When I got back from Creative Alliance in Ojai, CA I wrote about how I was ready to do things differently. How I want to use this space of mine on the interwebz to let all of me hang out– not just the parts that I think will get a laugh. Lately, (read: the last year) I’ve found myself getting really annoyed with all the “talking about” that goes on on the internet.
You know, as in, let’s “talk about” the issues… of course by this we usually mean, “Let me post an angry ranty Facebook status against the things I don’t believe in and pray for someone to disagree with me so that I can POUND them with my knowledge and vehement disagreement.” I’ve been guilty of it and that doesn’t make me any less disgusted. Because what I’ve started asking myself is, ” Self– what are you DOING about it?”
If I see inequality, if I see a need, if a disagree with a policy or an injustice– am I simply posting my outrage on social media and walking away? Or am I taking action? More often than not, I found that I was all talk and I was not okay with that.
Because here’s the thing– my heart is so huge for the people of the world. Zebulicious and I traveled doing humanitarian work before we had kids and my soul aches to be “out there” again, playing with orphans and making re-bar out of bamboo, mixing concrete with a shovel and laughing with people who have nothing in common with me. But I am here– and right now, more than anything, I’m called to be a mother to my children.
I started asking myself what I could do in my own community to make a difference. I found outlets to volunteer but never talked about them online because I didn’t want to “humble brag” about myself.
I said that out loud at CA ’12 to two new friends, Tiffany and Danielle. Both of them disagreed. “You have to share. You have to talk about the causes that matter to you. This is how you change the world. This is how you get involved,” they told me.
You know the Facebook “Thankful Challenge” where you say one thing you are thankful for everyday? I haven’t done that this year. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but I’ve sort of come to the conclusion that if you are ON Facebook and can’t think of ONE thing to be grateful for everyday for a month then you are sort of an a-hole. Because you obviously have enough money to:
A) Have a phone or computer
B) Have an internet connection, which also means you…
C) Have electricity, which also makes me think that…
D) You probably have enough money to feed yourself.
And that’s more than most of the world’s population has by far. So I decided to do things differently this year. I took action and started a Charity Water Campaign I’m calling “Put Your Money Where Your Mouse Is”– my goal is to raise $1000 by New Year’s Eve.
I chose Charity Water because 100% of the funds donated go directly to providing clean water, my campaign will be in Ethiopia. They even send you pictures and GPS coordinates showing you exactly where your dollars are going.
If you are ready to take action and make a difference, I encourage you to donate. I want to be known as a doer. I want to be known for the things I passionately support rather than a negative stream of consciousness about everything in the world I’m against.
Every dollar will help and I’m already $150 closer to my goal! Click HERE to donate.
Debra Lynn Lazar says
Love this post, Robin. I contribute as much money as I can to the causes I care about. For me, they are DonorsChoose.org (money goes to providing supplies to classrooms in low poverty areas throughout the country), St. Judes, Red Cross, NARAL, Alzheimer’s, Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood, Human Rights Campaign, and the ASPCA.
I love Charity Water as well, and chose it for my “big” birthday a couple of years ago. I am happy to contribute to your campaign as well. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in and making a difference in the world!
Debra Lynn Lazar recently posted..Steve Ogden – HEADSTONES AND MONUMENTS
Robin says
Thank you Debra!!
Alexa Cacibauda says
I LOVE this idea, and I donated!! Not a lot and not as much as others gave, but it’s what I can do for now. Love this and you!
Alexa Cacibauda recently posted..Breaks, Boots, & Birthdays
angela thomas says
i love this. it touched me so deeply. i’m over here crying (and i’m not a cryer). i have now made a commitment to be certain my ‘opinion voicing’ is not just bullying under another name and that it is not all talk. i am going to donate, i’ve had a soft spot in my heart for clean water charities since seeing Casting Crowns in concert a few years ago. thanks for letting it all hang out. you are a wonderful person and shouldn’t be hesitant to share all of you.
Robin says
Your comment made me cry!!!!
ColdBlooded says
Everyone always has something to give back – something to prove they are thankful for what they have. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s time. I think that it is wonderful that you are doing this.
stacey says
Beautiful post – I can see I am going to enjoy your writing. My hubby and I gave each other “water” for Christmas last year. Best gift ever. Wonderful cause and great way to give thanks!
Kelly says
Robin,
I just found your lovely blog from the Huffington post. A.d.o.r.e your writing style and this post, brilliantly written and made me think a bit more about FB status etc.
And I am too not a soccer mom. beautifully written, I need to remind myself of your article when I start feeling that mom guilt!
Kelly recently posted..mantra monday
Robin says
Hey Kelly! Nice to meet ya! Hope you’ll come back and play some more. Come hit me on FB! The link is on the top right of the page here. I’m going to be giving away 10 signed copies of my book over there next week!