Everyday Heroes Exemplary Lives Service Blogs iJourney Exceptional Kids Remarkable Organizations Everyday Heroes Contemplative writer, student of human nature, dedicated humanitarian, passionate outdoorswoman. Sprightly imp, self-effacing comedienne, mischievous joker, self-described provocateur. She is known as Spike. [ more ... ]

Everyday Heroes  Mark Jacobs -- 'inspiration from everyday things' -- by Anita Iyer "The disparity between rich and poor is the intractable problem of humanity." Mark Jacobs reminds you of a crackling flame: alive, dynamic, evolving, and spontaneous. The first time you speak to him you are overwhelmed by his ability to instantly put you at ease. He has no qualms about accepting his flaws. His ability to recount his escapades with an infectious jollity makes you forget that it is just minutes since you met him. For a person who claims to have been raised by wolves, Mark displays a rare combination of sincerity and straightforwardness. He was born in Munich, Germany, moved to the San Francisco Bay Area at age three, and grew up in Truckee, a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe. Being part of a family that was addicted to nature, Mark's fondest childhood memories are of the time he quit school and became a full-time ski racer. A passion for nature is something he still carries with him. Whenever he finds the time, he sets off whitewater rafting, mountain biking, backpacking, or backcountry skiing. "I love the wilderness", he exclaims. "I learned valuable lessons in the mountains about my own competence, resourcefulness, courage, aesthetics, and sensitivity." Today, Mark uses the lessons he learned as a kid in his role as a member of the advisory board of Outward Bound, an organization that teaches life skills through wilderness skills to children. Mark impishly declares that 'eat well, and the rest takes care of itself' is his philosophy, but his conversations reflect a deeper understanding of life. Mark became interested in epistemology (philosophy of knowledge) and moral theory in college. After studying philosophy at Cornell University he went on to earn his degree in law at University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He is a civil litigator by profession, and nurtures a deep passion for the linguistic side of the work. "Not every aspect of being a lawyer is soul-satisfying. But one of the truly gratifying aspects is that I get to work in the realm of language. I love writing, to make the words sing or cry, to make them dance on the page." Mark openly shares his views on everything from George Bush's dancing ability to Keanu Reeves' acting skills. His enthusiasm for life keeps people around him on their toes, too. He is as unconventional as they come and immensely spirited. When you ask him where he gets his inspiration, he insists that people and everyday things inspire him. But on deeper probing he reveals that his mom is his inspiration. "Everyone who knows her loves her,” he says fondly of his mother, Kaki, who was a teacher and school principal. Mark loves meeting people, and his attitude towards life is one of exploration. "It is not enough to operate in the safe and comfortable realm of your existing skill set. You must also learn to do things that you are bad at or which are unfamiliar to you,” he insists, and is now learning to play the guitar, to speak French, and to play soccer with kids "half his age.” *** Mark has been with CharityFocus since its early days and insists that he has received more than he has given. From helping articulate the guiding vision of CharityFocus, Mark has gone on to epitomize those very principles. "There are aspects of my work life that are Mark and his partner Yoo-mi. extremely gratifying. It appeals to both my competitive impulses as well as my instincts for conflict resolution. And, despite more than a few unsettling aspects, I have a systemic faith in the proposition that our legal system is the pillar of our civil society", he says. "Still, It feels good to give my time and effort to others in a socially responsible way, without any thought of my own material gain. I think everyone needs an outlet to express themselves in a way that is more-or-less selfless." Mark gets visibly moved when he talks about CharityFocus volunteers and says that the chance to be inspired by the amazing people that gravitate to CF is what he loves most. He carries this passion for meeting people outside too, for Mark's selfless activities are not restrained to Charity Focus alone. Mark is also working to revive a foundation to support a small public radio station, and he serves on a couple of advisory boards. Conversing with Mark is refreshing. Adds Mark with a childlike glee, "I'm kind of a troublemaker at heart. Every group needs an imp to keep their spirits high." His energy is stupendous and he inspires and teaches you to believe in yourself. He instills in you the belief that you can do your own bit whatever it may be. "When I come back in the next life, I want to come back as me," he announces with élan and sparkle. [ read mark's blog ] [ email mark ] © CharityFocus 2002

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