I know that my intent is to highlight organizations, through “Organizations That Matter” posts, as a way for committed people to take action. However, I felt that I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge an amazing blog by an equally amazing blogger: Mark Horoszowski’s A Volunteer’s Guide to Changing the World.

I find this blog incredibly useful and insightful for volunteers, for non-profit organizations, and for people looking for tips on self-development. Each day, I look forward to the fresh and easy to understand thoughts and ideas that come out of this blog. Horoszowski is connecting volunteers to organizations and organizations to success through successful messaging, marketing, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment/retention.

However, Horoszowski’s latest blogs have been the ones that I have enjoyed most that can make the largest impact. In the post “Add Value for Free”, this blogger discusses simple ways to add value in the world:

Smiling, listening, providing great advice, and being warm and personable are probably the easiest ways to add value – and they are all free.

It seems as if these tips are simple and common sense. However, when was the last time that you feel you really created this “value” in the world?

Simple gestures count.
Small things matter.
Little changes can transform someone’s day or even an entire community.

In Reno, there is currently a campaign that mirrors the suggestions of Horoszowski. Kindness is Your Currency www.kindnesisyourcurrency.com is a local campaign that encourages kind and simple acts in the world that are rewarded with small gifts or Karma Cards. It is my hope that this campaign will soon spread nationwide.

Horoszowski’s most recent posts speak to the importance of trust. In the post “Trust Gets You Farther”, the importance of trust is noted by conducting a simple exercise where one makes a list of people who they trust and don’t trust. You can clearly see the overarching characteristics unique to each of the lists. In his most recent post, Horoszowski notes:

Recently, I’ve been writing about Trust a lot. Not just because it’s important, but because there is a shift in the way that communication is happening in our society that is enhancing the need for trust. Emerging technologies are making it easier to connect with people, and harder for advertisers to connect with you.

No matter what role you play in life, — non-profit executive, fundraiser, volunteer, or other – it is essential that you build and earn trust with your networks AND follow this insightful blog. I hope that more people will follow this blog and utilize the information to create positive change in the world.

To keep up with this blog, check out: http://howtorelay.blogspot.com/

Do you ever have those moments:
Of discovery?
Of pleasurable surprise?
Of realizing that great people are doing great things in the world?

I experienced each of these moments in unison when I discovered Kiva. Kiva is in the market of micro-finance, where people across the world lend money to others across the world to become entrepreneurs. AMAZING! Right?

It seems like a simple concept with worldwide impact. The mission of Kiva is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.

For example, I can donate money here in Reno to loan to someone in Cambodia to start her weaving business. I can donate the entire $500 in start up costs or a smaller portion, as little as $25. As she sets up her business, I receive information about the progress of her business. Once the business gets going, this person REPAYS the money to me, the lender. I then have the decision of where to invest my money next or who else that I feel needs that extra help to starts their business. The profiles of the potential borrowers are listed right on the screen with their picture and story. AMAZING! Right?

The Kiva organization is revolutionary, changing the micro-lending and philanthropic world as we know it. The stories of Kiva’s impact and success have been documented through CNN, CNBC, Forbes, Time, and The Wall Street Journal.

Forbes best describes this organization:
“Kiva mixes the entrepreneurial daring of Google with the do-gooder ethos of Bono, lead singer of the rock band U2.”

The innovators of this organization had simple roots. Matt Flannery and Jessica Jackley visited East Africa in 2004 and met many people who were trying to survive, had dreams, an entrepreneurial spirit, but no available funds. These founders also witnessed how resourceful these people were in making profitable, start-up businesses with just the added help of a few hundred dollars.

Matt and Laura list their three realizations from their trip to East Africa on the organization website that inspired them to start Kiva:
• We are more connected than we realize. Even in rural East Africa it was possible to remain very connected with friends and family in the United States. Distance means little in the world of communication today.
• The poor are very entrepreneurial. While the profit margins may be very different, the spirit of entrepreneurship is as strong among the global poor as it is in Silicon Valley.
• Stories connect people in a powerful way. As they listened to story after story of a fishmonger who needed enough money to buy directly from the fishermen at the lake, or a farmer who needed to buy a better breed of cow to produce more milk, Matt and Jessica knew that any of their friends back home would want to support these business ventures if they also heard their stories. With each story came a human connection as similarities were identified, making an African entrepreneur someone easier to relate to despite differences in language, culture or levels of wealth.

Matt and Jessica ACTED ON THEIR IDEA. Kiva started in 2005 with 7 loans granted to people in Uganda and has grown ever since. Matt and Jessica took a chance and changed the world.

Motivated people do not just plan. Motivated people act and take risks. These are the people that started Kiva. These are the people achieving great things and making a difference in the world.

Please check out: www.kiva.org for more information on this great and inspirational organization that matters. For the PBS Frontline Expanded Video, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXk4GUGXNTQ

“A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
-John Shedd

On this journey, I wish:
To facilitate cross-cultural, worldwide, meaningful connections;
To promote tolerance, understanding, and, perhaps, even acceptance;
To turn international problems into opportunities for action;
To give people the resources to enable them to empower themselves to create sustainable communities;
To unite like-minded people committed to service learning and social justice;
In order to join together with a common cause to CHANGE THE WORLD.

On this journey, I will need INSPIRATION.

When I was searching for resources and connections to join me in my adventure, I had the fortune to stumble upon websites for a few organizations truly making a difference throughout the world. While many other noteworthy organizations and foundations remain disconnected from the people who want to join in and help out, these particular organizations allow the average person to make worldwide impact.

Thus, begins the next phase of my blog: Organizations that Matter. I hope to highlight certain organizations that I feel are really having a global impact and that are easily accessible for people that want to join in and help out. Looking at organizations such as these will not only give the people such as myself the opportunity to join in a cause, but will also open the floodgates of inspiration as I, and hopefully others, can develop additional, complimentary innovative ideas and opportunities to address the problems of the world.

I would invite the ideas of any reader throughout this process to connect with me on twitter: gerolddermid. Hopefully, we can gather ideas though grassroots brainstorming sessions and develop strategies and specific plans to address pressing issues.

Together, we can pool ideas and gather resources.

Together, we can find solutions and create change.

I look forward to the journey.

Every day I meet someone new that brings more uniqueness and diversity to my life and to the world at large. I am astonished at the abundance of cultures, religions, foods, festivals, traditions, and celebrations in the world that celebrate a diverse group of people. However, I am also saddened when these extraordinary differences cause conflict among groups. I become disheartened when assimilation is required for acceptance. As a proponent of human rights and diversity, things must change.

This blog is devoted to the importance of collaboration. Collaboration is key to the success of any endeavor. When you bring together a group of people with an abundance of diverse talents and resources, the task at hand becomes much easier to manage. Tina Seelig’s book, What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20, displays many examples of the great work that comes from people working together in a collaborative effort. Even in class this week, Dr. Simmons led the class in a “puzzle game” where we were split into separate competitive teams. However, working together in a collaborative effort was the most efficient way to succeed in the challenge.

So often, we define ourselves by our differences. Our differences make us unique and we embrace these differences. We have learned to celebrate and respect differences. Yet, how do people all over the world connect for a greater good? How do these diverse people collaborate and work together to change the world for the better?

I believe that one thing that connects people all over the world is in the belief and upholding of certain core values. These values can unite us and make us stronger if we all accept and practice them. Did you know that the United Nations adopted The Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948? The Assembly of the United Nations called all nations to publicize the text of this document and “to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.”

Have you even heard of it? I had not. Less than 5% of the world even knows of the existence of this powerful document that can unite us all in solidarity. I would encourage you to view this video and share it with as many people as possible. I would also hope you can visit the Human Rights Action Center and join the efforts to get this declaration disseminated widely, including its inclusion in US passports.

I hope that throughout the world, we can re-connect and re-affirm the commitments contained in this declaration.

Human Rights Action Center:           
http://www.humanrightsactioncenter.org/dyr/

You Tube Video Link:                       
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlrSYbCbHE

At long last: I want to post “GEROLD’S PERSONAL DOGMA”. I feel that these statements best define who I am and what I aspire to be. These statements are constant reminders and inspirations for me. I want to change the world. I know that I cannot do it alone. Therefore, my next few posts will describe the importance of collaboration and outline my goals and ideas for the future. I also hope to develop a skeleton outline of my business plan.

These values are a work in progress. I hope that these can serve as my guiding principles throughout life. I have gathered these through my personal ponderings, through selected inspirational readings, and through my volunteer experiences throughout the world. If you do not have a set of personal values, I would encourage you to write these down and develop these, as personal values will guide your journey through life and will help serve as a road map to your goals.

GEROLD’S DOGMA: GUIDING PRINCIPLES

I believe that my role in society is an ACTIVE, not a passive one.

I strive to continue to learn HOW TO THINK, not what to think; I believe in constantly CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO.

I believe in always STRIVING FOR MORE; my thirst can never be quenched.

I believe in handing down a HERITAGE OF KNOWLEDGE and basis for understanding to future generations and to my fellow people, even as I continue to learn myself, in the hopes that TOGETHER we can revivify our heritage and breach new frontiers of knowledge.

I believe in developing a LOVE FOR TRUTH, the critical intelligence to attain it, and the eloquence to articulate it.

I believe that I must be PERSON-CENTERED, not bureaucratically efficient.

I believe in SELFLESS SERVICE AND SHARING that decisively breaks with the present obsession with joyless and insatiable consumption.

I believe that our community is GLOBAL in nature and I am committed to work steadfastly to ensure the PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS and to ADVANCE EQUALITY among all groups of people.

I believe that the people who are bold enough to think that they can change the world are the ones that do; I believe that I CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

As I further delve into the development of my own personal brand, I begin to ponder how I can bring value to myself, to my acquaintances, and to the community at large. Before I can fully develop my own personal brand, I need to establish my core values. These core values will be the guiding principles to my own personal brand.

After many hours and revisions, I have adopted my own core values, the guiding principles of my life and my personal brand. I lovingly refer to this as “GEROLD’S DOGMA”. I feel that this document serves as my own personal mission statement for my life. I am a “work in progress” and hope to always be developing, redeveloping, and adapting in a way that betters myself and betters the community that I am committed to serve.

I would like to thank Tina Seelig and her inspirational book, “What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20” for influencing me in my personal journey of self-development. In her book Seelig makes a statement that I strongly believe in: “opportunities are abundant” (pg. 8). She quotes Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems who said:

“The bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity. Nobody will pay you to solve a non-problem.” pg. 8

While my key goal is not primarily monetary, I do think that this statement drives to the heart of my brand. Many people in this world see problems in the world and are discouraged. I see each problem as a challenge and an opportunity for change. Through my brand, I want to seek out these opportunities to turn problems into opportunities for change.

I know that I cannot embark on this venture alone.

Therefore, I want to inspire others to join me in this quest. I want to lay the foundation and set up opportunities for others to create cross-cultural and worldwide connections for the improvement of our world.

We are all connected.

We are all together in this world.

When we work together and empower each other, we will all thrive.

Strong collaboration and commitment are our keys to success in the world.

If we begin to embrace these facts and embrace the opportunities that exist for positive change, the possibilities are endless.

I hope that others will join in my quest and help make this dream a reality.

Stay tuned for “GEROLD’S DOGMA”!

Before I begin to embark on blogs dedicated to my personal business plan and ideas for international development and service learning projects, I thought I should dedicate one post to APPREHENSION. We all have it.

 I am referring to the doubts that beg the questions:

Is this idea possible?

Is this idea realistic?

Do I have the ability to make these ideas happen?

 So, if anyone is even reading my rants on blogs – first, thank you. Second, I would like to explain my background: I come from a small place; yet, I have big ideas. Is it possible for someone with no backing of political connections, no financial backing, and no celebrity fame to embark on such international dreams? Or, is this a recipe for disaster?

 I am currently spending time reading some tips for success. Namely, how a guy from the bayous of Louisiana with lofty goals can make the right connections and take the right path to realize life dreams and goals.

 One idea presented by Pamela Slim in Escape from Cubicle Nation that really appealed to me is:

Develop a strong safety net. Surround yourself with encouraging people who take risks themselves.

 (When you) are ready to make a scary leap into unknown territory, invite your globe-trotting, skydiving, and hair color-changing friends to hold your hand. They will enthusiastically encourage you to close your eyes and jump. (p. 34)

I could not agree more. I think one of the reasons that I never pursue my dreams is because I always ask my realistic, rational, and somewhat cynical friends for advice related to whether to take a plunge or not. It would do me well to develop a strong safety net, whether this network is online or in-person acquaintances. (I am new to twitter and have already learned so much from people that I would never have had the opportunity to meet in-person.)

In Escape from Cubicle Nation, Pamela Slim also refers to the greatest entrepreneurs as seeing things from a “beginner mind”:

Beginner mind is a state of being where you approach situations with no judgment, censoring, editing, or preconceived expectations. (p. 44)

The beginner mind allows one to dream and take risks without thought of failure. Slim also spends an extensive period of time in her book encouraging readers not to fear failure and even writes of the failures of several successful people. This book has given me the courage to take the leap and to try to make my career and life goals a reality. If it all comes crashing down, I need to just start and try again. This is a tough lesson to accept and live by, but a worthwhile one, nonetheless.

OK, for my next step, I need to find my sources of inspiration and develop a strong safety net of people that have taken the leap in some aspect of their lives. Ideally, I will find those with similar interests, enable my “beginner mind”, not fear failure and forge ahead.

When doubting that someone like myself, who grew up with bayous in the backyard could make international impact, I came across The Floating Doctors Project:

 http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/109167812/the-floating-doctors

Check out the low budget, yet highly effective video. Granted, I probably have less community clout than doctors, but it is amazing that this grassroots project stemming from a “beginner mind” created networks that got medicine AND a boat DONATED in order to reach its goal. Good luck, Floating Docs!

Q: So, how can I be grateful or excited for recognizing my crisis?

A: Because with a crisis comes opportunity.

First, I am taking an Entrepreneurial Psychology class from Dr. Bret L. Simmons www.bretlsimmons.com that has allowed the floodgates to open. My inspiration for action has started.

One of the books that I have read for the class, Escape from Cubicle Nation by Pamela Slim has allowed me to further develop my action plan.

Finally, the social media that I have avoided for so long was now a required part of the course. Of all the social media outlets, I am currently getting the most out of twitter.  The flow and sharing of ideas is constant. And, sometimes, even by chance, you run across a piece of information that really hits home. For me, it was the re-tweeting of an article entitled “Welcome to Your Quarterlife Crisis” by Kate Carraway on eyeweekly.com :

http://www.eyeweekly.com/article/55882

A special thanks to @agencyspy and @connorlynch on twitter for sharing. If you are in your 20s or early 30s, it is a MUST READ. I felt my life echoed in more than one instance and I am sure that you will too!

For example, I am sure many of you may feel a comfort, like myself, in your current position. You enjoy your job; you have no major complaints; yet, something is still missing. Dreams are still unfulfilled. See the description that Carraway uses as an example of a typically male 20-something:

 “He bikes to work at an advertising agency, where he uses his master’s in English to proofread ad copy, and spends several hours reading music blogs and watching movie trailers, periodically Twittering updates about his workday to his 74 followers. He doesn’t really hate his job, but feels as if his skin is crawling with vermin most of the time that he’s there, so he has a plan to move to Thailand, or to maybe write a book. Or go to law school.”

I can somewhat echo this life. I tend to have a more fulfilling day. Yet, my current position, although I love and am grateful for it, leave many dreams unfulfilled. I have put my dreams and ideas on the back burner for a stable career.

I work at a local health department in a field that I am passionate about – HIV prevention. However, I feel that I have more to offer, more places to go, more change to effect. This position is a foundation that has allowed me the stability to plan and to dream. I see the changes that can happen in small town Reno and I know that using similar service learning, grassroots community organizing, and sustainable development strategies can have major impact on small communities in need around the world. I am committed to positive community change and sustainability. I am seeing much of this currently transforming and empowering people in my local community. Now, I want to take these skills and passions to places around the world.

 What’s stopping me?

My Quarterlife Crisis was stopping me. But, now that I can clearly recognize this crisis, I have the opportunity to make the timely plans and networks necessary to grow and DO. I can now realize and appreciate my comfort zone (5 years in a rewarding and stable job). But, I can also make plans to expand my horizons.

 My Quarterlife Crisis has a solution which is best explained by Michael Kimmel and Marc Scheer in this article:

 “A Quarterlife Crisis will resolve itself by hooking itself into a plan,” says Michael Kimmel, a sociologist and author of Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men.

“If you feel you’re in crisis, this is a great opportunity to draft a five-year plan with steady concrete goals to help you get to where you want to be. Anyone can transform their life in just a few years,” say Marc Scheer, career counselor and educational consultant, and the author of No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-Off.  

My plan is on its way.

I feel the kick in the butt.

I am ready to conquer my crisis.

Continue following this blog to watch it unfold. Now is the time. I hope that this blog can not only help to develop my own personal journey, but can also serve as an inspiration for others to make a plan and follow their dreams. Feel free to comment and share your stories.

 Stay tuned!

Many ideas swirl around my head in a nearly constant manner. Some of these ideas are the impractical concepts of madmen, while others are more practical in a world of unlimited resources. Therefore, in the past, I have released some of these ideas, have written down concepts of others, and have extensively developed a structured plan for a few. I think, in the past, I have written them down or developed them mainly to get them out of my head in order to continue my somewhat mundane life and restore order.

 As I think of these actions, I wonder what I have done. Am I settled in my life? Will I continue to write these grand ideas down and later toss them away in order to maintain order? I guess I have really not thought much about it until just recently when the pieces started coming together.

 It’s time for my Quarterlife Crisis.

 I remember when I used to constantly challenge the status quo (not that I no longer do this, just now it is in a more constrained manner) and be a visionary dreamer (before I started muddling my dreams down with practicalities). I still challenge and I still dream but I find myself choosing my battles as if casualties were eminent and dream within the confines of the reality that I know.

 It’s time for my Quarterlife Crisis.

 Hey, the impractical concepts of madmen have produced some of the great inventions of the world. And, the world is full of resources not yet fully utilized. So, these ideas can actually be implemented. Now, how to escape the restraints of my current comfortable reality into the world on the unknown and the still to be imagined?

 It’s time for my Quarterlife Crisis.

 Read on!