Marion Talbot and Ellen Richards did it in Boston on November 28, 1881. Juliette Low did it in Savannah on March 12, 1912. And Nancy Brinker did it in Dallas in 1982. So, what was "it?" "It" was the birth of a new organization designed to make a difference.
Marion and Ellen started the American Association of University Women, where female college graduates would help open doors of higher education to other women. Juliette created the Girl Scouts, believing that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. And Nancy, the sister of Susan G. Kolmen, is the founder of the organization that bears her sister's name dedicated to breast cancer research fund raising.
I bet none of these women grew up planning on creating organizations that would have such society changing effects. And I'd further bet that none of them would consider themselves courageous. But that's exactly what we should call those who are willing to stick their necks out for a cause they believe in. In the past, such risks have cost individuals money, friends, even their lives.
Read the paper or listen to the news on any given day and you'll learn about dozens of groups and individuals who need a helping hand. Our first inclination is typically, "Oh, no, I could never make a difference. I'm just one person." But guess what? EVERY organization began with just one person. It's called
What can you do? Can you teach, cook, build, raise money, raise awareness? Are you artistic, bi-lingual, techy, creative? You have a skill that could be a life saver to someone else. Let's put on our big girl or big boy pants (in other words, get our courage on!) and think about what how we can contribute. I've already got an idea and I'll let you know how it develops. How about you? Let me know what yours is!
