Do-Goodery

Looking for an opportunity, many opportunities, to do some good will probably help me more than anyone else.

I find when I'm wrapped-up entirely in my narrow, small little world, that my life feels less meaningful.

I've thought a lot about whether or not there really is true altruism, or at least the definition of it that implies doing good with no benefit to oneself. I really don't think that's possible. We're all connected, and doing good for others in some way always gives back, if nothing else, you get warm fuzzies and feel like a good human being.

This time of year it's easy to find plenty of opportunities to help out. While checking my e-mail this morning I found 5 already! Now, if I blog about my activities will that take away some of the shine? Yes, probably. The best deeds tend to be the ones you do out of love with no expectation anyone will ever know. But I hope it will help me keep track and update my progress along the way. Maybe it might give others ideas, and hopefully, all of my friends can help give me more ideas too! Besides, my friends are always doing good things for others, and you all inspire me, whether it's by rescuing a hungry, dirty kitten from the streets, providing art for a community, being there to give spiritual guidance when people most need it, or taking food to families facing difficulties or challenges.

So, my personal goal is 20 good deeds and 24 hours of community service by January 20, 2009. (I tried to set an ambitious but reasonable goal). The problem will be deciding what counts as what. Hmmm.... well, I don't want to impose any rules, but please feel free to comment if something would make more sense seen in another light.

Good Deeds / Charity:
1. Giving blood, my appointment is Nov. 12
2. Sponsoring a local family for the holidays.

3. Joined Amnesty International and sent a letter via them to President Elect Obama asking him to address Human Rights in the first 100 days of his administration.

4. Bought a net to protect against malaria. This is a charity that I really like because 100% of the funds go to help save lives in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Ten dollars can save someone's life. Google "Nothing but Nets" if the link doesn't work and you want to check it out.

5. Mostly cleaned the library bathroom when someone dumped (probably accidentally) liquid soap ALL over and just left it. The soap container was knocked off the wall.

6. Donated the difference of J.D.'s employee discount to the March of Dimes.

7. Signed up for small monthly donation to heat St. Louis homes.

8. Dropped off a box of canned goods at the school for a local food pantry.

9. Signed petition to stop inhumane treatment of turkeys and chickens.

10. Donated extra wrapping paper to GTGB program.

Time:
1. One and a half hours preparing and wrapping presents for sponsored families, Nov. 15.
(That should actually be really fun; I love wrapping presents. Does it count as service if you love doing it?)

2. Nov. 22, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. getting presents ready for families.

Gratefulness and a Promise

In thankfulness for today and with the hope this election has given my heart, I pledge to look for the opportunity to do at least 20 good deeds and to do 24 hours of community service by Inauguration Day. I want to sustain this joy and positive energy. I feel called upon to do my small part in the process of making our country better. If anyone wants to join me, in action or in gratefulness, please do.

Imagine the power generated and change that would happen if everyone who voted for Obama would see this as his or her own chance to better the world!

Ok, I have to admit, this form letter makes me happy

Tamara --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you.

Thank you, Barack