Hello 2010 - We have been waiting, patiently, for you. Did we have a choice? Not really.
You arrived as scheduled, in the nick of time some would say, and we thank you for it. I am not far out on a limb noting how the passage of time is indefatigable and resilient. Time marches on with us in tow.Before we get into the review of 2009 and the goals of 2010, let me wish you a Happy New Year! To the left is my family (wife, daughter, son-in-law and sons) and the retreat-like paradise from which I craft my pieces (which explains why I work from my home). And to be clear, all the credit for the tranquil retreat we share with our menagerie goes entirely to my wife, she created and maintains it, I enjoy it.
I wish to recognize and thank the men and women of the United States who serve us so bravely and gallantly both in uniform and out; this has been a tragic year-end for so many families who have lost their loved ones in far-away lands such as Iraq and Afghanistan. I also thank the first responders who willingly step into harms way each and every day in service of others - protecting us all. This year in western Washington was especially tough for those in law enforcement as they saw the violent deaths of too many personnel - six in sixty days. And sadly a few days ago we learned of the tragic deaths of seven of my former colleagues, killed by a suicide bomber - each individual voluntarily serving far from home, serving their country to the best of their abilities, serving without the expectation of public recognition, but with an understanding their work was important and was making a difference, though it was not without risk. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved one's as they cope with their tragic losses. Tragic losses such as these bring home the point, "Freedom is seldom free."
In 2009, I invested a great deal of my time messaging safety, security and shining light on a myriad of humanitarian issues - all as widely as possible, all in a manner in which the data or message could be taken and used - again and again. As a curious soul, with an insatiable appetite to learn I also absorbed the messaging and successes of others. I thought I'd share some of the pieces which provided inspiration to me this last year and also highlight to you some of the causes about which I have a personal passion; I'll close this posting with my wish for the new year, all the more appropriate given we are experiencing a Blue Moon.
Hunger: As noted in many of my November blogs, food insecurity in the United States is at an all-time high - 12% of the US population is currently food insecure. We collectively took a bite out of hunger and for that I thank all of you who participated in the Virtual Canned Food Drive via Libby's Food for Feeding America - we raised sufficient funds to provide 60,000 meals to hungry Americans at food banks throughout the United States. While I focused my actions close to home, I found the following video from the US Department of State useful in describing the global hunger situation and take heart in Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton's call to action: "The question is not whether we can end hunger, it's whether we will."
Human Trafficking / Sex Trafficking / Child Trafficking: And those who follow my blog and tweet stream know of my passion with respect to protecting those unable to do so both online and in the physical world. I, like you, am stupefied with the realization the trafficking of fellow human beings is at a historical all time high - and am viscerally repulsed with the statistics surrounding the trafficking of children. Three videos touched me in 2009, and I share these with you:
UNICEF, MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) and The Killers released a music video, "Goodnight, Travel Well" to bring attention to the global situation of human trafficking and they succeeded:
Also joining in the music video milieu was a piece which packed punch from Sojourner Picture, "Believe in Me" on behalf of the Courage to Be You organization. Take a moment and view the video, when you finish I think you will have a better understanding as to the value of investing in the rehabilitation of the victims:
The third video comes from Diana Scimone and her Born to Fly organization. What I admire most about this organization is their creative effort and their vision,“You were born to fly—don’t settle for less.” The video is "Get Angry" and when you finish watching it, I believe you will be angry, and as asked in the video, "Do something about it."
Women: In August I stumbled upon an organization called, Girl Effect and their creative two minute video. I had the pleasure of sharing this video at Chris Prillo's Gnomedex conference in Seattle this year. A few months later, I smiled large when I saw Oprah shared it in one of her segments and on her website. Having lived in various parts of the world where the value of the female child is viewed as a burden vice a blessing, I found this presentation projects the value of not only the female child (the girl), but also the value of investing in education so a girl may make a contribution to society in a clear and unambiguous manner. This solution resolves so many of the root-causes of human trafficking and hunger in the world. Take two minutes to view the piece and see if you don't agree:
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The year 2009 also carried with it lighter and happier moments. Two in particular brought repeated smiles to my face. I think I visited these two pieces a hundred times - revisiting each again and again throughout the year. Who can forget Susan Boyle and her introduction to each of us via the UK television program, Britian's Got Talent:
Or the absolute best Flash Mob I've ever seen, one often emulated but never matched which occurred at the Antwerp Train Station - view this one and keep an eye out for the smiles of the unsuspecting - and of course your own smile. Train travel has benefits!
Now didn't both of these simply inspire you and fill you with a bit of joy, dare I say optimism? Feeling good is important, its through our positive energy which we garner our internal strength.
As we look forward, we must remember the past or be destined to repeat the lessons of days gone by. What should we do with the time allotted to us in 2010 - our time? I say, use it wisely, it is precious, not to be squandered, and absolutely irreplaceable. To my way of thinking, time is your most valuable asset and if you give of your time, to read this blog for example, you've shared your most precious asset with me. So I thank you for your time.
Similarly, my investment of time in support of my family, friends, a cause or project are clear indicators that I have assigned a value to the engagement and therefore have an expectation of a mutual return on investment. So how should we, collectively, invest our time for 2010 to provide the greatest possible return on the investment both for ourselves and those receiving the benefit of our time? Choose wisely.
I have set a lofty and remarkably simple aspirational goal. Throughout 2010 I know we will have opportunities to do the right thing, and there-in lays my 2010 goal: "To do the right thing."
I will endeavor in 2010 to invest my time wisely - be it shining the light on a just cause; engaging in a project; spending time with family and friends; discussing the inhumane aspects of humanity; keeping our families safe; or simply sharing thoughts while breaking bread - in each case my intent will always be to "Do the right thing."
I have tremendous faith in you - please take a moment of your time and think how your choices will enable you to do the right thing in the giving of your time.
Thank you for your time. I welcome your comments, thoughts and collaboration.
All the best,
Christopher
LINKS:
Born to Fly: Born to Fly Project
Girl Effect: Girl Effect Organization
MTV's EXIT: End Exploitation and Trafficking
Courage to Be You: C2BU Project
US Department of State: Global Hunger and Food Security
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