“The most essential factor is persistence – the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” James Whitcomb Riley
Over the weekend, the Scottie Saves the World Team made its way around Lake Eola for AIDS Walk Orlando 2011 supporting the work of Hope & Help Center of Central Florida. Our legislature continues to make cuts to things that actually help people, so the work of this organization becomes increasingly more vital these days. Although I don’t have an exactly total to give you, I know we raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $800 and that is thanks to YOU!
You know this world saving business has the interesting side effect of making me think too much. I mean, I’ve always been a pensive kind of guy something many people mistake for arrogance or being socially inept but I find myself pondering ways of getting people more involved in a project. You can’t expect people to think exactly as you do, of course, but surely we can expect some measure of behavior from our fellow man.
I took one particular step that I thought was a good move as a leader that failed miserably: I visited a group of people and asked for one hundred percent commitment to the SSTW Team. I stated my case and met eyes around the table (and webcam for those who Skyped in) as I, somewhat ungracefully I admit, asked for full participation. Once this commitment was settled, I suggested we set a monetary level we should each be expected to bring in; a $100 goal was thrown out on the table and accepted by nodding heads.
Caught in a rare moment of not listening to the cynical clown who has always danced inside me, endlessly singing his poisonous song, I ignored the dead I saw behind their eyes. I chose instead to believe I was imagining things. I had gone to see them in person, for fuck sake, who could resist that? Mr. Mandela, please make way for a new leader: Scottie Freakin’ Campbell!
However, time passed and, even with friendly reminders, only five people from the group participated, less than 50 percent. Of those five, three met the $100 goal we agreed on. Of those three, one actually walked.
This probably sounds like more whine than you need with your cheese, and maybe there’s some of that mixed here, but mainly I find myself wondering how you get people involved. It’s a puzzle that people throughout history have mulled, but why are some more successful than others? I’m open to suggestions.
Here it is Tuesday and I’ve got those Monday Ripples you been hankering for. I apologize for not having them out to you yesterday or last Monday, you’ve probably noticed a little bit of a re-vamp to our site, and that held me up a bit. Hopefully these links will be worth your wait. Hopefully they’ll inspire you in the week ahead; it is my fondest hope.
Take the world in a love embrace
Hogs Against Hunger
If you know me, it is probably hard to wrap your mind around the fact that I want a motorcycle. Sure, it makes sense that Scottie rides an adult tricycle, but a hog? No way. Well, to hell you say, someday I’m going to have a Harley! That day may come sooner than later because I just bought one of only 5000 raffle tickets to win a Harley with the proceeds from the $10 purchase going to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. See you at Bike Week!
The Pocket Man
Family Receives House With Secure Tenure Under Pilot Partnership Between Elton John AIDS Foundation and HFH Cambodia
Did you get a chance to see Elton John on Saturday Night Live a couple of Saturdays ago? You can catch it on Hulu, if you missed and it’s well worth the click. The moment in his opening monologue when he talked about Lady Gaga being his son’s godmother and people couldn’t stop laughing is worth your time alone. You see, it’s no joke, she is. Also not a joke is the incredible work the Elton John AIDS Foundation has been doing since 1992. This article spotlights a new partnership between EJAF and another one of my favorite organizations, Habitat for Humanity.
A Cut Above
Whatever It Takes
Brendan and I went to see Scissor Sisters at Hard Rock Live this past week. If you get a chance to see them, you should take in this fun, energetic concert. I’m told they’re touring around opening for Lady Gaga, but I don’t think you’d be missing a something if you don’t try to seek out their headliner experience. After all, when opening for Gaga, they have a job to do, getting you riled up, so they can’t completely be themselves. You need to see that.
Anyway, in coming down from the concert high, I Binged the Sisters learning about Jake Shears and J.J. Garden working on the musical version of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City, and their involvement in the unique fundraiser this Ripple sends you to. Whatever It Takes uses the art of celebrities from all walks of life to support several worthwhile organizations.
Tasty Activism
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution series 2 – Sneak peek
When I get into the sort of contemplation I mentioned in the introduction to this post, Jamie Oliver is one of the people I look to for inspiration. Watching him get knocked down during last season of the Food Revolution, only to bounce back with a different tactic, was truly inspiring. Season 2 starts tonight with Jamie taking on the City of Los Angeles this time around. As you can see from the clip below, it is anything but an easy bake.
