My thoughts on changing the world...

In the cultural environments that I come from, I've noticed this entrenched mindset about changing the world that really bothers me.

People abdicate personal responsibility. They hand off the power of change to mega institutions--whether churches or government or big corporations. And these big powers encourage it. They want your money so they can "do great good" with it on your behalf. It doesn't matter that 90% of it is consumed to keep the corporate machine running, and little actually reaches the world to make an impact.

Standards have been set that say you can only get personally involved if you meet a certain level of credentials. Your education has to be just so. You have to have the right certifications. If you don't have the right background or experience, these powers that be won't look at you twice as a viable contributor.

Other standards have been set that minimize the importance of any activities besides certain ones. In the church setting, it is either serving as an overseas missionary or as a pastor. In the government or business, it is attaining a certain rank or position type. The people who really want to make a difference in the world are expected to reach those coveted ranks or their contributions are diminished.

Well, I disagree with all of it! I believe every single person on the earth has unique value to offer. It doesn't matter what their education, career rank, social status, IQ, or any other worldly measurement may be. They each have special, innate skills, abilities, resources, or even personality to share with others. This is their gift to the world, and I guarantee if they simply take action to use their gift when they see a need, they will make a big difference. If you have a heartbeat and a conscience, you have what it takes to change the world!

I believe it is about personal responsibility, using what you already have, and taking action...right here, right now...to meet the needs you notice and that stir compassion within you. It's about those individual Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) joining together until they sweep across our planet in a wave of transformation.

Why I started ARK...

ARK Adventure began with a passionate belief that together, we really can change the world. But that isn't going to happen in a vacuum. And all natural skills and talents aside, there are other factors that greatly influence how successful someone is in making an impact. Things like money or other resources to see their project through or connections with the right people who can add to what they already bring to the table.

My vision for ARK is to provide all this in a community environment where people from around the world and all walks of life can find common ground in their desire to make a difference. A community where they will find new ideas, resources, training, guidance, support, and collaborations to make their own Act of Random Kindness a reality. And maybe even turn it into a new life adventure that satisfies their calling and purpose.