REACHING OUT
Last December I attended a most amazing three-day
meeting in Puerto Rico for the Alliance for a New Humanity. Our theme,
"The Power of Oneness," could not have been more appropriate.
Approximately four hundred fifty people of just about every color
and ethnic background came from all over the world for this event.
They came not just because they care about the human condition, but
because they have dedicated their lives to doing what they can to
improve it. Their ages ranged from young people in their teens and
twenties to people more senior than I am.
The level of dedication and creativity I witnessed was astounding.
Some are digging wells in Ethopia so the people there can have water.
Others are building schools, hospitals and nursing stations in remote
places. Many are working with underprivileged or abandoned or orphaned
children. Groups such as the Gallup Organization, Unity, Ethical Markets,
Hand in Hand, Mosquito Net Project, Seeds of Peace, Heifer International
and many others were highly visible.
While we were there, wheels were put in motion to see if we can initiate
a Department of Peace in Washington, D. C. Senator Dennis Kucinich
from Ohio, who spoke to us, has agreed to be our spokesperson for
this project.
Many new ideas were born during this gathering, not the least of which
was the Constellation, a computer-based network that will be up and
running in January 2006 so all our outreaches can have a way to communicate
with each other both virtually and physically as we share ideas and
support each other in these innovative endeavors.
The Alliance was founded three years ago and has been steadily growing,
but it was at this meeting that our efforts truly coalesced into what
is becoming a vital, living force in our world. I came home convinced
that because of people like these, there is indeed cause for hope.
Obviously, we can't all be digging wells in remote places, but we
can all be part of the Alliance simply by committing to doing what
we can, right where we are, to live our lives in peace, with love
and compassion toward all, for the Alliance is not just another organization.
It is a network of people like you and me who have joined together
to make the world a better place.
As the old expression says, the night is always darkest just before
the dawn. After attending this meeting, I came home assured that we
are indeed nearing the dawn, and that soon - very soon - we will see
signs of its appearing.
A few web sites from this group are listed below, so you can learn
more about what these dedicated people are doing, and of course you
can always go to www.anhglobal.org,
which is the Alliance's official web site.
When we look at conditions in the world today, it would be easy to
become discouraged and feel the task is too big. How much better to
commit ourselves to doing what we can right where we are, and letting
the ripples spread from there. After what I saw at the Alliance, I
came away convinced more than ever that what one person does truly
can make a difference. Let's all be difference-makers in 2006 ~ and
beyond.
Sending you love, as always, Donna
www.bgcmc.org -
turning good kids into great kids
www.ChatthePlanet.com
- provides an opportunity for young people around the globe to engage
in meaningful dialogue
www.challengeday.org
- so every child can be safe and loved
www.childrenofthecongo.org
- mosquito net program to provide children with a home, food, love,
support, education and basic healthcare
www.citykids.com
- to empower young people who might otherwise get lost on the streets
www.ethicalmarkets.com
- redefining "success" and its portrayal through the media
www.forgeprogram.org
- opportunities for refugees
www.noblepurpose.com
- connecting with your essential self
www.trickleup.org
- seeks to enable people in some of the poorest areas on the planet
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