I was looking at the Penguin Reader's Guide again and they posted the following questions -- Have you ever known anyone like Mortenson? OR Have you ever had the experience of making a difference yourself through acts of generosity, aid, or leadership? I can't think of anyone I know personally that has garnered attention like Mortenson, but I certainly know many "unsung heroes"...those that make a difference everyday through acts of generosity, aid, or leadership. How about the folks across Anderson who volunteer in places like the Christian Center, a local Food Pantry, or Alternatives? How about those serving on the mission field. John Ackerman's work in Haiti comes to mind. I'm a member of Rotary and our motto is "Service Above Self". There are many other organizations, to which many of us belong, that make a difference.
How would you answer these questions.
Paul Hawken (Blessed Unrest; wiserearth.org) has identified a grassroots, groundswell of activity by individuals similar to Mortenson. What he sees is a diverse multitude of organizations and groups all springing from an understanding that we need to care for the Earth and each other or we will all perish together. These groups, he claims, are in most cases independent and not part of a larger organization or movement.
ReplyDeleteI have not met any of these people but it is encouraging to know that there are many more like Mortenson out there making a difference.
Another author, David Bornstein, has documented many "social entrepreneurs", similar to Mortenson, who are doing amazing things. His book's title is How to Change the World. He tells fascinating stories about a number of social entrepreneurs and about Ashoka, an organization that locates and gives support to budding entrepreneurs much like the person (name?) who supported Moretnson by funding his organization.
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