To date, I’ve spent time volunteering in Brazil, Thailand and in September 2009, Ethiopia. Whilst these trips were great in terms of giving me experience of voluntary work abroad, working with other cultures, (I have some fantastic memories of the people and children I worked with) in each placement I felt something lacking and came back home feeling like it somehow hadn’t been enough, and with a sense of disappointment.

There was also the financial side, which to be honest, didn’t really bother me until my Ethiopia trip. I had paid a lot of money, approx £6,000, to the 3 organizations I went with and questioned myself as to where the money went. I came back from Ethiopia and decided I wanted to do something “more” which is why I decided to follow up on a magazine article that I’d read earlier in the year.  The article was about the lack of underwear in Africa and the problems this posed. I set about doing some research and sending emails to people who distributed underwear in Africa. My idea was to collect underwear and take them to “wherever.”

In October 2009, I found Rocky online and was introduced to Mothers Fighting For Others. Fair to say my plan was a bit flimsy at this point. Rocky was the first to reply to my email and straight off I knew here was someone who could help me. Rocky’s energy, passion and dedication to the aims of MFFO was impressive. Here was a mother of six who was working so hard to improve the lives of others, at the IDP camps and the girls I would soon get to know at Saint Monica’s. I got an email from Rocky one Saturday night at the end of November, asking if I wanted to go to Kenya as someone had canceled due to illness. There was no hesitation or wanting to think about it – I was 100% sure I wanted to go.

On January 3rd, I left my home in Scotland with 1500 items of underwear to meet Rocky, Ashley and Mary. Going to Kenya with MFFO was completely different to my other voluntary abroad experiences. I’m truly thankful that Rocky replied to my email as this allowed me to go to Kenya and be part of something really special. Standing at those IDP camps handing out underwear and talking to people one on one, will be an experience I will never forget. After we had visited all the camps, I remember saying what a brilliant day it had been and Rocky laughed and said “it gets better.”

She was right.

The reason for me going was to deliver the underwear that my family, friends, friends of friends and colleagues had collected. It was that simple. However I did not anticipate Rocky and Ashley’s dedication to the girls at Saint Monica’s to “infect” me! I can honestly say that working with Rocky and Ashley made me realize what I had been missing in my other placements. Yes, it was really hard work as we shopped till we dropped, as January is the busiest month for requirement shopping.  We were always on the go as we visited the schools to pay school fees, visits to the bank, and spending time at Saint Monica’s with the girls, but I wouldn’t change a single minute of it.

Every day brought something new, whether traveling on a matatu, or visiting a different school, or just learning the Kenyan way of life. Shopping was great fun! I likened it to a game of “hunt the treasure” as there were just some items I had no clue about, but we learned fast! In the other placements, I sometimes wondered why I was there. I felt inadequate in terms of being of use and able to contribute, but not in Kenya. Rocky and Ashley involved myself and the other volunteer, Mary, in every aspect of what they did. I didn’t want to come home. I felt I was leaving another “family” and part of myself behind.

I used three different volunteer groups for my trips to Brazil, Thailand and Ethiopia. I was trying to find that “something” with each one, but never found “it.”  Just to let you know, I’ve booked to go back to Kenya with Mothers Fighting For Others in April. I think that says it all!!

Best,
Maria Macnamara

Ripples of Difference is about real people and real experiences.  Volunteers are the life and soul of GVN and the book hopes to capture this essence. The book is a collection of personal stories from volunteers whose lives have been significantly affected after participating in a GVN volunteer program.

Ripple 1 – Kenya: Rocky Turner

I’m proud to say that the first chapter in the book, Ripple 1 – Kenya, was written by my wife, Rocky Turner. I remember her first trip to Africa with GVN like it was yesterday. That trip changed her life, and by extension, it changed our entire family. And it was the tipping point for what is now MFFO.

You can download Ripples of Difference for free.

GVN’s Ripples of Difference aims to achieve the following objectives:

• To increase public awareness of the importance and benefits of volunteering
• To empower people by showing how they can make a significant difference in the world
• To inspire people to take action and create their own ripples
• To acknowledge and thank the volunteers who have already made an impact

So, please, go download a copy today. Join me in celebrating my wife’s story and the strories of 19 others who are making a ripple of difference.

About GVN

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) was launched in December 2000 by Founder Colin Salisbury. Colin launched GVN after volunteering in Ghana, West Africa, and experiencing first hand the tremendous difference volunteers make in helping local organisations achieve their goals.

The GVN vision is to connect people with communities and this is achieved by supporting the work of local organisations in 21 countries through the placement of international volunteers. They have placed over 11,000 international volunteers to date (2009).

You may have heard me talk about an organization I am passionate about in my local neighborhood, The Miami Shores Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Woman’s Cancer Association of The University of Miami.  Yes the name is long, but we refer to it as “Heidi Hewes Chapter of the WCA” locally.  I’ve been involved with this cause for almost 4 years now in all kinds of roles including president.   What’s amazing about this organization is that it is a purely a volunteer effort where 100% of proceeds go directly to cancer research.

The organization is composed of a diverse group of Miami Shores residents (and also various close-by neighborhoods) who unselfishly give their time and talents organizing different fundraisers.  We meet the first Wednesday of every month at one of the member’s houses.  There are 2 main fundraisers every year, The Miami Country Day Walk for Cancer and The Miami Shores Homes for the Holiday Walk.  This coming Saturday is the Miami Country Day Walk for Cancer, hosted by the school and organized by the students.

I recently attended the school’s Walk for Cancer Assembly that gets the kids pumped to reach their goal – to raise $50,000 to benefit our “Heidi Hewes Chapter” – here’s what I said about that assembly,

Miami Country Day brought the reality of cancer to the assembly by inviting Dr. John Goldberg from The University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center – a pediatric oncologist who specializes in the early phase of clinical trials.  Dr. Goldberg explained how seed money is used to start research and how his team is responsible in many cases, for taking the lab research projects to clinical trials that give hope to real terminal patients -  in some cases even 5 week old infants with Leukemia.

After talking to Dr. Goldberg for a while, I realized how important our grass roots efforts are – the fact that we help fund, with seed money, different research projects, is what gives the chance of life to many.  Dr. Goldberg was so grateful and explained how many of his clinical trials, which have saved many lives, would not be possible without the help from organizations like ours.  (SIGH) – talk about reality slapping you in the face and realizing that we are making a difference.

The Miami Country Day Walk for Cancer will be held this Saturday, October 24th at 7:30 AM at Miami Country Day School (located at 601 NE 107th St. – North Miami, FL 33161-7199  (305) 756-1207).  If you cannot attend but want to help our organization, consider sponsoring the Holiday Walk (sponsorships available in $100, $250, $500, $1000 increments or more).

Please consider getting involved at a local level – you will experience a real sense of community that is absolutely priceless.  Also take a look at what was accomplished at BlogWorld this past week with the help of Social Media.

BeatCancerEverywhere

The Guinness World Record #BeatCancer event is officially over….Thanks to all of you who have tweeted, put up Facebook Posts & mentioned #BeatCancer in your blogs. In the end, you helped raise more than a penny per tweet. In all, four cancer organizations have earned over $70,000.

I looked around a little online and found that there are plenty of companies happy to help you fill a need anywhere around the globe.  I liked how it was phrased on the Charity Guide website, “It’s important to be realistic about what can be accomplished in a couple or few weeks. For perspective, think of your volunteer vacation as part of a relay race. You will take the baton from volunteers that came before you, and you will pass the baton to those that follow to finish the race.” Much like volunteering in any other form, each bit you can do helps, so don’t sell it short.

Recently I took a business/pleasure trip to Chicago.  I enjoyed this trip immensely, in part because I felt a connection to the city.  I had friends there already and met more before I arrived, I was able to see a friend’s apartment, visit his place of employment and walk his route to work.  I visited parks and buildings I was already familiar with through movies and TV.  I think part of why I enjoyed this trip so much was that it gave me a feeling of connection to a place that was totally new to me.

I don’t think I could fit an entire volunteer vacation into my schedule any time soon, but I’m a strong believer that you shouldn’t let what you can’t do get in the way of what you CAN.  Maybe I can’t take a whole week off to volunteer, but what if I made a special effort when I traveled to do something extra for someone else?  What if while visiting Chicago I’d done something as simple as donating a baby blanket to a homeless shelter?  Would my connection to Chicago be stronger?  I think so, as it could have lifted one more burden off a young mother and I’d feel good about that.  My memories of my trip might also include imagining a child finding comfort and warmth from a gifted blanket, or like my kids using it for creative play – spread on the floor to become a lake, draped over a chair as a tent or flapping behind to be a super hero cape.

If pressed for time on my trip, I could still use my travel prep time to think of others.  After I pack my bag, maybe I could gather up some groceries to drop off at the local food pantry. I want to train myself to associate packing my suitcase with doing something that makes life a little easier for someone in need.

Most of us are born hearing “give in order to receive” and if you really pay attention, they are both the same and one can’t occur without the other.  Whether it’s giving compliments, volunteering your time, sharing talents or going out of your way to help people around you.

There’s an ever universal equilibrium with giving and receiving and it simply translates into… the more you give, the more you will receive.   I have never been the one to struggle when it comes to choosing where to volunteer and how to give my time, but I know many out there do.  You may ask yourself “What organization do I donate money to?” “where do I volunteer?” “where will my time be better spent?”.  You are the only one that can answer those questions and my only advice is to choose something you are passionate about – you WILL make a difference.

I volunteer at a local cancer association because the disease has hit home and know in my heart that I’m making a difference.  I also choose to contribute here at Mothers Fighting For Others because I see the passion of all the writers and know that we have the power to inspire people into giving.  But just this past week, 2 people came before me that are passionate about their own projects and I wanted to share a little about them.

The first one is Suzy Newhouse.  Suzy blew my mind with a donation drive she is organizing for a needy family in Miami.  She read an article in the local paper about an unemployed widower raising 4 kids on his own after his wife passed away from cancer and whose 16 year old daughter is completely disabled.  Instead of just reading the article and feeling badly for this family, Suzy chose to do something about it and took action.  At the end of the article she writes:

I’m not asking you to give because God will reward you- because there’s no more proof of that than there is proof of Leprechauns. I’m asking you to donate because if it was you, you’d appreciate the same.

The second one is Tom Vanderwell, a mortgage broker from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  After chatting with him on Twitter he told me about his 2 adopted children and the challenge and life-awakening experience of raising a trans-racial family.  He was so passionate about the adoptions and how he felt blessed and was about to celebrate the kids’ 5-year  “coming home” anniversary.  Take a minute to read his story – Tom is now involved in helping the Haitian orphanage raise $2 million to build a new orphanage.

So there you have 2 examples of extraordinary human beings that don’t just sit idly by and watch others make a difference.  What’s important for us to understand is that we all take action in different ways and there is nothing wrong with that.  But I personally feel inspired when I hear great stories like that of Suzy’s and Tom’s.

I will leave you with some words by Kahlil Gibran in “The Prophet”:

There are those who give little of the much which they have – and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles the earth.

My great-grandmother had two cure-all remedies for every ailment imaginable…

One, put some Vics Vapor Rub on it.

Two, get out of the house and get some fresh air.

The benefits of the first were often lost me (vapor rub on a toothache? Are you kidding, Gram?), but the second very rarely failed to help me clear my mind and lift my spirits.

Which is why I simply love the people and mission behind The Fresh Air Fund.

The Fresh Air Fund provides some much needed fresh air to New York City children from disadvantaged communities via their Friendly Town Program and Fresh Air Fund Camps. Connecting children with volunteer host families in rural/suburban areas or camping programs , the Fresh Air Fund has provided more than 1.7 million children with experiences centered around enjoying the simple pleasures of life outside of the city.

Want to get involved?

Volunteer

The Fresh Air Fund is always in need of volunteer host families in the U.S. and parts of Canada who have room in their home and hearts to host a child for a few summer weeks. According to their website, more than 65% of all children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.

Or, if you live in the Northeast, consider volunteering your time to any of the Fresh Air Fund’s great and inspiring programs.

Donate

Can’t volunteer? One of the easiest ways to help support this great program and the millions of children that it helps is to donate. And through June 30th, any gift you make to The Fresh Air Fund will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous donors.  So hurry!

For more information or to find out how to sign-up your child for a summer of fresh air, please visit The Fresh Air Fund website today.

Tell ‘em my grandmother sent you.

A few years ago I joined a local cancer group in my area because my dad was fighting cancer and I felt I had to give back.  Since then I have become very active in the group, became president and thank God every day because my dad is in remission.

This past Wednesday we had our monthly meeting and prior to the meeting I received several calls from members excusing themselves because of sickness, being busy, having too much on their plate or just feeling down about the times.  If anyone understands, it would be me….(SIGH)….I feel like I’m so overextended at times and can’t find time to take a breath.

But here’s the thing – you are not alone – we all have problems and feel stressed and grasp for air as if we’re suffocating.  It’s important for us to take look around and see the brighter picture.

During the meetings we share “sunshines” and it’s not just about cancer – it’s about the good news around us that make us smile.  A member shared about their new grand daughter, someone else about a negative biopsy, and I decided to give thanks for everyone that was present.

It’s not easy to volunteer, and give your time for a cause when your life is so full and so busy.  In this time where everyone is struggling and the negative news are flowing, it is crucial and even more important to give back.  You have the power to make a difference and this is the time you are needed the most.

I looked at the small group present – a diverse group of moms, grandmothers, dads, students, teachers, professionals, cancer survivors…..and said…..THANK YOU for making a difference, THANK YOU for recognizing that although life can be tough, organizations like this one depend on unselfish individuals that believe in the power of intention.

So if you are sitting at home right now feeling sorry for yourself and trying to get a breath in between all the craziness – take a look at how you can help – MFFO will give you some amazing ideas that won’t take much time away from you, but truly will make a difference.

FIGHT ON DEANA!!!!!!!!!

Back in October I posted about the randomness and proximity of girlfriends being diagnosed with cancer.  Today I am especially heavy.  My girlfriend who was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma in  October, was told that she has weeks to live, that though she has suffered through chemo, and radiation, the cancer is back and has spread.   She has 2 young children under the age of 5.  She has never waivered in her hope, and her determination to beat this cancer, yet this cancer is stealing Deana away from her family and friends.

In a Caringbridge blog,   Written in a by her husband he states,

“Deana wanted me to let everyone know that while we are hopeful, and are trying to remain positive, that the doctor did tell us that given the aggressive nature of Deana’s cancer, we are dealing with just a matter of weeks for Deana if not addressed. He has encouraged us to contact Hospice.”

Where do you start?  How to embrace each moment when everything in your body hurts?  How to capture memories and or make them for your children when you can’t get to the bathroom alone?  How to make time to say goodbye to your husband, and close up a life together.  To your parents, sisters, brothers?

Clearly, Deana’s story has me thinking, is it best to know when death is coming or not.  I have decided that yes, I would want to know so that I can complete my lists, have closure, have goodbyes, make memories for my children to open at sweet 16 and 21, marriage and birthdays.  In fact I am starting now, because what guarantee is there that I will know, this is something that can not wait.

The death of a mother is the hardest to bear for she is the one who is there for us the most.

International Women’s Day is a chance to stand with the women of southern Sudan, Rwanda, Afghanistan or any other country where we work and proclaim that women have rights and value. They are worthy of celebration and honor.  They are worthy of the economic and social change.

Racquel, hundreds of supporters have added their name to the list joining our call on March 5 or hosting an event of their own. They are standing with the women for grassroots solutions to end the food crisis and empower socially excluded women everywhere.

Join us for our celebration of the women we serve and supporters like you who are causing social change.

With food prices skyrocketing, women are wondering where they’ll find the next meal for their children and themselves. Women in the field are seeking the tools and skills that will allow them to end the food crisis forever. Thanks to your support, our commercial farming initiatives in Rwanda and Sudan go beyond traditional means of aid and actually teach the women the techniques and sustainable practices of organic farming.

Add your name to the list of supporters that are celebrating women on International Women’s Day.

Forward to a Friend

“What are you doing for others?”

Martin Luther King asked this of us many year ago.  What is your answer?

This Monday,  January 19, 2009 is more than just a holiday to honor Martin Luther King’s birthday.  It is a chance to join people from around the country  in our National Day of Service.  Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service builds on his legacy by transforming the Federal holiday honoring his birthday to a national day of community service.

President-Elect Barack Obama has issued his own call to serve and asks everyone to join him by volunteering on Monday as he too will be serving the community on this special holiday just one day before his inauguration.

Imagine if every person in the US spent an hour doing something selfless and useful.  From helping in a soup kitchen to joining in a “Foreclosure Canvass” when you canvas a neighborhood hardest hit by Foreclosures…the options are as endless as your imagination.

What are your talents?  If you want to teach children about the environment, read a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Lorax.  Are you tech savvy….how about creating a blog and profile one worthy non-profit every single day or help a non-profit set up their own blog.  Handy with tools?  Offer to repair a non-profit facility, paint a group home, build a ramp for a disabled veteran.

On the official Martin Luther King Day website you can learn more about this celebration including tools and tips for MLK Day Mobilization and, most importantly, Find a Volunteer Opportunity close to YOU.  The Corporation for National and Community Service is collaborating with the Presidential Inaugural Committee and created a national registry of projects at USAService.org.

I entered my location on their site and it came up with 54 volunteer opportunities within 30 miles of my home!

Thank you to all of you!