Think Progress is a great tag line. I always think of ways I can make changes personally on issues in our society. I am an avid fundraiser and like many buy gifts for needy kids at Christmas. But then I thought what about the rest of the year?
It made me think of my mom’s charity work with battered women’s shelters. She would always collect toys and clothes for the extended victims the children. She even gave them a Christmas in July party. I have decided to start gathering item to give the children items for back to school. I know what it was like to be the poor kid and the first day of school I didn’t have the in clothes, back packs or accessories. It made me develop into a very interesting individual in high school. I still remember the mint green boots (I miss them), crocheted mint green sweater (thanks mom) and grey corduroy skirt. I may have looked odd but I was just being me. I realize my mom’s ability to make the world seem wonderful through her caring ways made me not realize quite how poor we were.
But now I ask the question “How did our society become so selfish?” My mom is 65 and I am 35 but she taught me to help others not just poorer than myself. I grew up poor one of 4 kids and yet she still helped others. She is the most unselfish person I know and I want to see our society think less of themselves and more of others.
Even a simple thing like holding a door open for another person is a rarity. This society has turned so “me” oriented it drives me crazy. Yet I see this crazy selfish society we live in and I wonder how we as young people can change it?
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
For me, I think the best way for them to learn is by having them live in our shoes for a while. Let them have a taste of knowing what it means to have so little and to have to save every penny possible just to survive the next day. If we can somehow temporarily hold back their source of selfishness, whether it's because of power or money, and let them live a life that can help them see what people do to help others, I'm sure they'll find that it feels just as good to repay those that helped you first.
This same question runs through my head all day, and it frustrates me sometimes to the point of exhaustion. And what compounds that frustration is the fact that it feels like no one cares sometimes because no one ever talks about it! I feel like God didn't mean for it to be this way--he meant for us to have more of a sense of community and teamwork spirit in life--you can't live without the love of others!! And yet because of the concept of the "American Dream", many people are just looking out for themselves now, trying to make it to the top of the social ladder where they are the "elite" and "respected". I don't respect the kind of person who steps on others and just watches out for themself when trying to create for THEMSELF a better life.
Children are actually dying of starvation--not getting enough food, the essential basis of life--when there is ENOUGH TO GO AROUND!! I know that sounds like the infomercials that run all day, but I just can't put my mind around it--it's insanity! My brothers and sisters--I feel like I can feel that pain in the pit of my stomach, and yet I do not know that immense pain and desperation because I do have access to food and water. But I'm still learning how to understand the ways of society, and I guess I could bash my head against the wall for the world's misdoings all day long, while I should really be finding a way to help out as I can, because I am the only one I can control. It's a shame I can't force people to do community service or tell the wealthy how they are taking basic needs from small children because they are living such lavish lifestyles. Don't get me started on that--it's just revolting.
In my ideal world, everyone would have the mindset that you do--would figure out a way to help as they can just out of the sake of kindness and love for all others, and because they feel it is part of their purpose on earth to give back and make it a good place to live for everyone. I don't think I'll ever stop striving for this until I'm sure that everyone is being taken care of like they should be.
I'm 16, I don't have a job, I don't have money or a car, and I am not "legal" yet, but I've got a big heart and ideas for change. I wish someone could make a good volunteer program that is highly accessible to teens like me, where we are really needed and where our efforts matter--because sometimes I feel like society has subtly, yet overtly labeled all in my "age-group" as incompetent of accomplishing such things, or simply helping in a meaningful way. We really do care--just can't always find a place that will accept our willingness to help. I know there are lots of volunteer organizations, but teens like me need a place where people can benefit from the individual skills that we have to offer, rather than the ability to raise or donate money--which is not so abundant for us! :) If you know of anything like this, could you please email me at kelseywilliamson11@yahoo.com? I would really appreciate it!! Thanks!!