HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

What is this mysterious spectre? No, its not a Titanic-exhibit-gone-creepy.  Rather, it’s the new Ghost Ship at Morey’s Piers. Nope, no rotating midway Viking ship here, but rather an interactive haunted house. For your next volunteer amusement park “thank you” or wish granting trip for teens, there is finally something more at the park for those not of the faint of heart, but the too faint of stomach or faint neck for roller coasters.

From time to time, I find a worthwhile story of a young person who is making a big difference and making changes in the world around them for the better.  From the age of four, twelve year old Bilaal Rajan has been involved in a variety of causes and has raised millions of dollars for charity, including building a school.  His goal is to inspire a million children to make a difference in the world and explore their true potential for good, and he has written a book to that effect.

Bilaal has put a YouTube video out to reach other young people, but I think it can also make a huge impact on adults.   Many people feel that they can’t make a difference because they are broke, don’t have certain talents or are two busy.  A young child has even fewer resources, so I hope that his message and works reinvigorate you to know that no matter what age and station in life, there is something you can do.

In the words of Margaret Mead, which he cites:

A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

If you are interested in purchasing Bilaal’s book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overacheiver, or to support his causes, visit http://www.bilaalrajan.com/donations.html

Some groups use jars of pennies of paperclips to show the statistics of how many people or animals have been born, have died of a disease, or have experienced something related to their cause.   It is a good visual tool, as those items are so small, yet when so much space is taken up by them, it creates an impact. One young lady in Pennsylvania is working on a Penny Project right now.

Another project is underway that operates on a similar principle.  However, what is very different is that each individual victim is given a unique voice.  Teddy Tours is raising awareness for childhood sexual assault victims.   If you or a loved one has experienced this, you can download and send in a Teddy Tag.   Each Teddy Bear tells the story of an individual in a confidential way.   The Teddy or doll is posted to their blog, and culminates in an event during Reclaim the Night, which takes place October 31st in North Cairns, Australia.

On the world wide web, the Teddies are travelling around the internet, as the site is found through various links and searches. This is a true virtual volunteer effort as well as a hands on effort. I was surprised that looking at a bunch of stuffed bears could be so moving, and thought that my readers would be interested in the project.

Don’t hesitate to visit Teddy Tours today.  They always accept donations of new Teddies, or donations of $5.00 or more for patterns/supplies for survivors to make their own Teddies.