Michelle Nunn in Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn
On Government Reform:
The biggest obstacle of all is apathy
We stand at a time of enormous potential, but also of danger--environmental hazards, nuclear proliferation, global poverty, and terrorism are all very real threats to our world and the promise of progress. But perhaps the biggest obstacle of all is
apathy.We need to participate--within our communities and in our democracy. Individual acts of daring and creativity will ultimately determine the fate of nations and our increasingly global society. And those acts will change us in return.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p. xi
Nov 1, 2006
On Government Reform:
Change only becomes enduring when we ask & enlist others
How do movements come into being? Change starts with an individual, with one person believing that something can and must be changed. But change only becomes an enduring reality when individuals join together to act.
Social change movements are often led by powerful individual change agents, but if you look closer, you will find that these individuals acted in concert with friends, family, mentors, and organizations.
In working together, change is possible.How do we enlist others in our efforts to make a change? The most fundamental and important step is to ask.
We know from our stories, and we know from research, that the most common reason people choose to help is simply that they were asked.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p.127
Nov 1, 2006
On Government Reform:
Drop in civic participation enfeebles our democracy
Over the last 40 years, we have seen a precipitous drop in civic participation--in voting, reading the newspaper, and writing to our representatives. This is dangerous for our nation. It enfeebles our democratic system and leaves us ill-equipped to solve
the serious challenges that we face domestically and internationally. We have lost the idea that our government and our leaders are extensions of ourselves and that we can shape the course of our nation and our world.
We sometimes lose sight of the radical proposition of democracy; that each of us has inalienable rights and responsibilities. The idea of our American democracy was envisioned as a "City on a Hill," but it has taken enormous personal sacrifice and
leadership to establish such ideals as a woman's right to vote, or of all people to be free and full citizens under the law.
Ultimately, our leaders will, largely, follow their constituencies. That gives each of us an enormous power.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p.173-174
Nov 1, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Leaders of all great faith traditions lived lives of service
Across all of the great faith traditions, we find absolute alignment and clarity around the example of service and the commandments to serve others. Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, and Muhammad all lived out the life of service.
They manifest the divine, not through their temporal power or wealth, but through the powerful example of their sacrifice and service to others.
Jesus healed the sick and ministered to the poor and the needy. Buddha sought to alleviate the suffering of the world through his own personal transformation and by sharing these principles with the world.
Muhammad gave away his wealth in order to live in solidarity with the poor.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p. 9
Nov 1, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Those whom we revere give of themselves
Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Jonas Salk, Clara Barton: These are the hallowed names of people who live in our historical imagination. Yet none of them held elected office. None of them ran corporations or made millions of
dollars. Although our society admires celebrity and material reward, those whom we most revere give of themselves and make a difference for others.
The problem is that these iconic figures have become so lionized that it is impossible to aspire to be like them. They seem to be of another world, one of superheroes and saints. Yet the transformations they achieved--in the world and in themselves--
ARE within our reach.I have seen firsthand that ordinary people are capable of superhero-like accomplishments. My hope is that this book prompts you to believe that you can, in the words of Gandhi, "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p. x
Nov 1, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Don't let petty frustrations get in the way of commitment
Changing the world is hard. If it were easy, it would have already been done. While our stories of change tell us of the bounty and unexpected gifts of service, they also tell us that we will run into obstacles and frustrations.
There are small and large impediments to making a difference. A clear theme emanating from our stories is not to let the petty frustrations of your experience get in the way of your action or commitment.
It also helps to keep the big picture in mind--whether that's the person you are trying to help or the policy change you are trying to effect.
At the same time that you are mindful of the larger issue, don't get lost in the immensity of a problem. You can lose sight of your own power to make a difference if you become overwhelmed by the magnitude of a challenge.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p. 95-96
Nov 1, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Built "Hands On Atlanta" over 17 years to 100,000 volunteers
I met a couple of people in Atlanta who were starting a new organization. The group of 12 individuals who eventually formed Hands On Atlanta contributed $50 each and their own sweat equity to create a new, dynamic, and flexible model for getting their
peers--starting with young adults--involved in the community.When I met these 12 founders, they had given a donation of $2,500 and a small space in a local business office, and they were ready to hire a staff person. I joined, with the glorified title
of executive director, working 10 hours a week with a job commitment of a couple of months to get the organization going. What I discovered was a meaningful way of making a difference in my home state and the opportunity to grow an organization and a
civic change movement.
17 years later, I have watched this fledgling effort grow into a dynamic organization and volunteer movement that has truly shaped the civic life of Atlanta. Today, Hands On Atlanta engages more than 100,000 volunteers each year.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p.306-307
Nov 1, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Everyone has the power to make a difference in the world
Hands On Network is a growing family of organizations engaging more than half a million volunteers within and outside of the US.- Mission: Hands On Network brings people together to strengthen communities through meaningful volunteer action.
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Vision: We envision a day when everyone is inspired and equipped to be the change they seek in their communities.
Core Beliefs:-
Everyone has the power to make a difference in the world.
- Effective volunteer action is a path to a broader civic engagement.
- Engaged citizens are the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy.
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Service brings people together and bridges differences.
- Now is the time for action, innovation, and impact.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p.311
Nov 1, 2006
On Welfare & Poverty:
Hands On Network: help people begin their service journey
My work with Hands On network is to help people begin their service journey. I have led orientations for thousands of individuals who have decided to take the 1st step to make a difference. Their specific reasons for wanting to serve are as varied as
they are. But common themes emerge at every orientation: "I want to do something that is larger than myself, to make the community better, to find something that is truly meaningful in my life."
Or, "I want to get to know others in the community who share my values for giving back. I want to feel like I am a part of the community."Everyone that I have spoken with has expressed passion and gratitude that they took that first step.
While you may begin with uncertainty, you will find confidence and fulfillment as you proceed. As one volunteer once said to me, "I am always glad I came."
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p. 34
Nov 1, 2006
On Welfare & Poverty:
When you serve others, you get more than you give
Perhaps the most fundamental lesson of serving others is that it is a reciprocal experience. You might begin by thinking that you are doing something for others--and you are--but you will invariably find that you are getting a lot out of it too.
It is trite, but true, that in reaching out to serve others, you will often get more out of the experience than you give.And there are myriad practical reasons to serve and work for change.
As a volunteer, you can take on unlimited leadership challenges and exercise aspects of your intellect and skills that you might not have an opportunity to apply anywhere else.
As we discover the fundamental rewards of service, we will rediscover ourselves, learning lessons of patience and courage that will help us overcome our fears and face the world bravely.
Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p. 65-66
Nov 1, 2006
Page last updated: Jan 09, 2014