http://www.dailygood.org/ Extraordinary, positive changes are happening all around the world and are often overlooked. Come in and get inspired as we showcase the uplifting news stories you might have otherwise missed. http://www.dailygood.org/ http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/147610610/icon2_bigger.jpg en-us clubs@charityfocus.org "Every teenager believes they are invincible," said Zach Sobiech. "It's not the kind of invincible like Superman; it's the kind of invincible like, 'I'll see you in five months.'" Zach didn't have five months. He died of cancer on 20 May 2013, shortly after his 18th birthday. This film gives us glimpses of Zack's enormous capacity for love, his gentle humor, haunting music, and the quiet courage with which he approached the end of his life. It reveals the profound impact of his grace on all those he was about to leave behind. This is a film that will fill your eyes -- and your heart. And if you let it, it just might change your life. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5554 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5554 Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 With a tagline that reads, "Where hitting the bottom, begins the climb to new heights," the Delancey Street Foundation is a residential education center for drug addicts and ex-convicts. It currently operates a few facilities across the US, bringing hope and empowerment in communities where people are breaking out of cycles of incarceration and drug abuse . Their mission is rooted in showing residents that they themselves are critical contributors of positive change, not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of others like them. Reflected in their belief that everyone is both a giver and a receiver, the organization's model employs an "each-one-teach-one" process. Delancey Street's success has made them an expert in the field and they are sought after by other institutions and policy makers looking to find constructive solutions for our society's complicated issues. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5509 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5509 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 "When I start to write, I'm not a guide or teacher; I'm not even a poet. I'm a person far out at sea, and the poem is a raft made of whatever floats past in the water. Those almost accidental rescuing pieces are words, rhythms, musics, ideas, the memory that is mine and the memory that is all of ours and the memory that is held in language itself. The experience of writing, for me at least, isn't confidence or wisdom; it's closer to desperation. There is that in us that recognizes: 'this is water; this is land.' A poem is land found, as if for the first time. If I already knew what it would hold, I wouldn't need the poem, and if what it holds were knowable by any other words or way, I wouldn't need the poem." Poetess Jane Hirshfield reflects on how writing with a spirit of openness and courage can offer a door into the mysteries of our inner and collective experiences. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5485 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5485 Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 "I was running late. My wife Eleanor and I had agreed to meet at the restaurant at seven o'clock and it was already half past. I had a good excuse in the form of a client meeting that ran over and I wasted no time getting to the dinner as fast as possible. When I arrived at the restaurant, I apologized and told her I didn't mean to be late. She answered: "You never mean to be late." Uh oh, she was mad. "Sorry," I retorted, "but it was unavoidable." I told her about the client meeting. Not only did my explanations not soothe her, they seemed to make things worse. That started to make me angry. That dinner didn't turn out to be our best." An author and management consultant explores the dynamics of this not uncommon experience and arrives at some profound insights on how to respond when you've hurt or angered someone you care about. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5544 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5544 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 According to the director of Share The World's Resources, placing greater emphasis on the social and environmental impacts of sharing rather than personal gain, can drive awareness and action on these larger societal issues. Today, the sharing economy runs the gamut from selflessly operated food distribution programs and people pursuing low carbon footprint lifestyles to entrepreneurs seeking to build business models out of underutilized goods. For the true impact of the sharing economy to shine through, it will be important to concentrate on the intrinsic value gained from it over financial benefits, allowing us to drive sustainable solutions to such global emergencies as inequality and climate change. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5498 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5498 Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 It's not everyday that a llama walks into your room. And that's the magic in it! The llamas is question are therapy animals, who visit nursing homes, mental institutions, and rehabilitation facilities to surprise, delight, nuzzle, and be-nuzzled-by the residents. These lovely, funny-faced creatures have received many hours of special training to provide a comforting, affection-inducing presence. Animal-assisted therapy originated in the idea that animals and animal spirits have supernatural healing powers; but scientific study has since proven that exposure to animals increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone which acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain when we give or receive love. Research suggests the presence of tranquil animals makes us feel safe, a mind-set that aids healing. Once again, science has explained what we all know instinctively: gentle, furry creatures simply make the world a happier place. And these llamas are spreading happiness where it is sometimes in short supply. This article from Slate shares some charming photos. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5476 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5476 Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 "We were in the downtown area of our city when we drove past something I will never forget. Many homeless people were crowded around this broken-down truck. A man on the truck was holding up an orange saying 'Merry Christmas' and throwing out the orange for someone to catch. When I saw people pushing each other to get to the oranges, that made my heart drop. They were fighting for a piece of fruit. That is how little they had. Beside the truck, I saw an old man, maybe in his 60s. He was eating a sandwich with an orange and I thought to myself, "I want to help this man." I quickly hopped out of the car, gave him a gift and said, 'Merry Christmas, Sir.' Earlier, he seemed so gloomy, but as we drove off, I saw a smile. I felt so good!" When a nine-year old girl with an unusual gift for unconditional generosity shares this beautiful story, her mother is moved to write about the unexpected lessons she's learned from her child. http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5439 http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=5439 Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700