“The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology.” — Red Auerbach
Here we are approaching the end of another year, a time that always causes us to reflect. Taking a look at this past year, did you have an opportunity to volunteer? I did, but I honestly don’t feel like I volunteered enough. Do me a favor? Over the left you’ll see an online poll Watermark is conducting that will be part of an upcoming issue about heroes. It only takes a second to tick a box and click “vote” and the results could be interesting.
As with each Monday, I’m sharing links that I hope will inspire you to do a little good in the coming week. It’s a little thing we at Scottie Saves the World call Rippling and if you wonder where the term comes from, check out where it all started in the first Monday Ripples earlier this year.
Watch Your Butt
CigaretteLitter.org
This site is both depressing and galvanizing at once. It is depressing to learn just how many cigarette butts are being discarded (several trillion every year) and the environmental impact this is having (the butts are made of cellulose acetate tow, not cotton, and take decades to decompose, and are toxic to the environment), but learning what people are doing about it will give you hope. I appeal to the smokers in my readership, please dispose of your butts properly. Whatever else those things are doing for you, don’t let them make you complacent about the good of our planet.
Yes, We Can
Central Florida food banks call on community to help meet record demand
This sobering article from the Orlando Sentinel came after the Department of Agriculture released information that 50 million Americans were considered “food insecure” at some point in 2009. This fact has put a strain on food banks which, in turn, are experiencing low donations because, times being what they are, we’re more inclined to keep our heads down and try to get by. Can you think of ways you can help? Turn your work Christmas party into a food drive by asking everyone to bring a can or two of food. Or maybe there’s a food drive looking for your donation.
Learn to Fly
The Clarissa Burden Kindness Project
You have no doubt heard of Florida author Connie May Fowler, after all here book Before Women Had Wings was adapted for television by none other than Oprah Winfrey with Emmy-winning results. Connie has created The Clarissa Burden Kindness Project, inspired by the title character in her book How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly. The project is powerful yet simple: write Connie with an act of kindness you offered or received and she will share it with her fans. Through this project people can learn how easy it is to be kind, be prompted to offer a kindness, and the acts will continue to reverberate.
Dry Me a River
Astoria Scum River – a Arts Video
Here’s an inspiring video about people who decided the best way to solve a problem was to do something about it themselves. Theoretically we have our government to correct problems, but we all know dealing with bureaucracy can be a frustrating experience and too often leads to complacency. Tired of seeing litter? Pick it up yourself. Think there should be someplace for the little old lady to sit at the bus stop? Put a chair there yourself. Take ownership of your community like the guys in this video. If we all do, so many things could change for the better.
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Donate Now!
Scottie Saves the World Movember Team
Another Movember is coming to a close and we need your help. My hope is to see us reach $1000 this year, as of this writing, we’re half way there. Take a look at our Mo Space and you’ll see that size of your donation truly doesn’t matter, it’s taken varying amounts to get us this far! Please donate today!
