for the vulnerable, forgotten, and left behind.
I absolutely love reading. Love it. So it was my birthday recently, and we shot off for a couple of nights to a hotel at Loch Lomond, taking few good books to tide us over. I found myself reading a great book by a guy called Chris Heuertz, someone Jeff Shinabarger introduced me to a year ago. The book is about simplicity, humility and community. It’s about how so much of this can be seen in spades of people in the developing world and in places of poverty. We can learn a lot from it. It linked a lot to many of the arguments made by Bill McKibben in his book, Deep Economy.
McKibben argues that economic growth isn’t making us happier, it’s simply making us have more money (or at least a few of us, and it was written pre credit-crunch). So he argues for going back to local living for several reasons – it’s more environmentally sustainable, it’s better for communities and it’s better for the developing world. The environmental arguments I found compelling, but it was the community aspect that really made me think. Let me tell you a little bit about my childhood to illustrate his point.
I grew up in a little Scottish farming village in the south west of Scotland. When I say little, I mean little. The population of the village was c.450 (and still is today). The primary (5yrs-11yrs) school was 75 kids, we didn’t have high-school (11yrs to 18yrs), it was 7 miles. The nearest big town was Dumfries, a town of 30,000 people (we went there for a “day-out”). When I was born in 1975, this is what existed in that village. A garage and petrol station. A doctor’s practice. A primary school. A nursery. A police station. A church. A hairdresser. Three shops, including a butchers. A post office. A hotel and bar. A church hall. 3 roads into the village, and one connecting them. Not a single traffic light. A red phone box we used to hang around and think we were cool (it was the country…)
That was then, this is what exists now:
The church and its hall (which now holds the post office part time).
The doctor’s practice (Government funded)
The school (Government funded)
A café on its last legs
Here’s what killed it. In the town of Dumfries 8 miles away, there are now 3 Tesco supermarkets (the closest you can get to Walmart in the UK), and that’s one brand of 5. And who wouldn’t want to shop there? Food is cheaper, there’s greater choice, parking is fine, customer service is consistent, you can get all you need in one place, and the quality is consistent. Oh, and it’s cheaper.
But with it went the socialising of the village. The drive in from the farms to pick up the morning papers, and the gossip of who had the most new lambs (believe me, that was important chat where I come from!). The knowledge that if someone was sick then the whole village knew and people would care for you. A sense of belonging to something, and an absence of loneliness. And a place to go on a dark rural winter’s night when you just wanted to be with others. Of whist drives, and car treasure hunts.
The answer is not to victimise the supermarkets, they’re doing what they do very well. But there’s something about rediscovering the local in our lives that’s going to have to be such a major part of living lives of justice. If we care about social justice, and of genuine cultural change at home as well as abroad, then Chris Heuertz is right – that sense of simplicity and community is something we need to practise and learn from those who are the poorest of the poor. And McKibben is right in this call to local living, the obvious way to rebuild relationship. It’s not easy, it’s not quick to do or practise, and it’s not me. Yet.
The red phone box still stands alone on that street in my village. I don’t think anyone hangs out there anymore though….
Read more about my village here. http://www.dunscore.org.uk/
On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern for climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. In the U.S. where we are already feeling the impacts of climate change, Earth Hour sends a clear message that Americans care about this issue and want to turn the lights out on dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts, and make the switch to cleaner air, a strong economic future and a more secure nation.
On Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour will once again cascade around the globe, from New Zealand to Hawaii
Since its inception three years ago, Earth Hour’s non-partisan approach has captured the world’s imagination and became a global phenomenon. Nearly one billion people turned out for Earth Hour 2009 – involving 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents.
Last year, 80 million Americans and 318 U.S. cities officially voted for action with their light switch, joining iconic landmarks from around the world that went dark for Earth Hour, including:
Info taken from: myearthhour.org
Coury Deeb is the founder and Director of Nadus. The company was born out of the passion and dedication he found when he took his first trip to Southern Sudan. A photographer by trade, Deeb found he had gifts and talents to offer to help communicate the story and needs of the Sudanese friends he met there. Deeb will tell you he thinks of himself just as someone who “is in a network of servants who desire to see change, healing, and re-bulding in the war-torn areas of Southern Sudan.”
Plywood People: Coury, will you share with us a little bit about your inspiration to create the film The New Sudan?
Coury Deeb: The inspiration to create The New Sudan began in 2005 when I first learned about the needs in Sudan, specifically Southern Sudan. My wife and I were living in Philly at the time and apart of a great church community called Liberti. A man by the name of Celestin Musekura came and spoke about the needs and what him and his organization were doing to combat them. At that time in my life, I was a full time photographer and fairly successful. Most the things I was involved in were pretty self centered. I was bogged down by renovating an old row home and didn’t have much time for anything else. So, I realized, I have a gift, why not use it on something other than myself. A few months later I was on the ground in Southern Sudan photographing and filming the lives of the Sudanese. My work there amplified their voice, allowing others to learn of their needs. I partnered with the Sudanese people and found my love and service to them to grow. From there, I scripted the film The New Sudan and have seen it completed and produce fruit. Fruit that impacts the lives of the Sudanese. Something I’m proud of and grateful to be apart of!
Plywood People: Your project is about more than a documentary. What other projects are apart of in Sudan?
Coury: Film is the most powerful tool in raising awareness. We use film to raise awareness and financial support for the work we do here and in Southern Sudan. Nadus Films is passionate about providing clean water, education, medical and church development. Churches and organization who cater to those areas are prime candidates for a partnership with Nadus Films. Nadus Films does nothing in Sudan without the direct relationship with partners. The money we raise is then funneled into projects there on the ground via our partnerships. We’re the advocacy tool, we’re the people who let the needs be known. Why? Because there not capable of letting people know effectively. We are. What we’re not capable of doing is doing the work there in a sustainable manner. So, we partner, and we empower and equip the Sudanese holistically so that they can rebuild their own country with our help. We’re passionate about this model!
Plywood People: What was your favorite part about filming The New Sudan?
Coury: My favorite part about filming The New Sudan was the adventure and grittiness of filming on location in Sudan. Though, at times this was definitely the most difficult feat. I’m a man that loves a good challenge and adventure, so, things such as mines exploding near us, confrontations with the military, almost missing our flight and swimming naked in Lake Victoria to make that flight and eating strange foods are all things I enjoy and make me stronger.
Plywood People: How does what you saw in Sudan make you more hopeful for the future?
Coury: I see a resilience in the people that I’ve never seen anywhere else. I was blown away when I flew into a remote area of the bush and found a people who still worshipped, worked and educated their children. I’d still be looking toward the sky waiting for the next bomb to drop, but these people are determined to rebuild their country and fight for a New Sudan. I have hope that our partners there are committed and are a safe investment in the projects Nadus Films is affiliated with.
Plywood People: How can others be involved in what you’re doing to help Sudan?
Coury: We need to get the film The New Sudan into as many churches, schools and organizations as we can. We need to raise as much awareness and money as we can. We’re a grass roots organizations that will fail unless we have people (like you) help spread the vision and mission of Nadus Films. Of course, we’re in need of donations and won’t be able to continue to serve the people of Southern Sudan without them. So, to sum it up: Help Nadus Films book screenings of The New Sudan and help us raise money. We’re grading the success of the film on how many lives are impacted in Southern Sudan. I refuse to look like a fool, this project is and will continue to be a success not only to those working here stateside, but to our brothers and sisters on the ground in Southern Sudan. They’ve let their need be known and are waiting on a response.
We’d love for you to take a few minutes and watch this video.
I don’t know how you felt when it finished, but I am frustrated. It’s such a massively huge problem. The first thing to overcome are agricultural issues. It starts with education and ends with expensive farming equipment and tools that may not be easily available. Next is the issue of consumerism. It’s not only what they themselves are consuming, but what we and the rest of the world are consuming as well. We’re contributing to the problem, without even knowing we are, every time our stomachs growl. Lastly, is the issue of our philanthropy. It’s a good thing to be giving to those in need, but at the same time, our giving creates additional problems. The first is that it creates ongoing need, instead of providing means to provide for themselves. The second is that when we give them certain products it affects supply and demand.
Not mentioned in the videos are the issues of corrupt governments, who keep their citizens hungry as a means of control, or take what they produce rather than letting the farmers keep their produce and goods, or how in organic farming you run the risk of reduced yields, and therefore still have smaller crops.
It feels a little bit like we can’t win. I tend toward the pessimistic side, so as my glass tipped over and emptied itself halfway, I struggle to see a workable solution, and obviously they did too, because they didn’t address any solutions whatsoever. What do we do when even our philanthropy is a failure.
Jeff Shinabarger has a great quote: “It’s easy to critique culture, but influence is gained by doing something.” I see the value in naming a problem, but it’s only helpful if it causes a solution to emerge. I’d like to be part of the solution. I know for myself, in my limited understanding of farming and ranching, I can’t offer much in terms of agricultural answers. It’s just not an issue of poverty I can address. I’m sure even my ramblings here are inaccurate. But there are some things I can do where I am to begin addressing the poverty of my neighbors right where I live. Andre’s starting a community garden. We can engage our homeless neighbors in the process and give them opportunities to earn food that we grow. I can help the tenants in the halfway house down the street earn some grocery money by having them work with me in my yard. I can prepare a meal for the local woman’s shelter, etc. There are a lot of things I can do where I am to address the issue of poverty. I don’t want to focus on what I can’t do, I want to do what I can. It’s easy to say I don’t understand the complexity of issues, or that it’s too big of an issue to address. But my ignorance does not take away my responsibility. I may not know how to solve the issues of farming in countries around the world, but I do know how to help my neighbor, so that’s a start.
I had an interesting discussion with a couple people a few weeks ago. We were talking about American consumerism. It’s something that gets a lot of thought time these days because of the increasing amount of care and concern over poverty in our world. We were discussing whether or not we believed Americans could be less consumeristic. Our economy is built on our purchases, hence, now we see how recession effects our businesses and personal lives. I believe people CAN change, and will as the money in our wallets is worth less, and the needs of our neighbors continue to grow, and we see real economic hardship in our own lives and in the lives of those we love and interact with on a daily basis. I think these are reasons why as we change our perspective and habits in how we spend our cash, we also need to see the value of finding ways to make our purchases mean something. It’s not just about buying stuff anymore, it’s about being smart about our purchases, and being intentional to make sure the things we buy are helping others.
That’s why we wanted to tell you about Project 7. Project 7 is a company that is passionate about social change. For every purchase of a Project 7 product, the company donates 50 percent of its profits to seven areas of critical need in the world – turning the 7 deadly sins upside down!
Build the Future, Feed the Hungry, Heal the Sick, Help Those in Need, Hope for Peace, House the Homeless, and Save the Earth.
Non-profit organizations supporting any of these seven areas of need can submit applications to Project 7. Seven of these organizations, one from each area of need, are chosen by consumers through a vote and supported by product proceeds each year. Currently, Project 7 manufactures bio-bottled water, gum, mints and eco-T-shirts.
Project 7 is also holding events around the country to help “Change the Score.” They are wonderful volunteering opportunities that will enable them to reach their goal of 10,000 hours of volunteering in 2010!
This is your opportunity in Atlanta! We’re going to be apart of the day, and we think you should too!!
Details:
Project 7 hits the road to promote volunteerism with partner Caribou Coffee. Project 7 will visit Atlanta March 25. Each city will feature volunteer events and live music. Visit www.changethescore.com to sign up to volunteer in Atlanta or other cities around the country and learn more about what’s going on in your local Caribou.
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Thursday, March 25, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Each month, 800-1000 volunteers sort and pack food boxes for the hungry of Atlanta. You will take part in this much-needed program, providing meals for a number of hungry families.
City of Refuge
Thursday, March 25, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Every week City of Refuge transports, feeds and clothes a number of Atlanta’s homeless. You will take part in serving a hot meal to these needy members of our community.
We’re also hosting an acoustic concert:
Project 7 presents Micah Dalton in concert at Caribou Coffee March 25. Dalton’s music is “soul-infused alternative folk…with popular music tendencies.” “It’s alt. soul—the little brother to soul music,” he muses. “It’s not necessarily aspiring to be soul, but it’s learned from its older brother, and it’s working on its own identity.”
In Concert: Micah Dalton
Thursday, March 25, 5:30 p.m.
Caribou Coffee: 1220 Caroline Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
*End poverty by 2015.* This is the historic promise 189 world leaders made at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000 when they signed onto the Millennium Declaration and agreed to meet the “Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).” The MDGs are an eight-point road map with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people. World leaders have agreed to achieve the MDGs by 2015.
1. End Hunger
2. Universal Education
3. Gender Equality
4. Child Health
5. Maternal Health
6. Combat HIV/Aids
7. Environmental Sustainability
8. Global Partnership
It’s up to us to make sure leaders follow through on these commitments. The “United Nations Millennium Campaign” supports and inspires people from around the world to take action in support of the Millennium Development Goals. Join the UN Millennium Campaign and be part of the generation that puts an end to poverty.
WHY ME? The Goals will not be achieved unless each of us plays our part to make sure that the promises made are delivered. It is up to us to remind our governments, in both rich and poor countries that we expect them to deliver. No more excuses. Join the growing global movement of people who are demanding that their government honor their commitments to achieve the MDGs by 2015. Rich or poor, young or old, man or woman, your voice counts.
WHY NOW? Nearly 1 billion people live on less than $1 per day—yet the world has never been so prosperous.The world has enough money, resources and technology to end poverty forever. 2007, marks the halfway point to achieving the MDGs and this rate many Goals will not be met. It is more urgent than ever that we intensify our efforts to demand that promises made to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and end poverty are kept.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT? The Millennium Development Goals are a unique opportunity to finally end poverty. For the first time, commitments have been made at the highest political level to see these Goals achieved and end extreme poverty. The Goals are achievable; they have time lines and deadlines; they are locally defined and measurable. For the first time, there is an agreed global compact in which rich and poor countries recognize that they share the responsibility to end poverty and its root causes. The world has the money, resources and technology to achieve these Goals. But only if governments take urgent and concrete action now.
**All images, video and content compiled from www.endpoverty2015.org.
I know it’s an oldie—but let me tell you that it is profound. I found this book in our library and wanted to be reminded again why I loved it so much when I read it in high school. Trust me, if you haven’t read it—you must, and if you have read it, dust it off and give it a re-read. Your perspective on racism and American history will be changed all over again.
This written documentary was recorded in 1959 during the era of segregation and rampant racism when the white community held the African American community in a grip of oppression. This is a journal written by John Howard Griffin during the period of time when he decided to change his white skin black so as to understand the real issues of racism. He decided not to change his name or any of his credentials or even financial stature as he embarked on this adventure. He vowed to be honest in questions about who he was as a person and the project he was doing. He admits later that he was shocked at how much this change in skin pigmentation would change his entire life, though nothing else about him changed.
The book delves in to the emotions of his day-to-day experience as he walks the streets of New Orleans (and many other cities in the deep south) and learns the societal “rules” placed on the Black man. We walk with him in his secret identity and see his subtle shifts in perception, attitude, conscience, and slowly see Griffin’s entire psyche change. As he continuously feels the contempt of the White man towards him he is daily reminded of his inferior status. “He does not become calloused to those things—the polite rebuffs when he seeks better employment; hearing himself referred to as a nigger, coon, jigaboo; having to bypass available restroom facilities or eating facilities to find one specified for him. Each new reminder strikes him at the raw spot, deepens the wound.”
Plato once said, “… it is by justice that we can authentically measure man’s value or his nullity… the absence of justice is the absence of what makes him man.” This summed up Griffin’s personal degradation of self as he lived as a Black man for only 6 weeks. It is interesting that no matter how “hard” the attitude may seem, injustice always hurts and de-values the man within. This story was written only 50 years ago, there is something to be said about the fact that racism still exists and that the pain from the past remains in many peoples hearts and minds today.
Not only was I struck by how injustice can lead a man to despair and insecurity, but the slow darkening of the soul that occurs to those who continue to let these injustices prevail also enthralled me. The action or inaction towards racism truly shows the ugliness of the character of the man. I thought to myself, what do I portray in my white privilege attitude to those in need around me? Do I portray myself better that I ought? Do I portray others as less than me?
In light of our recent adoption, this book elicited deep emotions in me as I felt a deep gratitude to all my African American brothers and sisters who have gone before and endured much suffering and fought for many rights so that our culture even allows cross-racial adoptions, and so that my African American daughter will have the opportunity to succeed in being whoever she wants to be.
