How to Impact an Unacceptable Global Challenge
The Oxford University Press added some slang to its Online Dictionary last week. Apparently we are better off now that we recognize words like wine o’clock (an appropriate time of day to drink wine), butthurt (overly or unjustifiably offended or resentful), and awesomesauce (something that is extremely good or excellent).
As I looked through the list I found a new favorite word … hangry. Oxford defines it as being irritable as a result of hunger. I’m sure we’ve all been there. My wife has accused me of getting grumpy when I’m hungry. She’s right … I do get get a little grumpy, but once I get something to eat I return to my normal, cheerful self!
I consider myself extraordinarily blessed to have the ability to get past my “hangriness” by knowing where I will find my next meal. Unlike many people in the United States, I have never been hungry and wondered where I would find my next meal. I am blessed and I know it. Unfortunately, many Americans struggle with not having enough food to feed themselves and their families. Sure, we see some of them openly seeking food. But according to Feeding America, a hunger-relief charity in the US, one in six Americans does not have access to enough food, including children and seniors. These people are in your community, part of the 49 million in our society who struggle silently.
As a leadership development consultant, the focus of my writing is on personal and professional leadership. However, the thought of someone going hungry is unacceptable to me, so my focus today is shining a light on this challenge that impacts so many people. September is Hunger Action Month. Notice this month is not Hunger Awareness Month. This effort is not about making people aware. This effort is about encouraging action. So, if you’ve eaten today, and have the ability to ensure you will eat tomorrow, then do a little something for Hunger Action Month. Here are a couple things you can do:
If you’re on Facebook, look up Feeding America and “like” their page. I suppose the step before action is awareness, and others may be led to action by seeing your support of Feeding America.
Go to www.feedingamerica.org and check out the facts about hunger. Then, post one of the facts on your Facebook wall or Twitter feed.
While you’re at www.feedingamerica.org, enter your zip code to find your local food bank. Or, do a search for your local food pantry if you’re in a small community. Before the month is up, make a donation of your time, talent, or treasure to support your local community.
Hunger is not limited to the United States — it exists around the world. If you live outside the United States, join me in encouraging action to feed the hungry in your country. Some people think it is up the government to feed the hungry in our nations. If we take care of each other the way God intended us to take care of each other (particularly children who cannot take care of themselves), we wouldn’t need government to fix problems like hunger. Here’s your chance to become actively involved in the fight against hunger. You may not be able to feed every hungry person, but you can certainly start with one. I challenge you to join me on this journey.
Clint Swindall
© 2015 Clint Swindall — Clint is the president & CEO of Verbalocity, Inc., a personal development company with a focus on leadership enhancement. For information about how he can enhance employee engagement in your organization, please visit www.verbalocity.com, or contact him directly clint@verbalocity.com.
