A Promise Unkept (and more...)

I attempted to think back and remember the essence of each experience last year and for the life of me, I can't put it together the way I would have when it was recent. So, I choose not to even go there. I choose not to serve left over thoughts and cold memories when fresh, new ideas are needed. Does last thanksgiving really matter right now? Not really. What about Black Friday or Christmas, interested? Not so much. So this is a promise unkept; please forgive me.

You have to give me credit...I did post something! (Just kidding!)

For some reason, I am considered in my circle as the "community guy." Sure, I do volunteer and I am a mentor but I'm not out serving and working nearly enough to be honored with that title. Their extreme exagerration got me to thinking. I do my share to give back but there are others out there doing this tireless work more than I could even fathom. My experiences in the community might be worth sharing. I will maintain a community calendar of activites I'm involved in and post updates and photos of those experiences. I hope to highlight individuals I encounter and their organizations. In doing so, I would not only volunteer my time, but acknowledge them for their courage, kindness, generosity and selflessness.

Detroit is a tough town, full of rugged and ragged realities, especially in these times. But these heroes help smooth out the sores of this city. I'm excited to share this side of my life with you. If you have any experiences, people and places to share, join in as I celebrate the our unsung heroes and happenings.

Becoming the Change

We must become the change we want to see in the world. — Mahatma Gandhi

I closed my last post with these same words from Gandhi. Words we have heard in different variations and renditions from many lectures, sermons and speeches. These words resonate with me most because action is most important out of all our hopes, dreams and aspirations.

The element of "hope" and "change" was introduced in the successful presidential campaign of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States. His message of "change" is now a possibility since his historic victory.

But as he mentioned in his speech, it's only a chance at change. We must work together to make it happen. No matter who you voted for, if you're Democrat or Republican (or other), red state or blue state, we live in the United States of America. The election is over; we have our next president and it's time to unite.

It's time to unite in prayer and work toward change. My way of working toward change is volunteering. I have slipped in my community service in the past few months, but I'm back in the saddle. I've finally been matched with a mentee through Big Brothers, Big Sisters, reconnecting with friends at Detroit Parent Network, serving on boards and planning committees for non-profits (see links) and availing myself more to my family.

President-Elect Obama was coined "the candidate of change" during the election, and reports have shown that he is hitting the ground running to do what he has promised on the campaign trail. But we can't depend on him to change our destiny, we have to get our houses in order and "become the change we want to see in the world." We now have to be "candidates of change" in our own lives. Get involved and make change happen!