March 13, 2011

A Semi-Modest Proposal In Light of Recent Events

First, full disclosure - I volunteer for the Red Cross. In fact, I'm going to be co-chairing the marketing committee for one of their larger fundraisers in the Chicago area. So if you want to accuse me of being self-promoting, fair enough.

Quite frankly, I have to admit - things have been tough. Except for postings on Facebook, my birthday last week was just like my Christmas - I got nothing. Nada. A card from my aunt, but that's about it. I'm not happy about it, but quite frankly....

...Friday's tsunami news was a little more disconcerting.

My other aunt (the one married to my uncle) has family in Hawaii. So I was a little concerned that they might have been affected by the earthquake in Japan.

But it also made me glad that I volunteer for the Red Cross, and that I'm more than happy to do whatever I can to help them help others.

So here's the challenge to you, dear reader - I would like you to support your Red Cross. Yes, I mean financially....but there's also other things you can do that doesn't involve money.

On a simple level, go to this microsite - it's the Red Cross' effort to bring attention to fire safety and fire victims. It will allow you to "burn" your profile picture on Facebook, and you can also send updates via Twitter. Yes, you're online anyway looking up Doctor Who series six spoilers, so why not put that effort to good use?

On a deeper level, give your time. Call your local Red Cross and see if they have an Auxiliary Society. You have time and talents that can be useful to the Red Cross, and believe me - they can use it.

(If you're not a fan of the Red Cross, for some reason, find an organization that appeals to you, and do it).

Because quite frankly, it's easy for us to assume that what we believe in is worthwhile...it's a lot harder to take that belief and put it to good use.

And quite simply, it's not about - yet all about - us.

1 comment:

Roger Owen Green said...

actually, for my birthday (the day after yours), i had requested through some Facebook thingy that people donate $10 apiece to the ARC in my name.