Author Topic: 1,000 Ways to Change the World  (Read 13048 times)

Offline Lumière

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1,000 Ways to Change the World
« on: October 26, 2007, 12:28:35 pm »



Hello everyone,  :)

I thought it would be a neat idea to build a list of inspiring ideas on the many creative ways each of us can change the world for the better - from the smallest of deeds to the grand.  I sincerely believe that most of us are not as powerless as we may think and that a single drop of water in an ocean is not as insignificant as it appears.

I would love to hear your thoughts.  Maybe we really can collect up to 1,000 fresh ideas!  8)
To keep count, just enter the number in the subject line of your post.

Cheers,
~Lucise




Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - 1
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2007, 12:50:47 pm »
I thought I'd go first.  :)


Volunteer at a Children's Hospital.

I love children, don't have any of my own, but that could change, who knows.
It is indeed a life-altering experience to spend time with children who are fatally-ill - some dying of cancer or AIDS or some other horrible disease.  An hour a week  with a sick child - to play with them or read them a story or just sit with them goes a long way.


Offline Pipedream

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2007, 03:46:14 pm »
Brilliant idea, Milli!  :D

Alas, you got me at my week point here. For example, I know that I could make some old ladies happy (my mother in law, my aunt, my husband's aunt, etc.) by being a bit more attentive and considerate towards them. But more often than not, I just can't put myself to actually do it and avoid them when I can because they get on my nerves and steal my time...  :P
I drop a certain sum of money for all kinds of charitable activities every year. But I know, that my time and attention for those who are around me would be worth much more, and that makes me feel guilty. I will try to work at it...
No, wait. Knowing myself, I probably won't...

 :-\


Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2007, 04:14:42 pm »
Brilliant idea, Milli!  :D

Alas, you got me at my week point here. For example, I know that I could make some old ladies happy (my mother in law, my aunt, my husband's aunt, etc.)

I smiled when I read that Anke!  ;D 

Quote
by being a bit more attentive and considerate towards them. But more often than not, I just can't put myself to actually do it and avoid them when I can because they get on my nerves and steal my time...  :P
I drop a certain sum of money for all kinds of charitable activities every year. But I know, that my time and attention for those who are around me would be worth much more, and that makes me feel guilty. I will try to work at it...
No, wait. Knowing myself, I probably won't...
  :-\

At least you ain't kidding yourself about it..  hehe ;D

What you said here:
Quote
I drop a certain sum of money for all kinds of charitable activities every year.

was our Number 2 on the list!  8)

~M


Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World -- 3
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2007, 05:17:51 pm »
I thought I'd share a bit about a friend of mine called Francis. He is 97 years old.  He lives in a Seniors Care facility half a block from where I work.  I first saw Francis when I was going to meet a friend at the hospital cafeteria near where he lives.  I was drawn to him almost immediately.  He is one of the warmest souls I have ever met.  He radiates an energy that invites and brings a smile out of a person.  He sometimes sits in his wheelchair by the sliding doors, he says hello to everyone who walks in.  Some say hello back, some hurry off, some stop for a chat.  All I can say is - I am glad I stopped for a chat that day.  He has only one tooth in his mouth but he has one of the best smiles I ever saw - Maybe because you can feel it - you can tell that it is genuine.

Every week when I go by the hospital, I hope to catch a glimpse of him sitting in his wheelchair, dressed in his ol' cardigan and rainbow suspenders.. I got to thinking about Francis and I can't help but think that his carefree, positive attitude keeps him going well into his ripe old age .. I haven't seen much of him lately.  I miss those big ol' smiles .. and the very simple way he makes me smile just by looking at me.

In any case, I thought I'd tell you all a little bit about my friend Francis .. and the one weapon he wields so well:

Smile.
  :)


Offline delalluvia

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - 4
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2007, 08:30:07 pm »
SUPPORT WOMEN'S RIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD!!!

This alone, without a doubt, will solve a myriad of the world's problems from the ground up.  The more women are supported, given control over their lives, reproduction and education, the better a place the world will be.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2007, 08:37:10 pm by MaineWriter »

Offline MaineWriter

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - 5
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2007, 08:38:47 pm »
  • Adopt a retired racing greyhound
  • Become knowledgeable about greyhound issues
  • Work to end greyhound racing in states and countries where it is still legal
Taming Groomzilla<-- support equality for same-sex marriage in Maine by clicking this link!

Offline Lynne

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - #6
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2007, 04:57:09 am »
The theories espoused in Pay it Forward and the Random Acts of Kindness movements speak to me.  So mine is to Look for small ways you can make someone else's path a little smoother.

The other night I used my AAA card to help a couple who were locked out of their vehicle.  It cost me and the friend I was with about 45 minutes of our time to wait on the locksmith - time we would have just spent gabbing anyhow, but I like to think they'll go a bit out of their way the next time an opportunity presents itself.
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mvansand76

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2007, 06:32:28 am »
Great idea for a thread, Milli!  :-*

What about mentoring a child? I mentored a few kids a few years ago, helped them with their homework and with trying to figure out what they wanted in their life!


BTW- I miss you and Anke, it's almost 3 months since we saw each other... :(  :-*


Offline Shasta542

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2007, 07:38:16 am »
"Gettin' tired of your dumbass missin'!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2007, 02:34:15 pm »
Thank you for adding your ideas, ladies!  Keep 'em coming.  ;)


BTW- I miss you and Anke, it's almost 3 months since we saw each other... :(  :-*

I know Mel.  I went back to look at our Gay Pride Amsterdam pictures only yesterday!  :-*


~M


Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - 9
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2007, 02:41:06 pm »

How about something which might prove to be a challenge?  8)


Try to go one whole day without complaining about something or someone.
 


Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - 10
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2007, 11:45:16 am »
To build on Mel's idea:

What about mentoring a child? I mentored a few kids a few years ago, helped them with their homework and with trying to figure out what they wanted in their life!

Teach/encourage a child to:

   - play a sport
   - play a musical instrument
   - write a poem/story on something they feel strongly about


Offline David In Indy

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2007, 03:28:40 pm »
Smile at a stranger

I always appreciate it when a total stranger smiles at me. It makes me feel good.

A simple smile can change someone's day. I think the world has forgotten this. Strangers are people too, with feelings. Just because we don't know someone doesn't mean we can't smile at them!

Smile at people when you walk past them!  :D

I always add a "Hey! How you doing?" when I smile at someone. And even if they don't answer me, I made them feel important.

We've become so disconnected from each other. Often times I think a simple smile would go a long way in making this world a friendlier place to live. Don't you?  :D
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Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #12
« Reply #14 on: October 29, 2007, 03:53:41 pm »
Smile at a stranger

We've become so disconnected from each other. Often times I think a simple smile would go a long way in making this world a friendlier place to live. Don't you?  :D

I sure do, David!  :)


Another idea:  Park 'n Walk or Bike:

Especially in the summer.  I know that we can get so used to the comfort of our vehicles, but if you are not going very far and it is a lovely day, park your car and go for a walk or a bike ride. 

Benefits:
  - Less carbon dioxide in the air
  - Money saved on gas
  - A chance to clear your head
  - Who knows, you may run into a neighbor or an old friend on the street
  - It'll be good exercise!



Offline blanka

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #15 on: October 29, 2007, 06:06:05 pm »
Keeping in touch with our solders, letting them know how much we appreciate them and thank them for keeping us safe. help out there families left behind, offer to babysit for a military wife or husbands giving them a little break.

                               Thank you Milli a wonderful Idea,
                                             Blanka

Offline delalluvia

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #16 on: October 29, 2007, 08:28:21 pm »
Smile at a stranger

I always appreciate it when a total stranger smiles at me. It makes me feel good.

A simple smile can change someone's day. I think the world has forgotten this. Strangers are people too, with feelings. Just because we don't know someone doesn't mean we can't smile at them!

Smile at people when you walk past them!  :D

I always add a "Hey! How you doing?" when I smile at someone. And even if they don't answer me, I made them feel important.

We've become so disconnected from each other. Often times I think a simple smile would go a long way in making this world a friendlier place to live. Don't you?  :D

This can be seen as a comeon by a guy if you're a woman...I tend to just widen my eyes a bit at someone or nod, acknowledging that I see them and that I'm not ignoring their existence.

Offline David In Indy

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #17 on: October 30, 2007, 03:08:19 am »
This can be seen as a comeon by a guy if you're a woman...I tend to just widen my eyes a bit at someone or nod, acknowledging that I see them and that I'm not ignoring their existence.

That's a damn shame then. It's a sad, sad world when folks can't smile at each other anymore.  :(
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Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World - #13
« Reply #18 on: October 30, 2007, 03:15:14 pm »
Get involved - Vote in your local, provincial/state and national elections.

We all have a say in determining who runs our towns, provinces/states and countries.  If a large percentage of us feel that one vote doesn't matter at all or that all politicians are the same or that it is a waste of time, can we really complain with a straight face when some ignorant politician elected to his post, makes a mess of things (and drags us down in the process)?


Bottom line is - Vote!  8)


Offline Kelda

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #19 on: November 03, 2007, 01:50:37 pm »
http://www.idbrass.com

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Offline opinionista

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #20 on: November 04, 2007, 09:23:41 am »
Here are some small acts of help I do sometimes. I'm not sure if they make a big difference but it sure puts a smile on people faces.

1. Buy a bottle of water and a sandwich (or anything to eat) to a homeless person.

2. If I notice the person before me in the supermarket line does not have enough money to pay for all the groceries, I try to cover what she/he needs to complete the payment. It is usually a dollar (euro) or less. In Puerto Rico a lot of people do that. If you need a dime, a quarter or a dollar to complete the amount due for your groceries there's usually someone behind you willing to pay it for you.

3. Pay for someone else's subway ticket or bus, if I can.

4. Look at a beggars's faces and smile when I give them money.


Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. -Mark Twain.

Offline delalluvia

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #21 on: November 04, 2007, 11:07:34 am »
That's a damn shame then. It's a sad, sad world when folks can't smile at each other anymore.  :(

Is is.  Some men are never able to relate to a woman as a human being.  To some guys, women are either potential sex partners or they're nothing and so they don't acknowledge them - the term I see used more and more is 'being invisible'.  :(

Quote
2. If I notice the person before me in the supermarket line does not have enough money to pay for all the groceries, I try to cover what she/he needs to complete the payment. It is usually a dollar (euro) or less. In Puerto Rico a lot of people do that. If you need a dime, a quarter or a dollar to complete the amount due for your groceries there's usually someone behind you willing to pay it for you.

Happens here in the U.S. too.  A friend of mine was at the re-sale shop (Goodwill) trying to buy a $5.99 dress.  She didn't have the 99 cents and a man behind her in line offered to pay the difference for her...which I thought was nice.  However, my friend had gone to the Goodwill straight from work, wearing a silk dress, wanting to buy a 'bag lady' dress for Halloween, the reason she was hesitating was that she only had a $5 bill...she didn't want to break the $50 bill she had in her purse for 99 cents.  :laugh:

She didn't know whether to feel embarrassed or insulted by the man's nice gesture.

Offline opinionista

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #22 on: November 06, 2007, 12:25:06 pm »
Happens here in the U.S. too. 

It doesn't happen in Spain, which surprises me. The other day I gave an euro to an old lady so she could complete her groceries, and she was so shocked at my gesture. She thanked me over and over again.
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. -Mark Twain.

moremojo

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #23 on: November 06, 2007, 12:59:49 pm »
That's a damn shame then. It's a sad, sad world when folks can't smile at each other anymore.  :(
We can smile all we want (we are existentially free to do so), but there could be some unfortunate misunderstandings caused by this very simple and very human gesture. And that is a damn shame!  :-\

Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #24 on: November 06, 2007, 01:11:32 pm »
It got lively in here!  ;)  I lost count of where we were, but I'd love to compile a list of all these ideas ...


How about something simple like not littering the streets.  I've seen folks dump their empty bags of chips and candy bars on the pavement when there is a garbage can less than 6 feet away.
I once sat beside a very well dressed young man on the train who not only left his garbage on his seat when he left, but kept spitting all over the floor where he sat - in a moving train!   ???


Offline delalluvia

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World- #11
« Reply #25 on: November 06, 2007, 09:29:24 pm »
That makes me quite sad delalluvia ... :'(  It's not something I've ever really felt personally

I'm glad you haven't.  It isn't pleasant to be ignored and snubbed and treated as if your feelings don't matter.  I've been ignored and invisble - men who wouldn't give me the time of day when I was overweight, suddenly were opening doors for me and stopping by my cubical to flirt and talk when I lost it all.  Did they think I had forgotten how they treated me before?  My sister, still morbidly overweight, has had more than her share of shitty treatment.  Two events right off the top of my head - a male co-worker couldn't get a ride to the repair shop so he asked my sister and she agreed to take him.  He was profusely thankful and invited her to lunch that next Friday to thank her.

My sister didn't take lunch to work that Friday as the co-worker was taking her out to lunch.

Needless to say, that Friday another bunch of co-workers was having a going away group lunch out, and the guy thought that would be more fun to attend, so he went - conveniently 'forgetting' his invitation to my sister and neglecting to even invite her along.  My sister sat alone in her office, with no lunch.  The guy didn't even have the decency to call and apologize.  He was just going to forget she had ever done him a favor.   >:( >:( >:(

The 2nd event was a work sponsored event at a local amusement park.  My sister carpooled with some co-workers.  She lost track of these particular people in the comings and goings in the park, hanging out with some people and then others, just to find out at the end of the day, that everyone left without her, leaving her stranded at the park.   >:( >:(

Quote
I've mostly been treated quite respectfully by the opposite sex.  Although I do have an ample cleavage and I have, on more than one occcasion, had a man talking directly at them instead of me ... like twin speakers!! 



Susie

Men!  LOL!  Well, I wish I could say the same, but I've run the gamut of treatment from invisible to irresistable and all stages in-between and all stages came with their episodes of rudeness and outright abuse.

Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #26 on: November 14, 2007, 03:12:11 pm »

Some one gave me a neat idea once:

If you are going to have a birthday party or you are celebrating a special event, recommend that your guests bring a little donation instead of a bottle of wine or presents.  I think it is a great way to raise some money for a charity or cause you support.  :)


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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #27 on: November 14, 2007, 03:37:39 pm »
Another idea is to help keep this site operating by donating. :)

Offline Kelda

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #28 on: November 14, 2007, 07:01:23 pm »
Another idea is to help keep this site operating by donating. :)

good one dagi!!
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Offline Lumière

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #29 on: November 27, 2007, 01:57:23 pm »

Pay a visit to: http://www.unicef.org.


Offline Nikita111

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #30 on: December 12, 2007, 04:14:56 pm »
Stop the global warming. Please visit Al Gore's site about his movie Inconvienent Truth:

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

Offline Artiste

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Re: 1,000 Ways to Change the World
« Reply #31 on: March 17, 2008, 08:46:42 pm »
Don't let criminals rip you off!!

Too many do!

We, decent persons, do not think that this happens to all of us?

Hugs!