Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A little less talk and a lot more ACTION!
As the holiday season is upon us- it is a great time to think about giving back. In the context of this course, we have examined areas of need and importance all around the world and also in our local communities. The time has come to think about what YOU will do about the areas of need in your world. Choose something - big or small (One Peace at a Time will give you plenty of ideas) something that your will do to make a positive difference in your world. Write about it and share it with your classmates on our blog.
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After watching the film One Peace at a Time I have a greater appreciation of what I have and where I come from. A lot of people don't have or get the same opportunities as us here in the U.S. The film not only showed different issues going on in the world but also showed solutions. I think the purpose of this film was to not only show different solutions that could possibly help, but to also share a positive message. To help with that positive message Turk working with Nobel Peace Prize winners was a great idea. It only takes one person to make a difference, but the fact that these people were willing to help says a lot.
ReplyDeleteI have a strong passion for kids, so the one part of the film that touched me the most was when he was talking about how these kids were being raised in an orphan home. It helped that there were people helping 24/7 but I didn't think it was enough. 86% of people live in third world countries. I may not be able to help them but I can definitely help some kids here in my surrounding area. This video makes me want to help volunteer at an orphan home or maybe even adopt in the future. I believe all kids deserve a right and an opportunity at an education..at life itself! I am willing to do whatever it is to give these kids a better life. If I can't be the one to help then I would at least talk to somebody whose willing to not only take these kids in but help them become part of a family. Like I said before kids are everything to me, so when I see them struggling or in need it makes me want to help them in any way possible.
As a student in this class I have been exposed to many different issues that need attention from society as a group. But one of the biggest issues I find especially close to my heart is the need for food and comfort for many children around the world. I have been made aware of the needs that many children need since I was in high school by my sponsor/godmother when I was a part of a school chapter of students striving to become future leaders. We were active in the community in trying to raise money for our local food pantry and we often ran toy drives during the holiday season to be distributed for children in need. I will soon be moving back home and I plan to continue working with my church community in raising money for children in need in our local community. And I have contacted an aunt who sponsors a child like those helped by societies such as “The Miracle Foundation.” I plan that when I start working again when I get home I will be getting in contact with this foundation and sponsoring a child on my own. I also will be going back to assisting as a religious Sunday school teacher and I hope to expose my students to my sponsoring a child in order to educate and making this issue a reality to a large number of children. I have seen this done by asking the children to donate whatever they may be able to this child or local children (in addition to the funding I will already by providing personally). I have also seen this done by having the children write to this child in order to better understand this child and have then learn skills in interaction (with translations of letters if necessary). I find that small steps like this are strong yet gradual strides that I as a teacher and future professional instructor can help educate and further the knowledge that I know and make a small difference in the world. One child at a time I believe we can all make a difference!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the movie One Peace at a Time as it showed just how much a few good ideas and some dedicated people can accomplish. The Miracle Foundation orphanage in India is a testament to what orphanages should strive to be. Just the fact that each housemother dedicates 15 years of her life (24/7) in order to give stability and a sense of family to the orphans she serves in her "house" is beyond belief to most people. Also so many of the other projects mentioned, such as building new schools or decent shelter, cost so little yet provide so much. I really liked the Glimmer of Hope project in which communities in Ethiopia are provided a pump for a well but the community actually digs and builds the well itself. The fact that the simplest of things, clean running water, can mean so much for so many is amazing. Lives were literally transformed in that children and women can now go to school and be educated instead of spending hours a day traveling for miles to get water, much of which was not even fit to drink in the first place. This movie just served to reinforce what we have been coming to understand during this semester- one person can make a difference! I made a donation today of 25.00 to The Miracle Foundation and another donation of 25.00 to the Glimmer of Hope project. I hope to donate more in the future as I am able;every little bit helps. I am also thinking about volunteering some of my time to local children's shelters. Below are the websites for the organizations I donated to in case anyone else wishes to make a donation during the holiday season!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.miraclefoundation.org
http://www.aglimmerofhope.org
This class has helped me realize how many things I take for granted. One of these things is that I have had the right to a free education. Seeing the children in the video that hadn’t had this opportunity made me want to fix this problem. It doesn’t seem fair to me that children who have the desire to learn don’t have the opportunity. The part of the movie that struck me most was seeing the students whose class motto was “Hard work pays”. I want to help these children see that this motto comes true in their lives. After I graduate, I want to spend a few years in an undeveloped country teaching underprivileged kids. I want to help these children get started in schooling and ensure that they get a quality education. While I do plan to come back to the United States after a few years, I feel like my time spent in an undeveloped country can make a real difference.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am a teacher, I plan to teach all my students the importance of volunteering. My favorite organization to volunteer for is Mission Thanksgiving, and I want my children and students to get involved as well. Mission Thanksgiving helps to collect food for families in need around Thanksgiving time. With so many people hungry around the world, it is a simple way to help provide them with food. I want my children and also my students to recognize the importance of helping out people in need. While the problems in the world may seem overwhelmingly large, it only takes one person to make a difference.
With the holiday season still fresh in my mind, so is the ideal of peace on earth. I used to tell myself no one person can fix all that is wrong in our world. No one person can bring about peace, especially global peace. As I matured, I did realize that even one person can fix or contribute something. If enough individuals do what they can where they are, those single efforts add up, and they do make a difference. As I live my life, I want to do simple things to make it a better place. I want to brighten the outlook for other people. I want to do what I can to ease their burden ever so slightly. I choose something small that I want make a positive difference education around world. I want make positive difference in my schools communities. I did as a tutor fieldwork experience here in communities at San Antonio schools. I was assign to helping communities in schools truly to believe that if I can help one child to stay in school and achieve in life. I will have gone a long way to making the world a better place. I want to help student’s achievement by providing services and resources to help improve academics, behavior and attendance. As for me planned to become teacher in future, I really wanted to make a difference in the lives of students and in the world. After view film “One Peace at a Time” Look at the possibility of providing basic rights- water, nutrition, health care, education and more to every child. It’s an inspiring look at the possibility of providing basic rights to every child. “One peace at a Time” is highlights people and organizations that are doing something about these problems such as nonprofits like the Miracle Foundation and a glimmer of hope, people like Willie Nelson. While Nobelity deals with global problems, One Peace at a Time will focus on specific solutions. The goal is to create a virtual roadmap to a better future. It is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and foundations to reach out and change the world. I am feeling hopeful and inspired and ready to go out to do something good in the world themselves. I can help create the map to a better future, and inspire millions to do what needs to be done. Pipkin travels the globe in search of individuals and organizations that have found successful ways of coping with problems. It’s simple and basic philosophy that informs both the movie and the actions each of these individuals is taking to make life better for those less fortunate. At one point when he was interview Willie nelson moseys on by for a sit down with pipkin to discuss how we can all learn to live in a greater harmony with the environment and each other, all based on the choices we make. Beyond making we all feel better about the world and its prospects for the future; the film main goal is to inspire its audience to take an active role in making that world a better place.
ReplyDeleteThe movie presented all the problems we face today with underdeveloped countries, energy issues, clean fresh water, lack of education in certain countries and the ways that we can fix them. Even in my own surroundings I have notice a gradual change in the way we think, such as recycling. After seeing the video’s and issues presented by this class it has giving me a lot to think about. My changes have been slow but gradual as well. Such as cutting back on the water bottles I buy and using more filtered water and tap. I have started to recycle more. But on a bigger scale I feel the real change comes from my goals in working the construction field. I want to find ways of building commercial buildings and residential/spec homes with more reusable material that will cause less damage to the environment. Also find ways to make things more energy efficient. Reusing outside air to cool a building/house, rain water harvesting, solar panels, sprayed insulation, wind power, are many of the small ways buildings and homes could be more energy efficient. I feel in spreading this knowledge and educating others it would help in going towards people being more self-sustainable individuals and be another contribution I could bring to this table of change futures need to focus on if we are going to have the ability for future generations to have things that could be gone or destroyed if no one is willing to make changes now.
ReplyDeleteA good friend of mine tells me often that only 1% of the world gets a college education. This was very hard for me to believe at first, but being exposed to the conditions of underdeveloped countries via movies, websites and books, I am coming to realizing that that statistic is very much true. So many underdeveloped countries lack education at a primary and secondary level, so of course they are lacking at a university level. I have been inspired to do something about this. After graduation, I want to go teach somewhere overseas. I am not picky about where, but I will go where I am needed. I've recently gotten a soft heart for East Africa and places like Tanzania, Somalia, and Sudan. I would love to go help improve the education system over there. I would love to just give time and love to the kids there and teach them basic educational skills. I know it is very dangerous to go to East Africa and there are many problems going on in these countries, but I believe it is worth it to give these kids the education they deserve. I want to try to get a team to go together and help build schools and teach in them. After some time and experience there, I would come back here and inspire others to come help or to go to other unreached places and start their own schools. I would inspire the kids there to pursue and education and help them to get on a path to get to college. The odds are against this happening for the kids in underdeveloped countries, but I believe with time it is possible to get them there.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video One Peace At A Time, it really makes me think about the things that I can do to help make the world a better place. Many times it seems like us making small changes in our lives will not make an impact on others but the truth is that we can make a difference. All around the world hunger and poverty are issues, including in our own city. So, one thing I can do is to start in our our communities by donating to food and toy drives around the holiday season. Even though it may seem small, it makes a huge impact for the families and kids that receive those toys. I think all of the issues we have discussed in this class are very important and it showed me many ways that I can help out and make a change. When I am a teacher, I can be sure to educate my students on issues like this and hope to inspire them to give back to their community and to be more aware of the things they do and how it affects the world.
ReplyDeleteThe video is a big eye opener, it shows how important the little things are and how we give them so little value since we have plenty of it. It reminded me of why I wanted to be a teacher, how I hope I can give my to my community and my hometown. I've always wanted to teach here for a while then go back to Mexico and teach to all the poor people out there. I totally agree with the movie, every child deserves an education. Also, it shows that we really can make a difference with just a little. I know I can't make a big difference, but every little thing helps to a better tomorrow for everyone. Now that the holidays are upon us we should really try and give to those who needed more. I remember one teacher in college would have his class adopt a family for Christmas and they had to raise money to provide gits for the family. It showed me how a little love and time meant so much to each family.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of things that we can all do to give back to the community. I am becoming a teacher so that I can do my part in my community. I want to be able to give inner-city students the education and support that they need. I want to show them that I do care about their success. I also want to help others by, one day, sponsoring a child like in the video. They video said it would be the greatest thing I could do for a child as well as myself, and I completely agree. I will give back to the community by giving all of my love, my support, and my knowledge to all of my students and hopefully more.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many times that I’ve thought, “How can I do my part and give back?” I’ve looked into many things throughout the years that interest me but I had to take small steps. I’ve always wanted to travel to a 3rd world, underdeveloped country to volunteer, lend a hand and help in anyway I can. Seeing that I have children, I’ve had to put that on hold until they are grown and I feel comfortable leaving them. I know there are many other ways I can still get involved though. I’m very involved at both my children’s schools, though the local PTA. I think volunteering is vital in so many ways. We do many things to help the community and the students throughout the year. I think it’s important that my children learn how to give back, participate and volunteer when they can. It helps them to appreciate all they have and not take it for granted. As a family we sponsor a child in India through our church. We pay for his school supplies and anything he might need throughout the year that pertains to his education. He writes to us about three time a year and we always look forward to hearing from him and seeing photos of him as he grows. Hopefully one day we will get to meet him face to face! Living Water International is also an organization that I support. They builds wells and strive to bring clean drinking water to remote places/villages in Africa. As a photographer, I give back to the community by offering my services at no charge to local fundraising events and donating photography packages to be auctioned in order to help raise money. Recently, I did a huge fundraiser for Living Water, at which I was able to photograph the event, create a DVD video for them to share as they travel to other cities and to help bring awareness to their cause. There were many people who came out and with the auction items we were able to raise over $100,000 to give back. I’m also very active with our local “Athlete Guild” where we run 5K & 10K’s to support local groups/ministries. They usually offer some sort of run every month. The Sole 2 Soul we ran in early November benefited the local organization to stop human trafficking. This week we are running the Holiday Hunger Run to benefit the local food pantry. I love that I can do something I enjoy and help out at the same time. I do much through our church, helping St. Jude, donating to St. Vincent de Paul, lending a hand to build homes though Habitat for Humanity. I think there are so many things you can do to help make a difference. It doesn’t necessarily have to be though large fundraisers and organization. Sometimes it’s the small things, a smile, a listening ear, honest and helpful advice. “Giving back” or “Paying if forward” is something I like to participate in on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or how old you are....Just going out of your way to do something nice to help someone, could be a friend, could be someone random is more than doing nothing. Overall, it’s really just spreading “love” where you see it’s needed - it could be a great gesture or a small one. Either way, doing something will always make a difference and it’s in giving that we truly receive.
ReplyDeleteThis class has opened my eyes to many new things in life. The walmart documentary had made me not want to shop at walmart again. The recycling and plastic documentaries have made me realize what needs to be done by me as an individual to make a change in the world. Since then I have not bought another plastic water bottle. I actually went out and purchased a water bottle that has a filter inside. I have shared the information with my family and co-workers. A few of my co-workers have also done the same by not buying plastic water bottles. I will continue to spread the world with others in my life as I think this is the only way to make a change in the world. I believe we as individuals need to change before we can see the world around us change.
ReplyDeleteAfer watching the videos I feel more convinced that I should make more wise decisions. I now realize that I shouldn't take little things for granted and that the slightest choice can have a big effect on the world. I think that the way I could help the world change for the better would start with my niece and nephews. They are all younger than 3 so if live my life in a positive fashion then hopefully they will choose to follow in my footsteps. You got to start somewhere but eventually the positive actions will spread
ReplyDeleteThe video One Peace at a Time explained and presented the issues and problems in the world in the undeveloped countries and how we can help to solve it and make the world a better place, even if it is very small things anything can help and impact the world and anything is a big help. as the holidays are coming is always good to help people in need because like my parents always tell me that there is people that don’t get the same opportunity to spend the holidays like we do, so this class has really open up to me even more to give out to our community and our world and I believe that donating is a really big thing in something I will do for the holidays, as if is donating clothes, toys, or even canned or food but anything would be helpful to needed families.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing the video, it’s a constant reminder that not everyone has the same opportunities that we have. But there’s a lot we can do to help this situation out a bit. Just by doing simple things, can go a long way. With the holiday season around the corner, you can certainly see more and more people on the streets needing help. What I have done in past years was making meals for the homeless under the bridge or making no sew blankets for them. Something so simple but has a huge impact in that persons life receiving it. But just because it’s the holiday season does it mean we have to start helping, it should be a year around thing that will make you feel better about yourself and just helping others that truly need it. Year around I carry a case of water in my car so anytime I see a homeless person or anyone on the street I can give a bottle of water that they can carry on through the day with.
ReplyDeleteThis class has taught me to be more thankful for exactly what I have. Like a lot of young Americans, I like to complain about what I don't have, rather than the many things I do have. I think that I should take advantage of my blessings and help those around me that do not have what they need, because there are many people in San Antonio that aren't very well off at all. I have already donated quite a bit of my clothes that I no longer wear. I want to also volunteer somewhere else locally. On a global level, I feel a little more helpless. I know that I won't fly to a different country to help out. But I know in high school I would go on FreeRice.com whenever I was bored, and they donate food from my visit, so I figured that I could start doing that instead of Facebook to help others out.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing the film One Peace at a Time I'm reminded of the struggles that my own parents overcame coming from an impoverished country in the midst of a civil war. It makes me feel lucky to have what I now have knowing that things could be much different. One of the things that stood out to me most from viewing the film was how children in these countries want so much to just get an education, they get by with so little in terms of school materials and even school buildings. Even here in San Antonio schools and students get by with little and when back to school time comes around many kids are not at the store getting new school supplies because its just not something they can afford. I've tried to donate what I can during this time to drives like Stuff the bus and the different drives by Communities in schools. Another issue that is important to me child hunger. People don't really think of it as a problem that occurs close to home. I donate food items to the San Antonio food bank which helps many families get adequate meals. I know that there is much more that I can do but I feel good about doing my own small part. I think that the film also put that point across, to think about an issue you care about and just do something, because anything helps.
ReplyDeleteThe one peace at a time film was a big eye opener for me. Some things that I have done differently since taking this class was just to be more aware of the things around me and to look into what I am investing my money into. Seeing everything that was going on in the walmart documentary, was huge for me. Walmart was the one place I shopped the most because it was so convenient for me. Now I have learned to wait and put my money into stores that stand for good and care about the well-being of its workers. I am a sub in a district of small charter schools and inside this district, I have had many opportunities to lend a helping hand off the clock. I like to volunteer in the afternoon programs to spend a little bit of time with the children. Its very rare that the children receive this kind of attention, so I can tell from how they respond to me its something that they enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing the video it makes me thankful for what i do have , and the people who I'm surrounded with because those people helped make the girl who i am today. Not everyone was born with the same advantages or disadvantages but the people around can make a huge difference. The whole reason i want to become a teacher is so that i can make a difference. To me its just not a job of getting the kids prepared for a test or for the next grade ahead but to inspire and push the kids to be the best that they can be. Its sad that some kids dont see the importance of education because its not important to their families therfor they do the bare minimum to get through, what i want to do is be that supportive role and make them realize that they have the potential to do what ever it is they want.
ReplyDeleteso in response to monica i as well want to show the kids that i care about their success =)
After viewing the film one piece at a time it made me realize how much we should be thankful for here in the U.S because there are so many children and adults who are suffering in other parts of the world. It’s very sad to see how many people need help and it is especially heartfelt during the holiday season because most of us will be having great meals and receiving and giving presents to our family and friends while a lot of people don’t even have food to eat. Everyone can help by doing even the smallest of gestures like helping out in the homeless shelters by feeding the homeless. Sometimes we think of homeless people as these bums on the street who just choose not to work but there are many families who are also at these shelters who had good jobs and a house but lost their job and lose everything. I personally work for a bank that helps certain foundations here in San Antonio like the food bank and also the boys and girls club. Every year we are asked to donate a fair share of our salary to any or all of these organizations and they just distribute the money evenly to these organizations. Just by doing that I am helping my own community and the people of San Antonio.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video, I began to realize just how grateful for the things that I have. I have never been materialistic and now when I think about it life should never be about what jewelry you have or what kind of clothes you wear. Life should be about enjoying your time with the people you love and doing what you love. About a year ago, I experienced a life changing situation that made me appreciate life more. My boyfriend of 3 years was diagnosed with the precursor to Leukemia. At only 19 years of age his illness was not common. From that day forward I promised myself that I would be thankful for all that I have. Ever since last year I have volunteered at Haven for Hope and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. I have determined that I will forever be grateful for everything and everyone that I have in my life. I will continue to volunteer my time in order to ensure that I can bring a smile to someone who is going through a tough time.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video I have realized how blessed I actually am. When there are people all around the world suffering, I am sitting in my nice bed, in my nice apartment, with my nice little dog. Not everyone has that and sometimes when things get hard in my nice little life I forget that I need to appreciate everything that has been brought before me today. Children who have to watch their parents starve in order to feed them would LOVE to live in the life of the average American. I could never imagine having to go to the lengths that they do in order to go about their day to day lives. For me to make a difference, I know that education is key. I want to help children learn in order to grow and prosper and maybe one day they will be able to lead onward and hopefully make an impact on someone else's lives that could really help them out. My life is nice and I would love for everyone else's to be too, however, I know that isn't necessarily how it works.
ReplyDelete