"You're never too young, you're never too old. The book is a great road map and blue print on how to get started if you really want to do something."
—Al Roker, The Today Show
"A great book filled with great ideas! . . . The stories that follow remind us of the small ways that we can realize our power and the responsibility that each of us bears for all our actions, small and large . . . Read on to be challenged by some new things that you have (haven't?) thought of doing, and be reminded of some things that you know you should do. Rediscover the power you hold each day to change the world and change yourself. There's no reason to wait."
—Positive Parenting
"It's a gift that can be given for the holidays or as a jump-start to a New Year's resolution. . . . Michelle Nunn has gathered the real-life stories of everyday citizens, celebrities and high-profile leaders who find meaning or have transformed their lives through volunteering."
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"THIS IS A BOOK THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Read the stories of people who reached out to help somebody else and discovered they were their own ultimate beneficiary. It's almost magic, and It could happen to everyone. Go!"
—Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, PBS NewsHour
"Civic involvement is an enriching joy, as the people in this book make clear. It's also what makes America so great. Be the Change! provides practical advice and awesome tales that could change your life. This is a wonderful and inspiring book."
—Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, and Einstein: His Life and Universe
"[A] unique publication . . . a great inspiration for all to own a part in making our world a better place. . . .What better way to celebrate the holiday season than to give a gift of inspiration."
—America's Promise — The Alliance for Youth
"Civic-minded teens wanting to volunteer need look no further than this book for details on how to get involved. Chock full of examples of service projects and ideas on how to start one . . . this book is an in depth look at the benefits of volunteer work . . . Those who work with teens could use passages from this book to spark discussions about the value of service."
—VOYA-Voice of Youth Advocates
". . . a useful reminder that in a free society, the highest office is that of private citizen."
—WBRZ TV, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
"This small book is packed with brief, lively and heartfelt testimonials, to-the-point statistics, Web sites and lists, all designed to nudge you to take the first step on what Nunn calls a journey of service."
—The Oregonian
"[S]tories, practical advice and inspirational snippets from people who have been able to glean something for themselves by providing service to others."
—Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Be The Change! is a unique collaboration between Hands On Network, a growing international movement involving more than a half million volunteers, and Hundreds of Heads Books. A portion of all proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support Hands On Network's activities in civic engagement.
From the Author
"For more than 15 years I have worked with individuals--friends and neighbors--who are trying to make a difference in their communities. I have seen firsthand that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary accomplishments," writes editor Michelle Nunn. "This book is intended to showcase the wisdom, stories, and advice of citizens who are discovering their power to make a difference--and to help us all discover that we too have the power to change the world, and to change ourselves in the process."
From the Inside Flap
Through the stories and advice of hundreds of business and government leaders, celebrities, and average citizens, Be The Change! explores each person's capacity to change the world. Intertwining practical tips on service and volunteerism with real-life stories of personal transformation, Be The Change! reveals how involvement in service can not only change the world, but also change an individual's life.
Editor Michelle Nunn, CEO and cofounder of Hands On Network, offers reflections to create a narrative of hope. The book provides practical advice, inspiration, and humor. Through these stories, readers can begin to take their own journey of service and discovery.
Hands On Network is a growing movement of engaged ciitzens who are making a tangible difference in communities across the country and the world. Hands On Network engages hundreds of thousands of volunteers through more than sixty national and international affiliates. The Network creates and manages nearly 50,000 projects a year, from building wheelchair ramps in San Francisco and teaching reading in Atlanta to rebuilding homes and lives in the Gulf Coast communities.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to support Hands On Network's activities.
From the Back Cover
"This is a book that could change your life. Read the stories of people who reached out to help somebody else and discovered they were their own ultimate beneficiary. It's almost magic and it could happen to everyone. Go!"
---Jim Lehrer
Executive Editor and Anchor, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer "An inspiring look at the profound power of the individual to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Be The Change! Is more than an eloquent tribute to volunteer service--it increases awareness of our shared humanity."
---Roxanne Spillett, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America "Civic involvement is an enriching joy, as the people in this book make clear. It's also what makes America so great. Be The Change! provides practical advice and awesome tales that could change your life. This is a wonderful and inspiring book.
---Walter Isaacson, CEO, Aspen Institute With stories from national leaders and ordinary citizens, including: Cokie Robers Deepak Chopra Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Senator Bill Frist Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Bob Nardelli Senator Elizabeth Dole Congressman John Lewis Any many other everyday heroes.
About the Author
Michelle Nunn, Co-Founder and CEO of the Hands On Network, is the editor of BE THE CHANGE.
Michelle graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Virginia in 1989 with a major in history and a minor in religion. She has studied at Oxford University and in India.
Michelle was a Kellogg National Fellow through which she explored the connection of spirituality, social action and leadership in countries ranging from Israel to Namibia. She completed her Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Michelle has been part of the Hands On Network movement through her fourteen-year leadership of Hands On Atlanta from a grassroots startup in 1989 to one of the nation's largest community-based volunteer organizations. Michelle was appointed and currently sits on the President's Council on Service and Civic Engagement.
Hands On Network, a growing network of more than one million volunteers, creates and manages nearly 50,000 projects a year, from building wheelchair ramps in San Francisco to teaching reading in Atlanta, to rebuilding homes and lives in the Gulf coast communities.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
When my son was born “I got it”; I had to leave the world in a better place for him and his friends. I could no longer walk this earth without actively engaging in the process of change. While I had done service in the past, my motivation has changed. I do it even if it’s inconvenient or if I’m tired. It’s the price for having brought another life into this world; an obligation.
— Nikki Monacelli, Chattaroy, Washington
I knew a person who was experiencing homelessness at the time that she was participating as a volunteer in one of our programs! One day she came in and sat down to tell me about her situation – I was overwhelmed that she was giving so much time to us despite what she was going through economically. She has found stable housing now and is doing well. But you always have to wonder if “I don’t have time” is really a valid reason.
— Julie Burke, Bay Area, California
Even though I am one person, I can help hundreds. That motivates me.
— Olivia Hewson, Dover, New Hampshire
When I look at nature I can’t help but feel that I have the responsibility to protect it from danger. I think what a horrific tragedy it would be to lose all of this. I cannot look in my son’s eyes and tell him that I gave up on giving him a world of peace and harmony. I owe it to him. I brought him into this world. I need to be the change I want to see . . . for him.
— Toni Nesbitt, Oakwood, Texas
