Okay, here is the next attempt at responding to the prompts provided by the Postaweek gang. It is controversial because it is an ideal...I know it could never be put into effect...but it is my ideal!
Creating a law that forces people to do something for someone else may be taking the role of Government too far, But what about just asking people to learn about people who need help and then letting them decide what to do with that information?
My law would never take effect because it would rely too much on the ability of humans to change behaviors which many argue are part of our wiring. Many would also argue it is unconstitutional.
I would love to have a law that, in some meaningful and doable way, required every one of age to spend 30 minutes per month learning about other people who need help in some way. It could be major issues like children fighting cancer, refugees being slaughtered, or victims of a natural disaster. Or it could be small...local neighborhood food drive, elderly assistance, literacy programs for young, underprivileged children.
I am not even asking that people act upon what they learn...forced help is begrudged and less effective, perhaps destructive. But if everyone had to take a look at others' plights, I believe two things may happen: firstly, we will appreciate our own lot slightly more. Secondly, we may even get charged up enough to tackle one of the issues and actually, willingly help.
This idea could cross over into learning about issues such as global warming, wildlife preservation, domestic and child abuse....the possibilities are endless.
The only thing the law would require, however, is time for people to learn about these things and ways to help. After that, it is up to the what they do with the information. I also believe this is a pipe dream as forcing people to look at others' troubles takes away their rights to make decisions. It is a catch-22 situation: how can people make informed decisions without the information? What do you think?
Meanwhile, for those who don't need a law to encourage you to help others in need but just don't know who to help, here is an amazing idea which I originally read on a blog I adore; Thumbin' My Way. On this blog I read about Love Drop. Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to help one person or family a month. By subscribing to the team for as little as $1, they make it easy for members to change lives in a fun and easy way. Each month Love Drop delivers a unique combination of unexpected financial gifts, personal encouragement and the support of local and online communities.
This has nothing to do with leukemia...it is a way to put out good things without a selfish motive...the art of true caring. Thanks to S for bringing it to my attention. I hope in its small way, it helps my "law" become practiced even thought it has not been ratified!
What a wonderful thought-provoking idea. And thank you for mentioning Love Drop. I love the organization and hope it takes off and really makes a difference in peoples' lives.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
S
My youngest daughter was in private school until she went to high school. One of the things I really liked about her private school was the emphasis on community service. Learning about people in need was woven into the curriculum in creative and inspiring ways that encouraged the kids to participate.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate the president's highlighting of community service. Through his campaign there were links on his website to opportunities for helping in the community, opportunities that were not connected to politics. The community garden at the White House is another example.
On MLK day, my daughters and I used one of the links on his website to find some local volunteer activities and ended up helping to paint a coummunity center.
By the way, I am not trying to make a political statement about the president. I'm just using that as an example of how education about people's needs can be woven into a variety of contexts.
Great post.
Thank you S for letting me know about Love Drop..I have to act myself and join, which I will this week.
ReplyDeleteGalen, Comunity Service is something I feel benefits everyone for so many reasons. I was dismayed to hear my school board recently limited the CS opportunitues for our high school students. Education is really the key, it is just a matter of educating people about where to find the information if they don't live in a community that understands its value.
Thank you both for sharing your thoughts...I am glad I venture a little out of the day to day cancer stuff!