what can we do, as a group, collectively, to make a difference in the world today?

what would happen if you were on a road with a toll and you paid the persons toll behind you? would it pale into insignificance, or would they be astounded and have a better day because of it, and therefore they would impart on a better day to everyone else that they came across that day?

could you find something to compliment every single person that you meet on this very day? how simple could that be?

when you listen to someone, you are more likely to find out what they need, you will be then able to help them more effectively.

it is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. so do what you can.

I am sure I could find something to compliment every person I run into, but I don't feel like all of them would appreciate it. And if I went around complimenting people who didn't appreciate it, then I am only stroking myself. And that isn't quite right....

I do advocacy work for folks looking for alternative treatment methods for drug addiction besides 12 step methods. I try to help them to hook up with maintenance medications and therapy. I do this cause drug misuse has touched me personally and I feel that I was sucessful in stopping the use without subjecting myself to anyones opinions except for my own. I choose to not conform to the mainstream method of 12 step recovery cause I feel it spreads "helplessness" and "powerlessness"

I think that as a group unless you pick something that has to do with the montro of the group, you would have trouble finding a way to make a difference on a group level. Specially one that meets via internet and not in person. Besides, most charity should be done at a "local level" IMO. That way you can see and touch the things that you have made a difference in. It is kinda unfullfilling if you can't see direct results with anything you do.
Kerri

I'm sure there are plenty of things we can do to make a difference. I think it is a matter of actually having the intention to do so. Personally, I sometimes get so caught up in what I am doing, that I forget about the people around me when I should be more appreciative.

I have to look into ways that I can make a positive contribution as well.

I am sure I could find something to compliment every person I run into, but I don't feel like all of them would appreciate it. And if I went around complimenting people who didn't appreciate it, then I am only stroking myself. And that isn't quite right....

I do advocacy work for folks looking for alternative treatment methods for drug addiction besides 12 step methods. I try to help them to hook up with maintenance medications and therapy. I do this cause drug misuse has touched me personally and I feel that I was sucessful in stopping the use without subjecting myself to anyones opinions except for my own. I choose to not conform to the mainstream method of 12 step recovery cause I feel it spreads "helplessness" and "powerlessness"

I think that as a group unless you pick something that has to do with the montro of the group, you would have trouble finding a way to make a difference on a group level. Specially one that meets via internet and not in person. Besides, most charity should be done at a "local level" IMO. That way you can see and touch the things that you have made a difference in. It is kinda unfullfilling if you can't see direct results with anything you do.
Kerri

kerrie, i agree completely that if you don't see a difference from the effort you make, then it becomes harder to justify why you're doing what you are. It's precisely why i'm not an advocate of supporting overseas charity cases (e.g. worldvision et al). Ethiopia has been a problem for 30 years or more and the funds worldwide through all charities have not provided a solution, but instead, maintained an issue that has been nothing but static. yes, lives may have been saved, but at what cost to others?

i applaud your advocacy of drug addicts, as i was an addict myself for 15 years. the 12 steps had no use for me, but still have a place for many. i'm a supporter of many treatments as we are all different, but the most effective treatment for the individual is the one that guides us out of the destructive behaviour patterns that we carry out.

and finally, if you can't find anything good to say about someone, or direct them in a positive way, and i'm not talking about stroking yourself, then you need to look at what you are actually doing. Complimenting someone does not need to be a verbal action, and they do not need to be aware of it.