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
