Yesterday, September 11, marked the day that tragedy struck deep in the heart of every American and rippled around the world . . . tragedy of horrific proportion that will never be forgotten. To commemorate the day and honor those who fell in the service of others, President Obama declared this a day of volunteerism.
It seems fitting that we are called to action in a way that benefits humanity, whether sending care packages to our soldiers or building shelters for the homeless. It is a very American thing to do.
At a time when many people are jobless and everyday more are homeless, our sense of commitment to our community is unwavering. At a time when billions in wealth have been squandered and thousands of lives have been sacrificed, we mourn our neighbor’s loss as well as our own. At a time when no one’s assets are secure, we share because we are a generous people, because we are Americans. And in some small way, we hope that we would have the courage to act as those men and women on September 11 who lunged into a towering inferno or crashed their plane in a field or picked through the rubble breathing in the ashes of destruction . . . to help total strangers.
I often speak for women’s causes, principally focusing on women’s cancers. The truth is that all charities need help right now. All non-profits are struggling because of the economy. So on a day when we honor those whose selfless efforts on 9/11/2001 taught the world what it means to live in service to humankind, pick a charity of your choice and lend your hand (and heart) to a cause.
Wondering how to get involved? The Entertainment Industry Foundation has made it easy with a website (www.iparticipate.org) dedicated to matching volunteers and causes. Covering the gamut - cancer, sports, children, environment, military– your interests are matched with opportunities. All worthy. All in need of our help.
I never imagined that charity work would consume my days and clutter my desk, for it was not my calling. But over the years I found that, not only did they need me, but I needed them. As I became more involved, I evolved. Living a life of service brought out in me attributes that had been suppressed in my corporate career: compassion and empathy and kindness. It germinated seeds of gratitude and nurtured acceptance of others. It opened my soul.
Whatever day you are reading this, whether or not it’s September 11, make this the day that you got involved to make your community safer or cleaner, to help children read or eat better, to bring an end to cancer. Do it for humanity. Do it for the community. Do it for your family. Do it for yourself.
Annette serves on the Board of Directors of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance which welcomes your support of the ovarian cancer movement. www.ovariancancer.org