Think globally, act locally. Give a little, get a lot. Be the change you want to see. You’ve heard these sayings a million times but have you ever realized them? Have you ever paused to acknowledge the power you have to affect change? Yes, you. Real power to implement real change. This blog entry is about my step forward into that realization and about how embracing a group of strangers has actually empowered me – something I wasn’t expecting.

These strangers are strangers no more. They are the Atlanta Committee for SOS Children’s Villages USA, where I serve as secretary. We are diversity in the flesh: Germany, Senegal, Sierra Leone, India, South Africa, Gambia, Moldova and, of course, the United States. A little bit about this organization: SOS Children’s Villages is one of the largest non-profits of its kind. In 2009 it celebrated its 60th anniversary. Established in 132 countries, its primary work focuses on abandoned, destitute and orphaned children requiring family-based child care – not foster care as we know it – but long-term care in a home with a mother who cares for the children as if they were her own. Children grow up in their own culture, in a community familiar to them, and in many cases, with their own siblings. Family is at the heart of the SOS organization.

SOS has been in the news lately. There are two SOS facilities in Haiti and similar to the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, SOS was already on the scene when the earthquake occurred in Haiti. The SOS Cap Haitian facility was largely untouched and opened its doors to the community, helping children and families who had no where else to turn. And when 33 Haitian children were stopped by authorities at the Dominican Republic border without their parents or legal permits to leave the country, the Haitian government entrusted those children to an SOS Haitian facility until the situation could be sorted out. Some of the children have family members living in Haiti and with the temporary help of SOS, they could return to their families and communities when the time was right.

SOS has three villages in the U.S., but if you were to ask the person next to you if they know about SOS, chances are the answer would be “no.” That is something we are working very hard to change. This year, several Atlanta bi-national chambers of commerce, as well as the Atlanta Beat soccer team and the Georgia State Soccer Association, have joined forces to celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup (held in South Africa) with a celebration of their own: the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010, and SOS is the benefactor of this event. Talk about a dynamic and amazing group of 30+ individuals working in concert to make this happen, and pinch me – I am part of that group! I feel so honored and blessed to be connected with them. Not to mention, a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to help children in Haiti. It is a wonderful opportunity to help not just one child, but also many in a time where the need is very great.

You wouldn’t think that just by showing up and giving a little bit of my time, it would make a difference. There are people in our group far more talented and experienced than me. And yet, it does make a difference. I have discovered support is the fuel that propels the efforts of any group. It’s the momentum that starts things rolling. And even when things aren’t going smoothly, as long as you have support, you can work it out. In the process of working it out, you become empowered. You realize you can make a difference. And that realization takes you a step further into the process – you’re totally in and totally jazzed.

So I want to ask you: are you in or are you out? What are you doing to make a difference? It’s not as hard as you think. And you don’t need extra superpowers to be effective. You can do it all just being you. Something to think about, and I hope you do.

For more about SOS Children’s Villages, please visit:
Website USA: http://www.sos-usa.org/Pages/default.aspx
Website International: http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/
Facebook: SOS Children's Villages – USA

For more about the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010, please visit:
Website: http://www.atlsoccerfest.com/
Facebook: Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010
Twitter: Twitter.com/atlsoccerfest

Next blog: updates and more about the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010. I hope to have some pictures as well. It’s going to be a blast! Stay tuned.