Invisible Youth Network

Russell rescues youth. Russell Hartsaw has a burning passion for making a difference in the lives of homeless youth, at risk youth and their families. He experienced firsthand what it means to be homeless and abused. He also knows the potential dangers that lie ahead for kids who are homeless and at risk. But what can one person do?

Russell discovered an area in his city where homeless youth hid and supported each other in order to survive. He took food to them that he paid for and received from friends also wanting to help. Eventually, a few of these kids began to trust Russell. They were Gerald and nine of his friends, all between the ages of nine and fifteen years old.

When Russell received money for a gift from a friend, he chose to use it to take these ten kids out to a local restaurant for a meal. It turned out to be a tremendous experience. The manager at the restaurant matched the money so it provided meals for the group and allowed them to take food back to other kids who remained in seclusion.

Providing meals for this group of friends was only the beginning. Due to Russell's enthusiasm and initiative, area churches and members of the community tirelessly knocked on doors until they found homes for all ten kids!

Russell Hartsaw has now founded an organization to provide resources and support for homeless youth, at risk youth, their families and related organizations. The Invisible Youth Network is made up of volunteer members from every continent in the world. Go to http://www.orgsites.com/ca/youthoutreachinternational and learn more about the mission of the Invisible Youth Network and how you can get involved.

What can one person do? Russell has proved you can change lives!

© 2007 Roger B. Carr

Roger Carr is the founder and owner of Everyday Giving and board member of the Invisible Youth Network.

There is a huge wave of encouragement about to hit the country of South Africa. A National Hug-A-Thon campaign is going to launch April 2007. What a terrific way to bring people together, encourage each other and raise funds for charity.

The Variety Water Relief Campaign will benefit from funds raised during the Hug-A-Thon. Many South African celebrities are already involved.

Go to http://www.varietyclub.co.za/hugathon.html to learn more about the National Hug-A-Thon, how to get involved in the campaign and for a description of the different kinds of hugs you can give others. Yes, they list several types of hugs.

Check out this inspirational video created to promote the campaign. Music artist Shaun V donated the song used in the video. The video is worth checking out just to hear the soundtrack

When do you get the most benefit from receiving a card from someone? Is it when you receive one for a major celebration or holiday? Or is it when you receive one that is totally unexpected?

For me, it's when I receive one that is unexpected.

Be creative in finding reasons to do something for someone when they won't expect it. Pick one or more of these upcoming observances as reasons to help and surprise others with an act of kindness:

• Sept 1-7 - International Enthusiasm Week
• Sept 2 - Together We Can Change The World Day - http://www.togetherwecanchangetheworldday.com/
• Sept 4 - Labor Day - http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm
• Sept 4 - Newspaper Carrier Day
• Sept 8 - International Literacy Day - http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/literacy/
• Sept 10 - National Grandparents Day - http://www.grandparents-day.com/
• Sept 11 - One Day's Pay - http://www.typepad.com/t/app/weblog/www.onedayspay.org
• Sept 16 - Wife Appreciation Day
• Sept 17 - International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat - http://www.habitat.org/cr/day_of_prayer.aspx
• Sept 21 - International Day of Peace - http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
• Sept 21 - World Gratitude Day
• Sept 24 - National Good Neighbor Day - http://www.natgoodneighborday.org/

Baby boomers are an interesting group.  You are a baby boomer if you were born between the years of 1946 and 1964.  What is one of the things that makes this group so interesting?  Currently, the first baby boomers are at the traditional age of retirement.  The later baby boomers, which I am a part of, are at the traditional age of midlife. Both groups are evaluating their lives and considering what they will do in the future. Both want to lead a life that is full of meaning and purpose.

The new retirees are only leaving their first careers. They're certainly not retiring from life. This generation is living longer and has more vitality than ever before.  They're looking for a second career that is focused on what they want to do and enjoy.  They're looking for ways they can make a difference. Making additional income may or may not be necessary.  Many are looking for opportunities to volunteer either part time or full time.

What about those going through a "midlife crisis?" I had always heard this phase in life described as a time when a person would buy fast cars and indulge in bad and dangerous vices to an extreme. That may be true for some.  However, for many it is a time in life when they consider the impact they are having on others and the world in general. They are looking for more meaning in their life. Ultimately, giving back to society in the form of volunteering is a strong possibility.

I'm excited about the positive impact the baby boomer generation can make.  If you're a baby boomer, discover what you are passionate about.  Discover the skills and experiences you have developed throughout your life that can help others. Identify one or more charities that support a cause you feel strongly about. Contact them and volunteer your services. It doesn't matter if you only have one hour a week or 60 hours a week to donate.  You will make a difference and feel great about what you are doing at the same time.

To learn more about volunteering, go to http://www.everydaygiving.com and sign up the free special report "9 Questions to Consider Before Volunteering." Roger Carr is the founder of Everyday Giving.

We can learn much from the great leaders of our past and present. Military leaders are no exception.

Everyday Giving Bookstore is making available a package of 5 great leadership books by military leaders for $19.95 (list price $61.80). This is our August Special and it will only be available for a limited time.

Go to http://www.everydaygiving.com/bookstore for details on how to learn about and expand your leadership skills.

• National Back To School Month
• International Clown Week - 1-7 August 2006 - http://www.internationalclownweek.org/
• International Friendship Day - 6 August 2006 - http://www.friendship.com.au/friendday.html
• International Youth Day - 12 August 2006 - http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/iyouthday.htm
• International Left-Handers Day - 13 August 2006 - http://www.lefthandersday.com/
• Be an Angel Day - 22 August 2006
• Kiss and Make Up Day - 25 August 2006
• National Dog Day - 26 August 2006 - http://www.nationaldogday.com/
• Women's Equality Day - 26 August 2006 - http://www.nwhp.org/
• Be Kind to Humankind Week - 25-31 August 2006 - http://www.bekindweek.org/

I interviewed a terrific mother and son team. They will definitely inspire you and will show you that you can make a difference, regardless of your age. I describe Cole Hodges as the "boy with no birthday" because he donates his birthdays to charity. He has done this since he was five years old. Cole and his mother, Joan Crown, have now founded a non-profit organization, Donate Your Birthday, to encourage and teach others how to do the same. Listen to my interview with Cole and Joan at:

http://www.archive.org/details/RogerCarrEverydayGivingRadiointerviewwithColeHodges

Go to http://www.donateyourbirthday.org/ to learn more about Donate Your Birthday.

I had the privilege of interviewing Cindy Katz from Plant A Tree USA. She has created a "green" company that is truly working to make the world a better place. She has taken massive action on a big idea and is succeeding! You won't wonder why when you hear the passion in her voice. Listen to the interview at:

http://everydaygiving.typepad.com/radio/2006/06/interview_with_.html

Be sure to leave a comment regarding the interview. I would love to hear from you.