Michelle Nunn - Be the Change!: Change the World. Change Yourself

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

Through the stories and advice of hundreds of business and government leaders, celebrities, and average citizens, BE THE CHANGE! explores each persons capacity to change the world. Intertwining practical tips on service and volunteerism with real-life stories of personal transformation, BE THE CHANGE! reveals how involvement in service can not only change the world, but also change an individual's life.

Editor Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light and cofounder of HandsOn Network, offers reflections to create a narrative of hope. The book provides practical advice, inspiration, and humor. Through these stories, readers can begin to take their own journey of service and discovery.

Points of Light is a growing movement of engaged citizens who are making a tangible difference in communities across the country and the world. Points of Light engages millions of volunteers through its national and international affiliates. Points of Light creates and manages nearly 260,000 projects a year, from building wheelchair ramps in San Francisco and teaching reading in Atlanta to rebuilding homes and lives in the Gulf Coast communities.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to support Points of Light's activities.

Praise for BE THE CHANGE

This small book is packed with brief, lively and heartfelt testimonials, to-the-point statistics, Web sites and lists, all designed to nudge you to take the first step on what Nunn calls a journey of service.

The Oregonian

A great book filled with great ideas! The stories that follow remind us of the small ways that we can realize our power and the responsibility that each of us bears for all our actions, small and large. Read on to be challenged by some new things that you haven't thought of doing, and be reminded of some things that you know you should do. Rediscover the power you hold each day to change the world and change yourself. There's no reason to wait.

Positive Parenting

It's a gift that can be given for the holidays or as a jump-start to a New Year's resolution. Michelle Nunn has gathered the real-life stories of everyday citizens, celebrities and high-profile leaders who find meaning or have transformed their lives through volunteering.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

[A] unique publication a great inspiration for all to own a part in making our world a better place. What better way to celebrate the holiday season than to give a gift of inspiration.

America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth

Civic-minded teens wanting to volunteer need look no further than this book for details on how to get involved. Chock full of examples of service projects and ideas on how to start onethis book is an in depth look at the benefits of volunteer work Those who work with teens could use passages from this book to spark discussions about the value of service.

VOYA-Voice of Youth Advocates

Stories, practical advice and inspirational snippets from people who have been able to glean something for themselves by providing service to others.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

BE THE CHANGE

Copyright 2012 by Hundreds of Heads Books, LLC

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproducedmechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopyingwithout written permission of the publisher. Trademarks: Hundreds of Heads, Because Hundreds of Heads are Better than One!, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hundreds of Heads Books, LLC, and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Hundreds of Heads Books, LLC, is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Photographs Copyright David Hume Kennerly. All rights reserved.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Be the change! : change the world, change yourself / Michelle Nunn, editor.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Helping behavior. 2. Altruism. 3. Change (Psychology) I. Nunn, Michelle.

BF637.H4B4 2006

158'.3--dc22

2006027433

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: Every effort has been made to accurately present the views expressed by the interviewees quoted herein. The publisher and editors regret any unintentional inaccuracies or omissions, and do not assume responsibility for the opinions of the respondents. Neither the publisher nor the authors of any of the stories herein shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

HUNDREDS OF HEADS books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for premiums or institutional or educational use. Excerpts and custom editions can be created for specific uses. For more information, please e-mail or write to:

HUNDREDS OF HEADS BOOKS, LLC

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ISBN-13: 978-193351213-6

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

President George H.W. Bush

Tom Brokaw

H ELPING OTHERS IS A LARGE PART OF what life is all about. Its also a large part of Americas greatness because so many people live life this way every day in neighborhoods, places of worship, organizations and communities across the country. Its always been that way. In fact, the genius of America is the spirit of giving. Its inseparable from our freedom.

There are not magic outside solutions to our challenges. Even at its best, government will always be only part of the way we will solve any problem. The real answers lie within us. There are no givers and receivers in this regard. Everyones gifts, talents, or capabilities are different. But each of us has something of ourselves to give that someone else and America needs. Its about stepping forward and pitching in regardless of who you are. If you know how to read, find someone who cant. If youve got a hammer, find a nail. If youre not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble, seek out someone who is.

For young people, service can be a profound expression of idealism. For older people, its also about idealism and what we want to leave behind. But for young and old alike, its really about solving problems and making a difference. In this way all of us can be part of advancing the American ideal of voluntary service, sometimes giving of ourselves directly, and sometimes encouraging and supporting others who are helping. There are opportunities at different times in our lives or even at different times in a week or a day to do one or both.

What is clear is that theres work to do. Thats why any definition of a successful life must include serving others. The good news is that direct and consequential work with and for other people doesnt just make a difference; it changes peoples lives on both sides. Thats the promise of doing life-changing work with others. Its where the meaning and adventure in life can be found.