April 7 – A World United: Service in a Globalized Age

“Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that we become rich.” Sarah Bernhardt

In today's increasingly complex world, focusing on service is more important than ever. As we grapple with global issues like climate change and poverty, a spirit of cooperation and service is essential. By working together and leveraging our collective talents, we can find innovative solutions to the problems we face. Service transcends borders and political divides, reminding us of our shared humanity and the responsibility we have to one another.

As Robert Lawrence Smith reminds us in A Quaker Book of Wisdom, "For Quakers there is a direct link between worship and service to others. The search for truth, which begins in contemplation finds expression in action." True service isn't limited by geography or circumstance. It's a call to action that extends beyond our immediate communities, urging us to consider the well-being of the entire human family.

Service Beyond Borders: Expanding Our Circle of Care

Here are some ways to engage in service that benefits the world:

Support international development organizations that focus on issues like poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare access. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities both abroad and domestically.

Advocate for policies that promote global cooperation on issues like climate change, human rights, and peacebuilding.

Embrace ethical consumerism. Support companies committed to fair trade practices and sustainable environmental policies. As Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst point out in The Big Book of Less, "As consumers we also have something to contribute — by supporting companies that make sustainable decisions, buying less from companies that don't, and by limiting purchases altogether."

Raise awareness about global issues through social media campaigns, educational initiatives, or community events.

Develop your skills to contribute to global solutions. For example, learn about renewable energy technologies or international law to equip yourself to address pressing issues.

The Ripple Effect: From Acts of Kindness to Systemic Change

Service, even on a small scale, can have a profound impact. As Robert Lawrence Smith reminds us, "It's the small acts of human kindness to needy strangers that best express our humanity." Reaching out to a refugee family in your community, volunteering at a local food bank that provides aid to international organizations, or simply donating to a cause you care about – these seemingly small acts contribute to a larger movement of global solidarity.

Breaking Down Walls, Building Bridges

Service is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. As Robert Lawrence Smith observes, "Doing physical labor side by side with total strangers who needed help taught me lessons that went far beyond anything I had learned in a classroom or in Meeting about the commonality that transcends differences, about the kinship engendered by shared labor." Working together on issues of global concern allows us to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering empathy and a sense of shared humanity.

“I believe in Karma and doing the right thing even if it might not advance you as far as you want. If every single person felt the same way about Karma, then the world would get fixed tomorrow.” Shawn “JayZ” Carter

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In a world facing complex challenges, service is not a luxury; it's a necessity. By embracing service in all its forms, from local acts of kindness to global advocacy, we can build a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. As Becca Piastrelli states in Root and Ritual, "When we circle together and reclaim the responsibility of hearing, knowing, and actively supporting each other, we embark on the journey of healing ancestral wounds, creating a ripple effect around the world. We are stopping the patterns of harm and betrayal that have divided us for hundreds of years." Let service be the bridge that connects us across borders, cultures, and ideologies. Let it be the foundation for a world where we all recognize our shared humanity and work together to create a brighter future for generations to come.

 Activities:

Contact your local representatives and express your support for policies that promote global cooperation on climate change, human rights, or peacebuilding.

Audit your consumer habits. Research the sustainability practices of the companies you support. Look for brands committed to fair trade and environmental responsibility.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.