American Idol (& You?) Gives Back

Can We Really Make a Difference?

It seems like my week has been focused on just that very question. Being “people who care” is a focus for up/rooted, our young adults ministry, in this season - looking how to move forward in making an impact on culture & the Kingdom at the same time. We just ran an article this week here on the Threads site entitled, “Beyond ‘Hit & Run’ Servanthood” (considering how to approach service & volunteerism in a way that be a lifestyle choice, not just a trendy act), and finished recording the raw audio on the same subject for our upcoming Threads podcast. Then watching one of my favorite shows step out of character for 48 hours in an effort to raise awareness & money for ‘difference making’ organizations both here & abroad.

I think young adults are taking the lead around our nation in this way - leading the charge to be an advocate for those in need, and reaching out & sharing God’s love with hand as much as with voice.

The answer to the question, “Can we really make a difference?” is a resounding YES. In fact, I believe that God’s heart is that His people, the Church, would be the ones taking the lead. You & I can make a difference. How do we start? I believe with where we are & with what we have. There are many ways that you can make a real impact. The following is just one of many…

I think it is appropriate that today has been deemed Malaria Awareness Day. The goal is to raise global awareness of this deadly disease. American Idol is just one voice that is being cast, with some of their focus going to fighting AIDS & Malaria in Africa. The United Methodist Church is urging people to skip lunch today (don’t worry, you can do it tomorrow if you’ve already eaten today) and instead spend their $10 with Nothing But Nets (another Idol Gives Back organization). Bill and Melinda Gates have set up a challenge grant as an incentive as well.

Want to go beyond reality TV to reality? You could give during the show tonight. Information on all of the participating organizations can be found on the Idol Gives Back site. How about taking it a step further, though, and committing to get involved locally & personally with one of the sponsoring groups?

Here are the contact/website details for each of the organizations that Idol Gives Back is backing. Check them out & see how you might be able to get involved locally in making a difference that lasts for more than a couple of hours of prime time television…

United States

• Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) To find volunteer opportunities, send an email to gtinsley@savechildren.org.
• America’s Second Harvest (www.secondharvest.org) Find volunteer opportunities on the website at http://www.secondharvest.org/howtohelp/donate_time.html.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) To find a local Club near you that you can volunteer to help at, go to http://www.bgca.org/clubs/ and enter your zip code to find Clubs nearby.
• The Children’s Health Fund (www.childrenshealthfund.org) To find volunteer opportunities, check out the website or call (212) 452-3340.

Africa

• Unicef (www.unicefusa.org) To find volunteer opportunities, visit the online Volunteer section of the Unicef site.
• Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) To find ways you can be an advocate for Save the Children’s global concerns, visit http://www.savethechildren.org/get-involved/advocacy/.
• The Global Fund (www.jointheglobalfund.org) To find out how you can join the Global Fund, visit http://www.jointheglobalfund.org/actnow.asp.
• Malaria No More (www.malarianomore.org) Visit the “Malaria No More” website to find out more information about how you can be involved in this effort.
• Nothing But Nets (www.nothingbutnets.net) Visit the “Nothing But Nets” website to find out more information about how you can be involved in this effort.