Make Social Change A Reality

We talk about working to make social change a reality, but where does one start? First, there is the light-bulb moment. The time when one realizes today is the day, now is the time to make a difference. The next step is often harder – getting started. Where does one begin? How do you decide which organization to work with? I’ve developed a short list of organizations that should kick start your research into volunteer work. And if you have any other ideas, or suggestions, please add them in the comments! HandsOn Network If you live in New York City , you know them as New York Cares . But did you know that there are actually 250+ affiliates of the HandsOn Network across the U.S. and 11 international locations? Their structure is based on an online model. You must first attend an orientation session in person. Then, you are eligible to volunteer during the day, evenings, or on weekends for organizations serving children, animals, the environment or ad...

*This post was written in collaboration with over 7,500 other blogs from 140 countries for Blog Action Day 2009 . The Pew Center for Global Climate Change is an invaluable resource for information on how society has effected the environment and how changes in the environment are affecting society. Their purpose is to “ … bring [sic] together business leaders, policy makers, scientists, and other experts to bring a new approach to a complex and often controversial issue. Our approach is based on sound science, straight talk, and a belief that we can work together to protect the climate while sustaining economic growth. ” The website is organized to educate and empower both professionals and private citizens. My favorite feature is Tips on Curbing Your Personal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions . Here are some ways you can shrink your carbon footprint, and do your part to protect the environment, without increasing your expenses … At Home: • Lower your thermostat 2° in winter and raise ...

The Center for America Progress released their findings for September 2009 on Tuesday. Part of a list of signs that America’s economy is still struggling was this highlight… “The average length of unemployment in September 2009 was 26.2 weeks, the median length of unemployment was 17.3 weeks, and 35.6 % of the unemployed were out of a job for 27 weeks or more. All of these indicators are at their highest level since 1948.” Media outlets are reporting with more and more frequency the difficulties the long-term laid off are having in securing employment. The Wall Street Journal’s online career section regularly featured an article back in June titled, “ Only the Employed Need Apply ”. It seems, not only are there fewer jobs available, but the unemployed are being passed over for theoretically more desirable candidates - those who are employed. The question becomes … with so many obstacles before them … Is there any good news for the long-term unemployed? Yes, there is . #1 Unemploy...

On this day two years ago, Make Social Change A Reality was born . Yay , Happy Birthday to us! Last year, we celebrated our first birthday by declaring October 8 th as a day of recognition for all who make a difference . This year we'd like to invite you to share your story in creating a better world. What have you done to make a difference in 2009? What are your goals for change in 2010? Why do you do what you do? How are you going to enlist the support of others to make social change a reality in your lifetime? We look forward to hearing from all change agents regardless of issue area. Please share your stories in the comments! This post was written by Chanelle Carver, creator of this blog and founder of the Literacy 'n' Poverty Project.

There are those who want to fuss and fight And would rather scream and shout Than try to find some common ground And calmly talk things out Some people are just so hell bent On getting their own way That they show utter disregard For what others have to say It is almost common place these days To dismiss and reject Those that have a different view As down right incorrect. It seems like some are delighted With the chaos and the craze They spread their anger and disdain And expect to get high praise The President speaks to Congress To make us all aware Of reforms he will be making To bring us all healthcare But with blatant disrespect One chooses to defy The President of the United States And scream at him “YOU LIE !” Have some people lost their manners Do they simply have no shame? Or is it easier to look outward To find someone to blame? Some are just determined To make it their game plan To fight against the social change That could help the common man Social issues are a reality tha...

Taking a walk down your neighborhood block on a warm, sunny afternoon, you couldn’t resist stopping and cooing at the adorable puppies staring back at you through a pet store window. Although that golden retriever may seem happy with his wide brown eyes, he may be hiding a dark secret that the Amish, a community who appears to be so peaceful, is hiding from you. In Lancaster County, PA, many puppy mills are currently operating under horrid and secret conditions. ABC News reports, “Rescue workers estimate 600 unlicensed facilities operate in barns and sheds. Those breeders go to great measures to avoid discovery.” Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue, tells ABC News some of these facilities even "de-bark" their dogs. “The farmers, the Amish and the Mennonites, they pull the heads back and then they hammer sharp instruments down their throats to scar their vocal cords so they can't bark. So that way they can have 500-600 dogs in a barn and no one knows. As we sa...

In July, President Obama announced his $12 billion investment plans for community colleges . He set the benchmark of success at an additional 5 million community college graduates within in the next 11 years – by 2020. However, research by the Brookings Institution, noted in an Education Week article earlier this month, showed that in 2002, only 1 in 10 students who started at a community college had earned an associates degree within three years. So, how do we increase graduation rates among community college students? Before we address that question, let’s take a step back and look at the role community colleges play in the educational system and why they are crucial to America’s success. Community colleges were started by President Truman to increase the educational opportunities for World War II veterans. They actually represent a larger portion of the higher education system than traditional four-year colleges. 40-45% of all college undergraduates attend community colleges. They ...

During the decade I recently spent in East Africa, I spent the majority of my time experimenting with disadvantaged communities to explore ways that participating in the Internet could influence their lives in positive ways. What I learned is that empowering the poor through the Internet is much more complex than teaching people where to click to find information. There are fundamental perception issues at play that serve to keep Africa’s engagement in the online world lower than it should be. One widespread misperception is that enabling Africa to access information from the rest of the world is going to empower African people - as if Africa’s problems would be solved if the average semi-literate African woman could simply find, read and digest what the rest of the world has to teach her. Fundamentally, however, empowering people means helping them believe that they matter, and that what they have to offer has value . Unfortunately, foreign information and culture pushed at Africa o...

** Editor’s Post ** Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Many organizations, social entrepreneurs and citizens of the world share his philosophy. World Flix , a non-profit organization, displays a powerful variation of the quote on their homepage. They encourage individuals to “ SEE the change you wish to MAKE in the world.” It’s a strong and encouraging message that seems to resonate with online donators. If you haven’t heard of World Flix yet, it’s because their website just launched this August. I stumbled upon their site last week when doing some research for the Literacy ‘n’ Poverty Project (LnP). What struck me most about this young organization is the similar passion and drive for social change that it shares with LnP. World Flix is determined to change the world by advocating through new and traditional media. More specifically, they are bringing attention to important social issues through video clips on the Internet. ...

After its debut over a decade ago on PBS , David Sutherland’s documentary for Frontline, The Farmer’s Wife , remains a unique and compelling glimpse of an American family struggling to survive. Juanita and Darrel Buschkotter are Nebraska farmers caught in a cycle of debt and never-ending work, that leaves them exhausted, on the brink of financial collapse and both dreaming of a better life for themselves and their three young daughters. The debt and lack of revenue from the farm force both Darrel and Juanita to find jobs “off the farm.” In addition to their responsibilities on the farm, Juanita cleans upper middle class homes while Darrel works on an assembly line. Not surprisingly, this leaves both husband and wife no time for relaxation, but gives them much time for reflection. The Buschkotter’s story is all the more relatable 11 years later at a time when many Americans are caught in a financial struggle. The current U.S. unemployment rate hovers around 9.5% and presidential eco...

I just finished watching the 2008 documentary Addicted To Plastic by filmmaker Ian Connacher. The film documents a three-year journey that explores the environmental consequences of the irresponsible use of plastic materials. Connacher travels to 12 countries on 5 continents, including two trips to the middle of the Pacific Ocean where plastic debris accumulates. This extraordinary film details the history of plastic over the last 100 years, provides a wealth of expert interviews, and cutting-edge solutions for recycling, toxicity and biodegradability. These solutions - which include plastic made from plants – provide a new perspective about the future of plastic. As an environmentally-savvy activist, I was aware of the negative impacts of the use of plastic materials, but I didn’t realize the magnitude of the problem. According to the film, only 5% of plastic materials are recycled in America and the rest ends up in dumps, landfills and, very commonly, in the middle of the ocean . ...

How do we work to empower, rather than oppress, women and girls worldwide? The answer to that question, and its impact on addressing global poverty, is the basis of a new book, “ Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide ”. Did you know … … girls between 1-5 years old in India are twice as likely to die than boys? … women account for only 1% percent of the world’s landowners ? … that approximately 1 million children are currently in the sex trade in Asia? Access to and emphasis on education and health care can work to change these conditions. “ The Women’s Crusade ” essay by the book’s authors in the Sunday New York Times Magazine told a powerful story about a Zimbabwean woman named Tererai Trent who was drawn to education at an early age. Her father would send her “indifferent” brother to school, but would not send her, the child with a thirst for knowledge. Married off at a young age, her husband also thwarted her efforts to practice her self-taught read...

I must start this, my first blog entry, with an admission. I am far from an expert in adult literacy. I came across Literacy ‘n' Poverty Project on Idealist.org while searching for volunteer opportunities where I could contribute my law degree and graduate-level career counseling experience. My goal is to help adults in underserved communities through the use of my research skills and career training. I intend to become more knowledgeable about literacy programs and resources around the country and to share this information here. To that end, I have begun researching and learning of new and existing literacy programs in our communities. One website I am exploring that I think you should check out if you have not already is the National Institute for Literacy . According to the site, its goals are to support, disseminate, and provide access to research, resources and information related to adult and youth literacy to families, educators and administrators . With a sigh of relief ...

Knowledge Elementary to college Become scholars Not just for the dollars But for the life that follows Blue or white collars Or those without them Be the one with so much knowledge No one can doubt him World leaders wanna know about him Can he be the next Barack Or can she bring her nonprofit to the top Never stop learning Keep yearning The passion for knowledge is burning Deep within everyone soul So take hold To what's in front of u God has a plan for every last one of u U just don't know it yet So dive into the sea of information Get soak and wet Tell me these words don't got u open yet Most be hoping that school will flow by But what example will u have For your life to go by So many books for research and info All u need is to listen Grab some paper and a pencil We even got the web for media Along with a thesaurus, dictionary and encyclopedia Now that I named all these sources I'm giving u the guidelines to be bosses No matter what it is u wanna do Just pursue till...

According to a 2002 study conducted in Texas, “having a high quality teacher throughout elementary school can substantially offset or even eliminate the disadvantage of low socio-economic background” (Rivkin, Hanushek and Kain, 2002). Parents, friends, and the community impact a student’s performance, but his or her teacher is directly connected to their achievement. That is why it is imperative that we work to ensure that students in poor and underserved communities have highly qualified and motivated teachers like their counterparts in more socially-economically advantaged communities. That is what I have been working to ensure for the past year. Many urban cities face teacher shortages every year. Schools are poorly funded and hard to staff. The students who attend these schools suffer the greatest. Alternative certification programs like the teaching fellows programs started by The New Teacher Project and Teach For America aim to fill those shortages with highly qualified an...

Author Ellen Ruppel Shell, after spending years researching the cost of stuff, has recently published a thrilling book entitled Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture . Her book examines not only the impact of cost on the direct consumer — high debt, low incomes, job losses and a whole slew of other troubles — but also the price for the people that produce the goods. This is particularly interesting to me today as her book outlines specific examples in which the exploitation of both human labor and the environment is clear. One example given in a New York Times review , explains the surge in the shrimp market from the 1970s to today. The impact on the change in shrimp farming and our subsequent shrimp consuming has triggered loads of troubles. The article explains: “for a while, there were some newly affluent shrimp-farmers along the coast of Thailand as traditional operations were transformed into gigantic factories with the help of international lenders and investors. Massive onsla...

It has already been eight months since Barack Obama won the Presidential election. On that November evening the enormous crowd that had gathered at Grant Park in Chicago listened with anticipation to hear the victory speech of the President Elect. One of the most noteworthy lines of his speech was when he exclaimed: “Tonight, because of what we did on this day in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America.” This is exactly what his fervent supporters wanted to hear. Candidate Obama had promised this many times during the campaign. He promised to bring about real change – social and economic. He promised that there would be a “new kind of government”- open and transparent. A government that would be accessible by and accountable to all the people. Has our new President kept his campaign promises? The answer could be a simple mouse click away by going to the official website of the White House www.whitehouse.gov . This website provides information to the public re...

All too often when approaching environmental issues we expect the solution to revolve around preservation of national parks and cutting back carbon emissions. However, there is another equally pressing environmental matter to attend to: Environmental Justice . This term is a blanket term that covers all kinds of equal treatment for people and the environment. The EPA defines [Environmental Justice] as: “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies”. This means that all people are able to enjoy the same level of safe access to clean air, water, soil and to be subject to the sight of parks, preserves and eco-friendly buildings. This also means that all people are equally protected against the dumping of hazardous wastes, excess pollution and toxic chemicals in their communities. Environmental Justice is e...

In a recent article Washington Post’s DeNeen L. Brown examines the cost of being poor . Brown states in the first few lines: “ The poorer you are, the more things cost ”. The cost, of course, comes in the form of money, time, convenience, and energy level. Brown points out that many of America’s poor are stuck with an unfair bill when it comes to the essentials like food, transportation, and housing. Photo courtesy of This Fffire The cost differences paid by the poor at their local corner store compared to a grocery store are likely to be huge. However, for many people without the time and transportation to get to big box stores, the $2.00 savings on a loaf of bread is hardly worth the hassle. The prices in these corner markets are, according to the article, almost always higher because their cost of doing business has a high overhead cost. Tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, and getting to work become a juggle of both time and money and often leave the poor with a higher bill than m...

Social change is a must Not just for humankind But it can stem from just one human mind. With one thought we will find we can do right But imagine if we all join thoughts and unite . There's no limit to the change we can bring Enough to make the whole world sing in such harmony That we don't have to worry bout the next man harming me What a sight we can see But how can this be? My thought would be through philanthropy So our children could inherit a world of humanity That thought moves me fondly Let's follow in the words of Mahatma Gandhi And BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE in the world. Those words he lived and imparted before he died To show that change must come from inside . Don't hide behind the blinds in your mind Reach down in your heart and you'll find that Social change is a beautiful thing Imagine the change it will bring. From a world of poverty and stress To one of literacy wealth and success. Just taking the time to show I care As a people...we have to s...

This post is a collaboration between Mashable's Summer of Social Good charitable fundraiser and Max Gladwell 's "10 Ways" series . The post is being simultaneously published across more than 100 blogs. Social media is about connecting people and providing the tools necessary to have a conversation. That global conversation is an extremely powerful platform for spreading information and awareness about social causes and issues. That's one of the reasons charities can benefit so greatly from being active on social media channels. But you can also do a lot to help your favorite charity or causes you are passionate about through social media. Below is a list of 10 ways you can use social media to show your support for issues that are important to you. If you can think of any other ways to help charities via social web tools, please add them in the comments. If you'd like to retweet this post or take the conversation to Twitter or FriendFeed, please use the has...

* I am in debt. In retrospect, my undergraduate career seems in part a veritable mission to accumulate debt. Since graduating I’ve stressed about debt, worked a couple of undesirable second jobs to repay debt, and I’ve even been known to defer debt, allowing it to simply growl beneath the bed from the back of my mind. I have nightmares where bill collectors show up at my back door with pitchforks - the only consolation being that so many of my peers are in the exact same situation. This country is teeming with twenty and thirty-somethings struggling to manage educational debt, with a long string of people in their late-teens and early-twenties prepared to join us. According to the Project on Student Debt , a nonprofit devoted to the issue, the portion of graduates in debt jumped from less than half in 1993 to over two-thirds in 2004. Factoring in inflation, debt levels for graduates rose 58% in that decade. The average public university graduate now finds him or herself owing o...