I’ve never heard or seen that specific quote from Gandhi before writing this message. However, the message has been in my heart for a very long time. My childhood is a story of very humble beginnings, which I believe helped to coat my heart with love for all humankind – despite our differences. As a youth, I would watch the infomercials come across the television screen requesting aid for children in Africa, Haiti, or some other country outside the United States.
For less than a dollar, you could feed a child and change or save a life. Although we didn’t have much as a family to spare ourselves, the opportunity to serve others was paramount. Over time, the yearning to be more, do more, and give more started to grow on its own demand. That wasn’t the only example witnessed. I watched my mother often give to ensure our local family, neighbors and friends had whatever they lacked and what we could offer - sometimes it was rice, sugar, soap, or just a good ear to listen.
Our surroundings have a significant impact on our perception of the world.
Witnessing the power of collective efforts at an early age can be a very powerful and resonating force within your life. You may have seen time and time again the ripple effects of one single act. Whether positive or negative, we’ve all been impacted in one way or another. When you join our youth programs (EarlyAct, Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange), you surround yourself with other young leaders with hearts for service and a mind to shape (or shake) the world into a much better place.
Each new generation has the unique opportunity to look at the world from a different lens. You do not have to carry the same mindset and tools used in yesterday’s world into the future. You can create a new landscape, paint a new canvas and make it your own. With the help of a few cool friends, you can make this happen with ease.
One person may be able to accomplish a lot, but no one person can accomplish it all.
I personally did not have the opportunity to join amazing programs like Earlyact, Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, or Youth Exchange because the opportunity was not readily available within my childhood community. However, as a Rotarian, I have the opportunity to join with "cool" friends to implement unique programs, projects, and events for those communities without leadership or service opportunities. Recently, I had the opportunity to work alongside Interactors for a Habitat for Humanity project. I'm not sure if they were aware of the significant and positive impact (ripple effect) they were having on the family's lives that would soon live in the home they were building. However, taking time out of their Saturday to give back will provide returns they will come to know later in life. It's the power of uniting for actionable change and development.
Simply put, my message to the youth is to never doubt the power you have within you to shake the world…just shake it gently.
Call To Action For All Rotarians: Let's build more Earlyact, Interact, and Rotaract Clubs + opportunities throughout District 5840!