"Be the change you wish to see in the world"

Sometimes when you have that Woe Is Me feeling, it's best to take a good look around. (Well, sometimes looking around is the cause of Woe Is Me, but that's a whole different story. See Whitney English's post on that here.)  If you take a hard look, you'll find that there are many others in situations that are much worse than whatever you're experiencing. So one way to get over your woes is to take the focus off "me" and do good for others...

Here are a couple of worthy causes...

Women's Health RUN 10 FEED 10

"Run a 10K with Women's Health and you will instantly provide 10 meals for those going hungry in your local and surrounding neighborhoods. You can join us in New York City or take part in our 10 City Challenge. If you don't live in one of those cities - you can still participate! Sign up to run your own 10K. The money from your registration and fundraising efforts will go to those in the metropolitan areas nearest to you."

Running a 10k on a Saturday is something I'd probably do anyway, but running for a cause might make me a little more enthusiastic and might deter any procrastination...especially since I have to run it between now and October 16- World Food Day.

Participating is a $28 registration fee, which is pretty inexpensive considering some of the races out there. Since I'm not close to any of the cities where the races will be held, I have to pick a date to run and plot my course. Running buddies welcome!

Half the Sky Movement

"The Half the Sky Movement is cutting across platforms to ignite the change needed to put an end to the oppression of women and girls worldwide, the defining issue of our time. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide brings together video, websites, games, blogs and other educational tools to not only raise awareness of women's issues, but to also provide concrete steps to fight these problems and empower women. Change is possible, and you can be part of the solution."

Half the Sky deals with issues including economic empowerment, education, combating gender violence, sex trafficking and prostitution. I found out about it through Twitter (#Halfthesky) and have to share with you what I think is the most innovative use of Twitter so far...Tweet about the movement using #Halfthesky, and your post with your Twitter profile pic will be added to a movement mosaic. The website also makes it really easy to get involved- donate, buy goods created by women, advocate and volunteer with NGOs, among other activities. 

"Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide includes a four-hour television series for PBS and international broadcast, shot in 10 countries: Cambodia, Kenya, India, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Liberia and the U.S. Traveling with intrepid reporter Nicholas Kristof and A-list celebrity advocates America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union and Olivia Wilde, the series introduces women and girls who are living under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable — and fighting bravely to change them. Their intimate, dramatic and immediate stories of struggle reflect viable and sustainable options for empowerment and offer an actionable blueprint for transformation. The series will premiere in the United States Oct. 1 and 2, 2012, with international broadcast to follow. "

I missed last night's broadcast of the PBS documentary, but I fully intend to watch tonight...You can view the broadcasts online too. 

Source: womenofvisionblog.com via Global Press Institute on Pinterest