HourChallenge

The problem of extreme poverty can be overwhelming, even daunting. When I first began to grasp the massive, broad-reaching extent of this problem I felt like giving up right there. What can I do? Isn’t this a problem for the governments of these countries? Don’t we give a bunch of money already that’s just wasted or stolen by corrupt leaders? These types of questions and others came to mind as I hoped for an escape from what my heart was telling me – Cory, you need to do something.

At some point early on I decided I would do what I could to help, which created a problem – how to get started. That’s what this post is about. First steps to me usually seem meaningless, silly and contrived. But they are all you have usually. I was given a white wrist band which is the “common symbol of the global fight to end poverty”. I put it on. I was asked if I’d signed the One Declaration. I said no, took the card and put my name on it. These steps seemed so small and insignificant at the time that I wondered if they could possibly make any difference whatsoever.

And then, surprisingly they did. That little bracelet has been on my wrist for the good part of a year and it is a constant reminder that there are people out there who need my voice. The one.org folks send emails just about every week keeping me up on important issues and information. They encourage me to write my representative and provide form emails when critical legislation is going to vote. As a result I’ve written, emailed and called my congressman several times this year.

Well, the point is that first steps are easy, powerful little things. They give us courage to press forward and remind us of our commitments. You don’t have to know a bunch about this issue to voice your concern. So jump in and do the little things that can make a big difference.