Use Your Powers For Good
Finally.
Dominating the American television viewership each week and averaging something like 40 million ‘votes’ (almost the same amount cast each four years for the President of the United States) American Idol has done something. This year they have given us Sanjaya and Mindy-Doo which have had people talking for hours and hours on the news. In recent seasons the show has delivered the somewhat legitimate Kelly Clarkson, Ruben (who??), Claymates (I shudder), a country mega-star Carrie Underwood, and even the ‘Soul Patrol.’
We all watch the show.
Some of us admit it.
But when will American Idol give us something to do other than talk about music and ratings for a few months? Perhaps some good can come of all of this air time?
This year, American Idol ‘Gives Back.’ I think they are going for something like Bob Geldof’s Live Aid which continues to do relief work to this day. This past week’s episode of American Idol gave us three hours of on air fundraising and awareness of problems around the world. It probably won’t do what the hurricane Katrina relief concert did in fundraising dollars, but I think it did much much more. It put in the minds of all of us that every day can be a crisis for someone.
I was mostly encouraged to see that American Idol Gives Back didn’t only focus on the starving in Africa - but on the people in Appalachia, and New Orleans, and Atlanta - places pretty much in our own back yards. Places we walk by every day but never look at.
The ONE campaign was prominently featured throughout the program and ‘concert’ - and I’m very encouraged that these issues we were shown are being introduced to younger audiences that may want to use their allowances for some good - not just to buy the next Idol’s CD. How many kids are thinking about these world problems?
I remember back as a young kid dressed as a hobo or something on Halloween running around with a pillowcase for candy. I was always more excited about the jingling coins in my UNICEF box and the feeling it gave me that this money was ‘doing something’ - I didn’t know what at the time. But it felt good to carry that change to school the next day knowing it was going to help. To this day I always carry a pocketful of change to remind me of what I do for a living - I may not always have a lot to give, but some change in my pocket will - and could- help someone. I remember in recent years participating in AIDS rides having to raise thousands of dollars for the honor of riding my bike from Raleigh, N.C to Washington, D.C. in just four days to raise money for local organizations. The first day - 112 miles in the hot sun - made me realize that some people couldn’t do this but would in a second if they could, and what horrible hurdles some people must face on a daily basis.
Even before miles and miles of hills, I started working in this ‘web’ stuff helping organizations to spread awareness and raise money. It’s what I do and what my passion is. Idol Gives Back was a reminder to me of this passion and desire. Everyday is a challenge for someone, somewhere.
Working at Silas Partners - and other organizations in the past - has been great in helping this former little boy with a box of change TRY to make a difference in the world. Idol Gives Back made me realize I can do more. It made me realize that 70 million or so viewers may now become involved in helping the world and their own communities.
A new generation of philanthropists were born last night.
Remember the next time you buy lunch - there is someone that can’t and is hungry.
Remember the next drink of water you take - there is someone with no water source and is thirsty.
Remember when you go to bed at night - there is a homeless person wishing for the same.
Remember when you read a book - there are schools in this country that cannot afford them but would love to teach with them.
Remember that you can do something about it.
Remember. And do something.
Donate to your favorite organization, or find a local volunteer opportunity. They are there if you just look.
