Do something good for the world (and yourself)

Ten years ago I read a story about a Nigerian woman sentenced to death by stoning.
Her crime-having a baby out of wedlock. Her partner’s punishment-nothing. Her name-Amina Lawal.

I was appalled and through research was connected to Amnesty International. I joined their Urgent Action Campaign and with the help of over a million letter-writers, Amina’s sentence was overruled. She was free.

Since that day in 2002, I have written over a hundred Urgent Action letters to different heads of state. I have also received some hand written letters in reply. In the cases I have been involved in, over 20 of the victims cases have turned out favorably.

Collectively as a people our voices carry weight but are of no help to victims if we keep them silent.

There are so many ways we as a people can become involved through volunteering to give voice to victims. I know with our busy work schedules, lack of financial resources we think “What can I do”? Here are two great places to start:

Amnesty International-Urgent Action Campaign

http://www.amnesty.org/en/activism-center/all-actions

Catchafire (this site matches your skills to a company needing pro-bono work)

http://www.catchafire.org/

One of our purposes of being free human beings is in giving to others. How can we walk tall when so many are lying in the dust of despair? If each person reading this post looks inside themselves and offers up some of their time, thought, compassion, well, that is less people lying in the dust.

It’s Good Friday..Do something good

About these ads
Category : blogging, Life, Volunteer, writing
Tags : , , , , , , , , ,