‘Spring’ into social action and help inspire hope (Page 1 of 1)

Since spring marks a new beginning, a renewal of sorts and all the inspiration we might need to change the world (Seriously, what’s prettier than a blooming weeping cherry tree or a bed of tulips?), I am challenging you to think about renewal. And hope.

For me, volunteering for social causes I care about gives me hope. I have been inspired recently by my work volunteering with the Hope Center, an HIV and AIDS resource for East Tennessee, located in Fort Sanders Medical Center. I’m on the Hope Center’s Summer Auction committee, and we’re busy gearing up for a great event in June. If you get the chance, you should definitely come out and support the organization. The work the center does for people with HIV and AIDS is phenomenal, and the idea of modeling it on hope is perhaps unprecedented.

This organization touches the lives of thousands of people, both those with HIV/AIDS and their families by offering every imaginable form of assistance from meeting basic needs with the Holiday “HOPE Bucket” to counseling to workshops for the community at large. Most of the folks that I have met who are dealing with HIV/AIDS cite the Hope Center as their first option for assistance in this community. I am also inspired in the way that the center is able to work strategically with other HIV/AIDS organizations in the community including Knoxville Cares, Samaritan Ministries, and the Helen Ross McNabb Center HIV/AIDS Outreach program.

People’s attitudes about HIV and AIDS are changing from an attitude of fear and misinformation, to a consensus of hope for a cure and a willingness to fight for future generations. We have not given up. The community has come together to promote education and prevention while offering support for those living with HIV and AIDS.

Another hopeful move benefiting people with HIV and AIDS came in February when Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced the launch of the nation’s first scratch-off lottery ticket where 100 percent of the proceeds go toward HIV/ AIDS education and outreach. We have come all the way from the 1980s when President Reagan refused to mention the disease by name, to a time when representatives use creative economic techniques to build social awareness and acceptance. I find that very inspirational! I will not expect the Quality of Life lottery to arrive in Tennessee soon, since our lottery funds are earmarked for education, but it does give me hope.

Funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and outreach locally often involves public donations, and I have learned a great deal about fundraising through my work with the Hope Center and other committees. The best advice I can give anyone involved in fundraising for charities is this: Ask for what you want. For one reason or another, this idea escapes people. I think too often we get wrapped up in fear of failure or guilt over the way our economy is structured. We don’t want to inconvenience the managers of Wal-Mart or a local restaurant by asking them to make a donation to a non-profit organization. What we overlook is this donation is a potential public relations opportunity for them, and there is almost always something beneficial in it for the business and the organization; You just have to find that opportunity and highlight it. Don’t apologize when asking for a donation; simply state with conviction what you are asking for and why corporation X is the right one to give that donation to your organization.

When I think about the number of people who volunteer, it reinvigorates me with hope, but I often wonder why only some people volunteer for things, and others don’t. It is not that I think people who volunteer are better than others, but I imagine there are particular barriers individuals face when they choose not to volunteer their time to worthy causes. I try to imagine what those barriers might be. Having children and/or a very busy, stressful job are the first two barriers that come to mind. But I have met several folks who work an eight-hour shift, come home and chill and complain about being bored or unmotivated. I always ask what else they are involved in, and they look at me like I am from outer space. I just thought since we are in the Volunteer State, most people had a volunteer ethic. Maybe the organizations are not doing a good job advertising volunteer opportunities. That could be the problem. I’m going to get to work on that. That could be my contribution to the non-profit sector.

I have told you what inspires me, and what I think I can contribute to society — e-mail me, and let me know your thoughts on the subject. What can you or do you do to make an impact on the community? What motivates or inspires you? What makes your life worth living on a daily basis?

What gives you hope?

Send your e-mails to me at tmurchis1@msn.com.