Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn: on Welfare & Poverty


Elizabeth Dole: Red Cross volunteers taught me about hope amid suffering

When I was president of the Red Cross, my focus was inspiring people to volunteer, to give of their financial resources, and to donate their blood. My position gave me a unique vantage point from which to view the world at its very best and its very worst. I have seen the evil humans can inflict on one another in the dim eyes of starving children in Somalia and in the paralyzing grief of parents in Oklahoma City. I have seen the monstrous destruction unleashed by nature in the rubble of neighborhoods laid waste by Hurricane Andrew.

No one can undo such grievous and unearned pain. But Red Cross volunteers make it their mission to bring compassion and caring to disaster victims.

Red Cross volunteers taught me about the durability of human hope and faith amid suffering.

Source: Be the Change, by Michelle Nunn, p.162-163 Nov 1, 2006

Michelle Nunn: 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

Michelle Nunn: 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

  • The above quotations are from Be the Change!
    Change the World. Change Yourself
    by Hundreds of Heads & Michelle Nunn.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Welfare & Poverty.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by Michelle Nunn on Welfare & Poverty.
Candidates and political leaders on Welfare & Poverty:

Retiring Senate as of Jan. 2013:
AZ:Kyl(R)
CT:Lieberman(D)
HI:Akaka(D)
ME:Snowe(R)
ND:Conrad(D)
NE:Nelson(D)
NM:Bingaman(D)
TX:Hutchison(R)
VA:Webb(D)
WI:Kohl(D) 		Retiring House to run for other office:

Running for President:
TX-14:Ron Paul(R)

Running for Mayor:
CA-51:Bob Filner(D)

Running for Governor:
IN-6:Mike Pence(R)
WA-1:Jay Inslee(D) 		Retiring House to run for Senate:
AZ-6:Jeff Flake(R)
CT-5:Chris Murphy(R)
FL-14:Connie Mack(R)
HI-2:Mazie Hirono(D)
IN-2:Joe Donnelly(D)
MO-2:Todd Akin(R)
MT-0:Dennis Rehberg(R)
ND-0:Rick Berg(D)
NM-1:Martin Heinrich(D)
NV-1:Shelley Berkley(D)
NY-9:Bob Turner(R)
WI-2:Tammy Baldwin(D)
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Page last updated: Jan 09, 2014