World We Dare to Imagine Post 1
EXCERPT from The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz
Today we are redefining the geography of community and accepting shared accountability for common human values. We have the chance to extend the notion that all men are created equal to every human being on the planet. This will require global structures and products we are only beginning to imagine.... Each of us in his or her own way can contribute something by thinking -- and acting -- like a true global citizen. We have only one world for all of us on earth, and the future really is ours to create, in a world we dare to imagine together.
The world is so large and diverse, and each person has their own set of unique problems. Every day is an opportunity to help make the world a better place for all of us. I think taking baby steps is the best way to approach the problems of the world. The first step I would take is to focus on helping everyone try to understand each other a lot better. I think often times we try to explain our perspective on things and without hearing out those that want or need help. This reminds me of a time in my nonprofit class, when we went over a case about an organization that was sending school supplies to a small community for kids. It turned out that many of the families would sell the school supplies that they needed, so that they could make enough money for food. Instead of focusing on temporary patches we should focus on root problems. When I was part of Global Brigade at USC, they took a holistic approach to solving problems. For example, first they sent a team of engineering students to help build water and sanitation infrastructure for the community we were focusing on. Then they sent a team of doctors and medical students to help with any illness or injuries that people had. The third phase was to send a group of students to help with economic development. I was part of the third phase along with several Marshall students and consultants from Deloitte; we were tasked with providing financial literacy for the community.
We first
listened to what their problems were, and we came up with several possible solutions.
This also happens in everyday life; I think there are many misunderstandings that
occur, and we need to sit down and make an effort to try to understand one
another. Instead of having this prenotion about each other, we need to listen first.
I imagine a world where we try to understand each other and even if we don’t fully
get there that we at least have compassion for one another. I imagine a world
where we are not hard on each other and instead we uplift each other when we
are at our lowest. Instead of condemning one another how about we learn to listen
and try to help each other to become better people. No one is perfect in this world,
not a single person. We all strive to be better, whatever that means. I try to
be a better student, friend, cousin, bother, son, and often I fail, and that’s okay.
I’m lucky enough to have people in my life that listen to me and understand my
shortcomings to help me. The world can be a whole lot better if we strive to understand one another.
Hi Angel!
ReplyDeleteI really loved your whole post. What especially stood out to me was how you mentioned that we need to genuinely listen and understand each other. Active listening is SUCH an important skill, and it is something I try to do everything. Active listening can lead to true empathy. I also appreciate you trying to be a better student, friend, son, etc. And when you fail, that you are able to forgive yourself. I am currently on a journey to allow myself to make more mistakes as well. I hope to eventually understand myself one day.
Angelica
Sold post Angel. I similarly believe that listening to each other is a huge thing people seem to forget in this day and age. Listening can go a long way especially in cases like the example you gave where the people who received the school supplies were just selling them for food. If the organization had gone to that community and asked what they needed above all else, I'm sure they might have had some different answers other than school supplies. Your experience with the USC Global Brigade sounds really inspiring-- maybe that's a way you can start encouraging other people to help out in communities that need it.
ReplyDeleteAngel,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. Its great to hear about your experiences with the global brigade. A good friend of mine also has been involved in a similar group through college and its interesting to hear your experiences compared to his. I also liked your second part as you talked a little on all of the misunderstandings we see. My grandmother would always say that everyone agrees, they just disagree on what they agree on. A bit of a tongue twister and a little confusing, but it emphasizes how we are all looking for others to connect with, we often just don't realize it. I feel like this relates to what you're saying as I feel theres an understanding to be had with everyone, we just sometimes restrict ourselves from seeing it. Great Read!
Michael Davidson
Hey Angel,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. I like how you mentioned that we as humans need to acknowledge our shortcomings and actively try to improve everyday. I also agree that active listening REALLY helps in this. Recently, I'm realizing more and more how I need to improve on this and how it would help me. I also really liked your "holistic" approach. When you tackle things bit by bit, it seems much less overwhelming. And I think we can agree that this problem is one of the biggest humanity will have to face.
Best,
Brooke