About a week ago, a friend of mine tweeted something that triggered a variety of thoughts and self-evaluation. She shared that she was at an event listening to the speaker who was promoting awareness and need to another country, but she couldn’t help but think about the need only a few blocks away.
The human race continues to rally triumphantly in the efforts to aid Haiti after a devastating earthquake. Last year, the Hawaii community organized fundraisers for the Phillipines after it too suffered an earthquake and after a tidal wave swept through American Samoa. These are all honorable and I’ve supported each of these causes, but I still can’t help but think about my Hawaii.
Almost a year ago, our entire household made a commitment to spend 10% of our grocery budget on locally grown and produced items. This simple commitment has expanded to a larger percentage of our budget and more importantly awareness of locally owned businesses. But, I am realizing that this may not be enough…for me. I want to make a bigger community to my Hawaii community, one that will give them priority, after all this is my home, these are my people, my immediate family.
Moving forward, I’d like to participate in organizing events for the local neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations. I’d like to infuse my energy into raising money for local charities and organizations that directly serve my Hawaii. With respect to public service, I am putting the needs of Hawaii…first.
Some people are called to serve globally, as for me, at this point in my life I am heeding the call of my heart, Hawaii.
Eo! Good for you Neenz. Keep it up.
So true. I think to some extent, we all get caught up in supporting global relief efforts and forget about the problems right across the street. i'll be sure to keep a lookout for any events that you're putting together! Thank you!
Thanks for the support!
Sara,
I'm not even sure where to begin, right now I'm listening…to my community, to my heart to know where to invest my time, finances, and efforts. Please let me know if you come across something too.
For now, my efforts are to get residents involved in Hawaii Elections 2010, but there so much more to be done.
Bravo, Neenz. Well said!
While we lived in Hawaii, I made a point of buying local. The fruits and vegetables couldn't be beat. I also bought from local bakeries and artisans. I think global support is great, but one's first priority should always be to his/her own community. Take care of what you love.
so true… my wife and i recently committed to buying more local foods here in Pennsylvania. although i'm all for globaliztion, i think one of its ill effects is that we're so easily connected with the rest of the world that we forget about the people in our neighborhood. good to see that you're committed to serving your community.