Creating Social Change

The idea of community development and working to solve social issues has always intrigued me. I think I have read over 100 articles about what the best way to go about social change is. All of the conclusions seem to contribute a piece of the puzzle; yet, much of what they say is contradictory. For example, some tout the benefits of collective impact and coming at issues from a large group effort, some support policy change and a top down approach, whereas others come at the issue from a grassroots bottom up approach. Even in my work abroad, I have experienced the differences – working with huge organizations like Convoy of Hope to working with grassroots orphanages, food pantries, etc. I think the big organizations do a great job at raking in large scale donations and can have farther reaching impacts. But at the same time, grassroots organizations have the advantage of really investing in a single community and possibly knowing their particular needs better. I question, Is it possible to develop a perfect style of aid organization?

Another issue you encounter is the organization that intends to bring about change, but for various reasons their efforts result in greater problems. For example, many debate the effectiveness of Tom’s shoes – yes, thousands of kids now have new shoes, but also, the local shoe makers/stores may now be out of business. I’ve heard example after example of situations such as this. Or what about the idea of learned dependence, which I found to be an issue in Haiti with the hundreds of non-profits operating there. I question, Is it possible to create a perfect organization that only results in positive impacts?

Another problem I encounter is the idea of personal ideologies and even figuring out what exactly mine are or to what lengths to go to carry them out. I found the article “What food says about class in America” intriguing – it talks about all the different food ideologies that people have (health nuts, food snobs, locavores, etc.) and the extents people go to support them. Recently my mom and I were discussing our own food ideologies and trying to determine how “strict” we should be in them (should we never eat meat, only buy local/organic…). How do we balance our values with the reality of food costs, accessibility, etc. I question, Is it possible to have a perfect food ideology?

In reflecting on these questions, I have come to the conclusion that in the end, maybe there is not one perfect style of a non-profit, one perfect way to go about aid, nor one perfect food ideology. Maybe if we all just do SOMETHING that is positive, focused at the betterment of society, and done out of love, we will see change in the world. While we live in an imperfect world and it may not be realistic to expect to eradicate world hunger, I do think we can make an impact on the people around us in our community.

I think one key to change is education and AWARENESS. I like what Pollan says in that article mentioned above: “The goal is not to be absolutist in one’s food ideology – I argue for being conscious, but perfectionism is an enemy of progress.” Just as it may not be realistic to expect to completely eradicate world hunger, it may be unrealistic to carry out a perfect food ideology; however, that does not mean we can’t do SOMETHING. Hopefully we can use our awareness of various social issues to support various causes to the best of our ability.

One thing I’ve loved about my experience with Operation Food Search this past week is the community feel to the organization. I like the idea of being connected to your community members and everyone using their gifts, talents, and resources in service of others. If you have two loaves of bread, give one to your neighbor, and maybe they can return the favor in what manner they can.

Cooking Matters Class with OFS

The Tapestry of Life

When I reflect on all who have come before me and all who will come, when I see the starts and our immense universe, when I drink in the fresh air and the sound of the rushing water, when I feel the sun kissing my skin, I know without a doubt that there is much more in this world than meets the eye. We are just one piece of a giant puzzle of life, just one thread of a beautiful tapestry, as were our ancestors, as will be the generations to come. Let us play our role in the puzzle, let us add our color to the tapestry, for without it, the universe would not be complete. Lord, let me play my part in the manner that you want, because you are the artist, and I am your thread. Your view is more beautiful than anyone of this world could imagine.

Cuando reflexiono de todos que han vividos antes de mi y todos que vienen, cuando veo las estrellas y nuestro universo inmenso, cuando tomo el aire fresco, el sonido de las fallas, cuando siento el sol besando mi piel, yo sé sin duda que hay mucho más en este mundo que solo una pieza de rompecabezas de vida – como también fueron nuestros antepasados y como serán los generaciones que vienen. Entonces, permítenos jugar nuestro parte en el rompecabezas, el tapiz bonito. Dios, permíteme hacerlo en la manera que TU quieres, porque tú eres el artista, y yo soy tu hilo. Tu vista es más bonito que todos en este mundo podían imaginar.