What If I Told You

Posted on by

Photo Credit: http://www.blogactionday.org

What if I told you that 26.7 of% of children living in Brunswick County, North Carolina, where I now live, suffer from food insecurity?  What exactly does that mean?  Put bluntly, they do not know where they will find their next meal.

What if I told you that 1 year after Hurricane Sandy devastated my former neighboring town of Union Beach, New Jersey, many residents have still not been able to rebuild, due to lack of insurance funds or FEMA funds or, have left families, in financial ruin, with no option but to walk away from their homes?

What if I told you that when Jennifer attended the Social Good Summit in New York last month, she learned that 900 children die of AIDS every day in Africa?

The statistics above seem unconscionable to me.  How can we let these things happen?

How can I let these things happen?

When I woke up this morning to Jen’s post about Blog Action Day 2013 and then within a few hours, saw Alexa’s post on the same topic, I knew I wanted to help spread the word.  In Jen’s post, she explains that this year, the focus of Blog Action day is Human Rights and goes on to describe that there are 30 articles in the declaration, Article 25 being this:

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services. 

Clearly, from what I stated above, we, as a society, are not living up to Article 25 successfully.

Is this year’s’ Blog Action Day the day almost over?  Yes.

But our work to right  these injustices has barely begun.

One of the primary beliefs I have adopted as my own through studying yoga is that we are all one.

The world AIDS crisis is my problem.

The hunger crisis in Brunswick County is my problem.

For those left homeless after Hurricane Sandy, I share your burden.

Jen and Alexa reminded me today that I have a responsibility to do what I can to help those in need, and that I, as a blogger, have this wonderful opportunity to use my voice for good.

So, now that I have your attention, I hope you will consider supporting one of these, or another worthwhile cause.

And please be loud about it.

Namsate

Please visit:

Matthew’s Ministry to help feed a hungry child in my local area.

The RAINE Foundation to inquire helping out a family still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

The Global Fund to find out more how you can support the eradication of the AIDS Crisis,

Comments

What If I Told You — 43 Comments

  1. Awesome of you to support this. I am a very big believer in helping people who are less fortunate – because when it comes down to it, what separates us from the less fortunate is often only pure luck (at least that’s how I see it for myself).
    28% of children in the town where I live are “customers” at the food bank and that makes me very sad – it also makes me want to help, which we regularly do.
    Good for you for supporting this, Ilene!
    Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…Talking TeenagerMy Profile

    • I 100% agree with you that so much of it comes down to luck. I am so grateful every day that we have what we have – and I love that you help out at your local food bank – but am not at all surprised.

    • It breaks my heart every time I think about a child who doesn’t have food. That will never seem right or make sense to me. Ever.

  7. I read this post last night on my phone before I went to bed. It made me so happy! Today I’m giving you a standing ovation at my computer. I love every bit of this post. When we live in a world where basic human rights aren’t achieved it is our problem. As bloggers we have the unique opportunity to spread the word about the problems and solutions. (The CEO of Save the Children reminded me of this in NY.) As community members we can lend a hand where it’s needed. On Tuesday, I helped to fill 196 backpacks with food for local elementary school kids to go home with this weekend. We can make a difference! Love that you are, Ilene. xo
    another jennifer recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Sunset After SoccerMy Profile

    • You’re the one that should be getting the standing ovation my friend. You inspire me to do more and do better EVERY DAY.

    • Honestly, I think Jen should get the standing O. She keeps me on track with her Philanthropy Friday posts and Simple Giving Lab. I am so grateful for her influence!

    • That’s great that you never assume that your actions don’t impact them. We are all so closely connected. So much more closely than we tend to think.

    • Thank you my friend. And yes, all of us own these problems – and hopefully, the solutions.

  13. My kids go to school in a district where more than 95% of the families are at or below the Federal poverty line. I am proud to support the after school program that makes sure these kids are well cared for and well educated. We may not have much, but I feel rich in comparison and it makes me want to share. Thanks for bringing attention to these issues. We all belong to each other!
    Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Total Nutrition {Review}My Profile

    • You have such a great heart, Rabia. And I always find that it’s the people with gratitude, even those who may not have a lot of material things, are the ones who find it in their hearts to give the most. I’m not at all surprised that you are one of those people.

    • I agree! It’s a responsibility! As others have said before, we all belong to each other. And thank you for your shares and spreading the word and the reminder that we can make a change.

    • It’s so true about perspective. My problems are nothing compared to a mom who can’t feed her child – absolutely nothing.

    • Thanks, Joi! I love using this as a platform for these types of issues. I could actually stand to do it a little more.

    • I am the same way, Nellie. I will usually get behind one cause at a time and give my all to it. Last year it was dogs. Now that we are getting our bearings down here, it’s time to wrap my arms and brain around what’s next.