One Hundred Ways

Maybe you think we have the change we can believe in.

Maybe you wish the future was, instead, more familiar.

This blog promises to be sprinkled with occasional political commentary.  But here, on this page, it would actually be great to act as if there’s no such thing.

Whatever your socio-political beliefs, hopefully you realize the gravity of our moment.  Trickle-down economics is strained when the largest corporations are asking for handouts.  And social assistance programs can’t be funded when the deficit surges.

So, here, I’m starting a list called “One Hundred Ways.”  And I want your help.

It will be a running list of simple ideas, average people can do on any given day, to make this world the kind of place we won’t fear handing down to our children.

The rules?  It’s easy.

Step 1: Have an idea – or share one you’ve heard – mean it wholeheartedly, and leave it in a comment on this page.  You can even just email me (franco.beans@gmail.com) if you want to contribute anonymously.   I’ll add it to the list.  If we pass 100, awesome!

Step 2: When you’re here, pick one and follow through.

See?  Easy.  That’s it.

Be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the little things.

I’ll start.

—–

1. Donate street vendor-bought clothing.  Here, in D.C., we have street vendors everywhere, selling things like “Washington, D.C.” t-shirts and “CIA” hats.  Usually there are deals, like buy 2 get 1 free.  So if you visit, or you just pass one on the way to work, buy some.  It’s like $10.  Then drop them off at the community organization of your choice, or even just hand them to someone who needs a shirt, or a sweatshirt, or a winter hat…

2. DC Hypothermia Hotline.  Put this number in your phone: 800.535.7252.  If you’re walking the streets of DC this winter, and you see a homeless person fighting the elements, give that number a call.  A team of really good people will go to the location you provide and urge people to come inside where it’s warm.

Idea – Restaurant Refugee.

3. Capital Area Food Bank of DC.  They’d love your help in a number of ways.  A few really good ones?  Organize a food drive at work, at your organization, a/o with friends.  If you’re more of a loner, just donate what you can afford from your pantry.  Here’s what they want most:

Non-perishable Food Items:
Canned Proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter)
Canned Fruits in Own Juices or Light Syrup (pineapples, peaches, and pears)
100% Fruit Juices (All sizes including juice boxes)
Grains (pasta, whole wheat pasta, rice, brown rice, macaroni and cheese)
Condiments (tomato based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, light salad dressings)
Low Sodium/ No Salt Added Canned Vegetables (mixed, green beans, corn)
Soups (beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey rice)
Multigrain Cereal (cheerios, cornflakes, grapenuts, raisin bran)

Idea - lacochran.

4. Be a grandchild. Visit a nursing home. You can do anything from reading to playing cards, from eating snacks to singing songs… Maybe someone just needs to hold a thoughtful hand, to feel the comfort of another human being. A lot of us relish our down time, our alone time. But for many of us, it’s not a choice. So the next time your choice is coming home to another DVR’d hour of TV or finally watching that Netflix disc that’s been sitting there for weeks, try being a grandchild.

Idea – KG.

5. Servathon.  Come clean up a public school with me.  ”Servathon brings together thousands of individuals for two amazing days of volunteer service to complete projects at nonprofit organizations and public schools in our communities around the Greater Washington region. You, your family, friends and colleagues can help by volunteering your services, skills, time and energy on Friday, May 1, 2009 (Sponsors’ Day of Service) and Saturday, May 2, 2009 (open to all, including sponsors).”  For more information, go here.

Idea – Miss Bianca.

6. Create your own charity.  Don’t believe the hype: it’s not impossible. Organise events to facilitate people to donate money to charity. In 2008, Sarah and 7 friends raised $50,000 for children’s charities by organising fun things such as fancy dress touch rugby, quizes, parties..etc… She personally organised speed dating that is so much fun…and takes no time to do at all. Get 40 people (20 girls and boys) and get them to pay $1 a date…they have 3 min to talk to each person and have a good time…that is a quick $800 to give to charity.

Idea – Sarah.

7. Start a social group. Like D&D, book club, shopaholic’s anonymous etc, etc. There are so many people out there developing mental disorders because of lack of interaction with people. Something that gets you out of your house, into the bright morning air.

Idea – Jen.

8. Be kind. Because it really is that simple, sometimes. Stop thinking everyone’s out to get you. Don’t be the “getter.” And helping others out doesn’t give anyone license to be arrogant or self-righteous. That defeats the entire purpose of helping.

Idea – Jen.

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