Let Me Tell You a Story…
There was an anthropologist who had been studying the habits and culture of a remote African tribe.
He had been working in the village for quite some time and the day before he was to return home, he put together a gift basket filled with delicious fruits from around the region and wrapped it in a ribbon. He placed the basket under a tree and then he gathered up the children in the village.
The man drew a line in the dirt, looked at the children, and said, “When I tell you to start, run to the tree and whoever gets there first will win the basket of the fruit.”
When he told them to run, they all took each other’s hands and ran together to the tree. Then they sat together around the basket and enjoyed their treat as a group.
The anthropologist was shocked. He asked why they would all go together when one of them could have won all the fruits for themselves?
A young girl looked up at him and said, “How can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?”
Each year I donate up to 20 hours of my time—or the equivalent in printing or signage—to a causes that move me. This year (2023) I will spend efforts to help causes for people of color up to 5 hours, or the equivalent in printing or signage, for any one organization. If you'd like your organization to be considered, tell me how I can help by filling out the form below.
These charities hold a special place in my heart and wallet. Please give until it feels good.
Get the tissues if you watch this video. Rodney Smith Jr. challenged himself to cut 100 lawns for single moms and the elderly. His personal challenge soon became a calling. He launched Raising Men Lawn Care Service to teach boys and young men the values of hard work and helping their community. Rodney exemplifies all that You.Powered. stands for. Since I first heard of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, he has expanded to 4 cities!
A self-proclaimed slum girls changemaker working with girls in the slums of Mumbai, Aarti Naik is an inspiration to me. Her school denied her an education, so she educated herself. An uncle forcibly threatened her because she wouldn't stay home instead of schooling other girls so she moved out. Her school grew from 12 girls to over 400 since I was introduced. I am humbled by her determination and inspired by her grit.