Spring Break
Editorial: Make a difference
Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
04/24/09 - Even though it's said time after time, no one ever believes that one person can make a difference.
The likes of the Sierra Club, the largest grassroots environmental organization, founded by John Muir, now boasts more than 1.3 million supporters. The National Breast Cancer Coalition, begun by a small group of breast cancer survivors was named one of the 20 most influential groups in health policy in 2003, according to its Web site.
And in 2002, Jane Roberts made her difference by founding the 34 Million Friends of the United Nations Population Fund, in response to the Bush administration taking away funds from the UNFPA.
To date, she has raised more than $4 million by asking citizens to donate just $1 to her organization. According to the foundation's official Web site, Roberts was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
Roberts, who came to speak to University of Rhode Island students yesterday, emphasized the importance of grassroots organizations, sharing stories about underprivileged women from impoverished countries giving birth in dire circumstances.
All it takes is someone that will listen, and differences can be made.
Passion is essential in this arena. Everyone has something that means the world to him or her. Gay rights, free speech, advocating for a certain political candidate or even pushing for more vending machines; every issue has its place. But speech can only take you so far. To truly change the world, actions must be taken, and one must foster communications among those who want a revolution in world of social justice.
Gaining support can be difficult, but as Roberts showed, the best course of action is to start with something small, and people are more likely to take heed.
Recently, URI police officer Mark Chearino raised more than $400 to donate to the American Cancer Society in conjunction with Relay for Life. By standing on Upper College Road with a decorated bucket and chatting with stopped URI students, he was able to make his mark on contributing to cancer research.
These people don't have to be the only ones reaching out to help those in need. Organizing volunteer groups or banding with friends to donate just $5 each to some of the nonprofits in the area can make all the impact it needs to. The economic downfall has many scrounging the lining of his or her pockets, but it's imperative to step up and help those who call for assistance.
The likes of the Sierra Club, the largest grassroots environmental organization, founded by John Muir, now boasts more than 1.3 million supporters. The National Breast Cancer Coalition, begun by a small group of breast cancer survivors was named one of the 20 most influential groups in health policy in 2003, according to its Web site.
And in 2002, Jane Roberts made her difference by founding the 34 Million Friends of the United Nations Population Fund, in response to the Bush administration taking away funds from the UNFPA.
To date, she has raised more than $4 million by asking citizens to donate just $1 to her organization. According to the foundation's official Web site, Roberts was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
Roberts, who came to speak to University of Rhode Island students yesterday, emphasized the importance of grassroots organizations, sharing stories about underprivileged women from impoverished countries giving birth in dire circumstances.
All it takes is someone that will listen, and differences can be made.
Passion is essential in this arena. Everyone has something that means the world to him or her. Gay rights, free speech, advocating for a certain political candidate or even pushing for more vending machines; every issue has its place. But speech can only take you so far. To truly change the world, actions must be taken, and one must foster communications among those who want a revolution in world of social justice.
Gaining support can be difficult, but as Roberts showed, the best course of action is to start with something small, and people are more likely to take heed.
Recently, URI police officer Mark Chearino raised more than $400 to donate to the American Cancer Society in conjunction with Relay for Life. By standing on Upper College Road with a decorated bucket and chatting with stopped URI students, he was able to make his mark on contributing to cancer research.
These people don't have to be the only ones reaching out to help those in need. Organizing volunteer groups or banding with friends to donate just $5 each to some of the nonprofits in the area can make all the impact it needs to. The economic downfall has many scrounging the lining of his or her pockets, but it's imperative to step up and help those who call for assistance.
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