When I first heard of Blog Action Day 2008, I knew I had to take part, but I didn’t know what I could do or if there was anything in particular that I could say regarding Poverty to really make a difference.
I spent a couple weeks thinking about it and ended up doing a self-evaluation, looking at who I am, what my passions are and actions I’ve taken to those ends. Going to see Call+Response definitely helped me along this path.
If anyone asked me to pick two topics that I’m extremely passionate about, without blinking, I’d say Health and Education. I was raised by a phenomenal woman who has spent 25+ years teaching in the NYC Dept of Education, and I had the true PRIVILEGE of getting a great education both in and out of the classroom. My education led me to the start of my career in health care communication, and though I have moved on, in no way have I left my passion for health behind.
How do I relate this to poverty?
We all have work to do when it comes to living in good health, but as always, those living in the poorest of conditions have the least access to information and resources which, depending on lifestyle, can be a formula for poor health. With an education, I believe we can empower the most disadvantaged person to improve their life and the lives of those around them overall.
What am I really getting at?
The thing that became apparent through my self-evaluation was that my passions and actions didn’t line up. In this blog, and in general, I’ve shared my passion for PR but not the other issues which are just as important to me. That’s going to change, both here and offline.
I’ve already begun to make some progress towards my goal by volunteering with Level Ten Leaders, an Education non-profit focused on closing the achievement gap, but it’s only the start. I have not got it completely planned out, but with inspiring bloggers like these people, I’ll find my way.
I encourage you to line up your passions and actions, and I hope you find your way as well!
As Twitter overflows with the many great Blog Action Day posts, I’ll update this post to share the links with you. Hopefully, they will inspire you to take action against poverty in the best way you know how.
Other Blog Action Day Posts
Blog Action Day 08: Container City
The Vicious Cycle of Poverty (Or Why Jessie Won’t Go to College)
Direct Marketing Observations: It’s Blog Action Day and I have a Story to Tell
Blog Action Day: Why I Think the Internet Is Key to Combating Poverty
The 22% Club: All Aboard for Blog Action Day
Blog Action Day 08: We Don’t Need Coins, We Need Change
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saw this post via the front page of blog action day. it’s great that you’re participating.
Thanks for commenting. I checked out the Haiku poem blog and you have captured the essence of so many families’ situations. Please keep sharing the creativity!
Great advice! I have a tendency to separate my passion from my blogging and end up getting frustrated with myself. bell hooks calls it living with integrity and should be a major goal we all have.
[...] video above spells it all out, but this initiative is major. Blog Action Day 2008 focused on Poverty, and it has definitely grown in prominence since then. How do I know this? One of the contributors [...]