believe

I have a lot of respect for the individuals before me and standing with me who have made the decision to do something different. Something new and uncharted, something to shake things up. To pluck an idea from nothing and make it a reality could possibly be the most draining thing one can put themselves through. To lay it on the line and not waiver from your convictions sets you up to be seen differently. Some don't understand it and never will. Others give you that smile and tell you how they will help, just to forget about their promise the moment you walk away. Then there are some you truly touch and they show it for no other reason but belief in what you're trying to accomplish.

To believe is not a new concept but something I feel strongly about. People generally have a belief of some sort that they run their lives by. It may be religious or based on an experience but it usually guides them through their day-to-day lives and lives in the background of their every thought and decision. I can remember years ago shouting "BELIEVE"! from the bleachers at my oldest daughters softball games. I saw how the players were empowered to forge ahead and to accomplish what they may have thought was lost. They embraced the word and the thought and incorporated it on T-Shirts and signs and chants from the dugout. It brought a feeling of power that kept their chins up. Still coaching with my son and my youngest daughter today, I still shout that word because I feel without it you can't accomplish a thing.

The dreamers of yesterday inspire me today and part of their legacy will be their belief in making a change. As much as I am thankful for the people who confirm my belief with belief of their own, I am just as thankful for the ones who don't. These are the folks that continue to make me think and question my own beliefs. It brings me back to my reasons and my convictions and furthers my belief in making others believe.
Believe it,,, or not.

DD

getting it

Yesterday, The Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia hosted an event for charities in the area. They have made a conscious decision to support nonprofits and local charities with a presence in their establishment on Friday nights combined with the local music scene. I saw it firsthand a few weeks back when I saw a friends band play there. I really like what they are doing and look forward to working with them. I met some great people involved with other charities giving me priceless insight on the challenges they are facing with donors, corporate sponsorships and events. It also gave me a new audience to discuss my organization and what we're all about.
 
You see, I get really excited when I'm talking to somebody about this organization, That moment when they get it. When they can see the difference I'm trying to bring to the table.

When they understand I support the Red Cross for being a tried and trusted first-responder and I'm not trying to be them.

When they see I'm not bashing the government for what I see as limitations to what they can do.

When I mention Katrina and they think back to what happened to New Orleans years ago and more importantly when they think about New Orleans today and they see how much still needs to be done.

That's when  it starts getting clearer. That's when I can tell them stories about places like LaPorte, Indiana, Cedar Rapids, IA, DeKalb County, GA and even in my hometown of Yardley, PA. Places you would refer to as Anytown, USA, where people, are still suffering from a disaster that happened years ago.
 
Then, they realize that first-responders are busy dealing with a new tragedy in a new town and FEMA takes time reviewing mitigation plans.

That's when the problem slaps them in the face. It's the gap that occurs for so many between disaster and recovery. The gap that encompasses thousands, and it's everywhere in this country. And then,, they really get what I'm trying to do. Fill that gap and find out what caused that gap. Take care of those in that gap so they can get back to normal and find solutions so it isn't so extreme the next time. To find and support a solution so it doesn't happen again, ever.
   
I thank the Hard Rock for the opportunity yesterday, they made it a great day for me as well as the nonprofit community in general. They are taking a stand for the good of those in need and following up with real support. They get it.

DD
 

Obama signs Haiti aid bill http://ping.fm/3lNNs

Each One Helps Haiti

Each One for US All is proud to support the efforts of 2 International Organizations with their relief in Haiti, click here to learn more.
http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?

Americares and CHF International have commited to assist after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last week, affecting thousands in this already struggling country.  Each One for US All has chosen to partner with both of these organizations because they are highly rated on Charity Navigator with many years of history helping Haiti. They are also dedicated to staying in Haiti to find solutions and help rebuild for a better tomorrow. These are the same objectives of Each One in this country.

Here's how you can donate now and help those in need.

• Donations with all major credit cards will be accepted through our website at http://www.eachoneforusall.org/. Just click the "Donate Now" button on any page and be sure to type Each One Helps Haiti in the comments section. All donated funds, minus transaction charges will help our partner organizations make a difference.

• You can also donate with your PayPal account through our listing on Guidestar http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/27-0366439/each-one-us-all.aspx

• Donate membership rewards points through our partnership with American Express http://amex.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=27-0366439

• Spread the word by forwarding the information to "friends" for the new Cause "Each One Helps Haiti" on Facebook.

Please remember, help is not just appreciated when it has dollar signs attached to it. You can visit a local branch of an international relief organization helping those in Haiti and just ask what you can do. They can always use a hand packing up supplies to help others on location. You can also do a huge bit of help by telling others about the causes you're supporting. Utilize all the great forms of social media we have today and keep the momentum rolling.

DD

mother nature strikes again

With the recent disaster in Haiti, I can't help but think about those who have lost their lives and loved ones. Mother Nature doesn't seem to have a conscience when it comes to disasters, there are always victims. They are in my thoughts and I've donated to Oxfam International to help with the support they are carrying out.
Just think about this, here is a country that was hit by 4 hurricanes in the span of 30 days in 2008. And this was serious stuff, about 60% of their harvests were destroyed and entire cities were uninhabitable. Now this earthquake with death tolls estimated at 50,000,,, this is a country that could use a break. Problem is, their geographical location makes them prone to such events. They will keep coming, you can't stop it.

With that in mind, I am puzzled. You can't avoid seeing the outpouring of financial support that is being collected for this country. However, reports show that relief organizations can't even get in to help the suffering. This is one of the poorest countries in the world and with that comes the inability to build the countries infrastructure properly. The ports and roads they had for others to get in were already a mess, now it's even worse.

Why I'm puzzled is that here's a country with history of devestating events, billions of dollars donated for relief over the years and there doesn't seem to be a focus on rebuilding differently to help alleviate the devestation that is going to happen. I realize that we must be reactive to a natural disaster but I for one feel that much more focus needs to be on preparing for such events. Right now is the time for these organizations and supporting countries to be proactive to events in the future.

Like I said, I don't think you will ever stop these events from happening but I have to believe it would better serve the people of Haiti to invest in a plan so when things happen, they won't be as extreme.

DD

2010 Challenge for those in need

I wanted to let everyone know about the new campaign for Each One for US All. We have developed the 2010 Challenge. Simple in its approach, 20,000 people donate $10.00 and suddenly we have a HUGE impact to those still suffering from a natural disaster. Hearing and seeing so much about the power of social media in todays world, I've decided to put it through the test. Here's the link for more information:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/427046/51560030?m=71bb3202

I urge everyone to take a look and spread the word, with the ease of communication at our fingertips, there is no reason we shouldn't achieve our goal. I thank you all in advance for your support.

DD