Customer Reviews

Make a Difference: Your Guide to Volunteering and Community Service

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I find it interesting that the above reviewer gave this book 1 star for not being more even-handed, saying it's too left wing, then went on to write a review that is so blatanly biased and right wing! As a Republican I'm disgusted that this person has such narrow tunnel vision and a laughably bad radar for hypocrisy. The book supports good causes, and not just the ones used as soapboxes by either political party. If you're looking to do something more with your life then you'll find it useful and enjoyable.

I find myself giving lip service to my desire for community involvement and feeling genuinely grateful for our environment and freedoms--yet not putting my thoughts into action. With MAKE A DIFFERENCE, I can finally begin to search for ways to contribute. It provides contact information and an overview of many organizations, whether they are year-long commitments or just several hours a month. I appreciate the resources it provides--the list of important and wonderful novels and the information resources. The author's impassioned plea to us to be responsible citizens is heartfelt and inspiring. It reminds us that those who give are the true receivers...of the gift of meaningful experience.

This is the perfect book for people who want to do something to promote human and community values based on feelings other than greed, self-interest, or the affirmation of ethnic identity. There's a lot to do...every good thing in the world that individuals cannot do for themselves and that does not have a profit attached to it!...and Arthur Blaustein has as clear a notion of what these tasks are as anyone going. Both in government and in teaching, he's had a hand in showing what can be done... and the gratification and human connection that can come from this kind of action. Without it, our society struggles to find its soul and preserve its democratic feeling. But these possibilities are no secret. Where, in fact, would the world be without them?...or without Arthur and people like him who patiently and steadfastly draw them to our attention?

Politically Leftward Slanted Book
This book aims not to influence America's youth into making good personal decisions about where to volunteer their valuable time but instead attempts to pound in the values of America's left wing. Sure, Mr. Blaustien makes refenence to indisputably good doing orgainzations like the American Red Cross and 4-H but he also shows a blatant political bias in his sections on 'Gay and lesbian rights' and 'women's rights.' He must not even be able to contemplate the thought that some people differ with his views on these issues. A book with such an honorable title 'Making a difference' is tainted by Mr. Blaustien's listing of orgainzations such as 'Choice USA,' 'National abortion rights action league,' and 'National network of abortion funds.' What if I, or and of my many peers doesn't think these orgainzations are noble? Why does Mr. Blaustien ultimately turn so political? And if he truly believes his position of abortion (for choice) is superior, why doesn't he tell us about organizations on both sides of the issue and let America's youth decide based on studying the issues? Likewise he is similarly politically slanted on the issue of 'gay and lesbian rights.' Why must he push his beliefs on others instead of providing readers with a listing of organizations that represent different points of view?? This book is not a comprehensive guide to volunteering, it is a political statement, period.