What Can I Do By Corey Yanzito

Jan 29, 2010 by Corey Yanzito

Corey Yanzito Head Shot 11.26.09 What Can I Do By Corey Yanzito I saw a status update on Facebook the other day that said something like this:

Shame on you America: the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment – yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations. 99% of people won’t have the guts to copy and repost this. It’s sad but true!

It got me thinking: it is sad. I wondered, when I saw this, what exactly the person who posted this was trying to convey? Were they saying that we ought not to have jumped in to the Haitian relief effort with both feet? Were they saying that our first priority out to be to our fellow countrymen? Were they saying, as I have heard suggested, that celebrities only hype the causes that are cool at that moment? Honestly, I’m not certain what the intention behind the post was, but it certainly got me thinking.

It is my personal opinion that all people deserve food, shelter, clean water, kind words, to know that there are people out there who care about their well-being. I can’t imagine that anyone would disagree that basic human rights are essential.

I am glad that people are excited about the Haitian relief effort. I hope that people continue to pour in their support as the Haitian people rebuild their shattered country. I have a broader hope as well. It is my hope that all people find a cause they believe in, a cause they can passionately support.

I’ve always admired my parents. When I was growing up they did their level best to ensure that my brother and I were raised knowing just how lucky we were. They hoped that we would recognize our blessings and share our gifts with those less fortunate. They took us to homeless shelters, battered women’s centers, soup kitchens, training centers for homeless runaways. They went on trips to build schools and bring supplies to Nicaraguan children. They served on boards, manned call centers, wrote letters, sent checks, and spoke to school children.

While their financial support was certainly appreciated, as the financial support of so many is certain to be appreciated by the earthquake victims in Haiti, it was their time and their dedication that made the real impact.

In these times of financial uncertainty, it is understandable that people might not be as liberal with their checkbook when it comes to a charitable donation. However, there are other ways to give. Most often, we are attracted to causes because they resonate with our own values. It makes me smile to think what we could do if we all decided to dedicate just one hour a week to giving of ourselves.

A graduate of Colorado State University, Corey Yanzito enjoys her work as site editor for Satiama and The Nu Life where she is always on the hunt for new, insightful articles. Prior to coming on board with the Satiama team, Corey worked in the accounting field. Now a full-time mom to her tiny tots, Corey enjoys reading, writing, photography, travel, and spending time with friends and family. Do you have a great story to tell? Please send Corey an e-mail at corey@satiama.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .