This is the first of a series of posts featuring ISWU members from around the globe sharing what they are doing in their communities to make a difference.

We would like to introduce you to Arriba las Manos and its founders, sisters Aurora and Luz. Aurora and Luz were born in Brazil and grew up aware of the troubles that some children face. Their passion for changing another person’s life led to their own lives being changed in the process while starting Arriba las Manos, which “works to reduce poverty and promote essential values in Cartagena, Columbia”.

1. Can you briefly tell us what Arriba las Manos is about?

Arriba las Manos is brand new grassroots organization in Cartagena, Colombia. The whole reason Arriba las Manos exists is to connect underprivileged children in Colombia with opportunities that can change their lives. So far we’ve launched a pilot character development program for kids and a hygiene education campaign. And there are exciting things on the way—like a multimedia library in a remote island village and English courses to help teenagers access better jobs in Cartagena.

2. There is so much need in this world, what made you and your sister decide that this is what you were going to do?

Quite frankly we fell in with Colombia. The love affair wasn’t overly premeditated. But then we did our research. We found out there was a need for programs tailor-made for the people living in these little villages across the coast of Colombia. And that’s what we’re starting with.

3. How have your lives changed since beginning this journey?

I think probably two things have surprised us most since we embarked on this enterprise. First, we’ve been taken aback by the wonderful people we’ve come across that are absolutely ready to roll up their sleeves and get busy with us. There’s this small army of people giving their time and their talents, totally for free, to make things better for Colombian children. All we’ve done is the slightest bit of catalyzing. Ever since we’ve started saying “This is what we’re doing,” it seems like people have come out from under rocks to help out. We’re really inspired by this disposition.

The next thing we discovered is how much we have left to learn. Community development is serious business. We want to make sure that we’re sensitive to the children and communities we’re working with. Our progress so far has been encouraging, but it’s also served to highlight where we need to improve. So this whole undertaking has definitely reminded us of the need to maintain humility in all our efforts.

4. “If you can move a grain of sand a day, eventually you will move a mountain.” George Sotiropoulus. I love this quote that you have on your website. What do you hope that people will take away after reading that quote?

I think maybe that quote is there to tell people that you have to start somewhere. Don’t wait till everything is sorted. If you want to get something done, you have to get out there. Get going, get learning. Every worthwhile enterprise—big or small—started with little grains of sand being added day by day.

5. What is your ultimate goal and what can others (we) do to help?

We want Colombian children to have opportunity to pursue the things they value. That’s the bottom line. We want to see these kids growing up nurtured and safe from harm. We’re a brand new organization, so obviously one of our challenges right now is to get the funding for all the exciting programs we’re dreaming up.

How can you help?

Help us build a movement. Right now we’re working on building a net of support for our efforts down here in Colombia. Join us! Talk about us on Facebook and Twitter. Know someone that could help in big way? Tell them about us! We want to see you and hear from you.

Get creative. On our website you can find ideas of how you can help. But better yet—get creative. What industry are you in? What do you know? Someone in Sao Paulo is selling a painting to raise funds for us. Nate is setting us up with an ISWU platform. A filmmaker in New Zealand is making a short to get the word out. How can you use your talents and your position to make a difference?

Big and tiny. Right now, $25 dollars is a godsend to us. Contributions like that help us increase the quality of our programs and prepare them for deployment in communities across Colombia. So no matter what sum you think you can contribute, don’t think for a minute that it’s not worth the trouble. Add that grain of sand! Believe me we will jump up and down for joy.

Thank you so much, Aurora and Luz, for sharing your organization with us. To find out more about Arriba las Manos, visit their website: http://www.arribalasmanos.org
You may also visit them on facebook and follow them on twitter.

This post was written by Jamie – Check out her Video Bio to learn more: 

 About Jamie

I’ve been serving as the new writing manager around here for about a month now but I haven’t written any in- depth blog posts just yet.  I’ve been thinking about possible topics I could write about. 

However, as Nate mentioned when I first started, part of my job would be to contribute my own voice to the blog. Focusing my energy on getting the writing team together behind the scenes has been a convenient excuse to put off writing a blog post for as long as possible. Besides, I like giving others a chance to write (my other great excuse…). Besides, I haven’t really felt like doing it either (excuse #3).

You see, it’s safer that way. I can still make a difference without the notoriety that comes with putting my own thoughts and opinions on the frontline. So, I’ve been putting off sharing all of myself with the world.

I’ve been doing a little here and there, but most of my efforts have still gone into thinking about the things I really want to do with my life. One of which includes expressing my feelings about the current state of humanity through writing.

Over the holiday weekend, I learned an important lesson about procrastination in one of the most painful ways with the sudden loss of a friend.

Joel Rodriguez was a new friend of mine for the past couple of months. He was also a beloved Kung Fu teacher for decades in the Atlanta area. We hung out about every other week or so and talked about our shared love of books, music, health and entrepreneurship. Joel was a cool guy with positive energy and a wealth of knowledge. I was interested in eventually becoming one of his students. I didn’t mention it much, because it was just something I was just thinking about at the time. I told myself  that I wasn’t ready due to a number of reasons that included feeling like I didn’t have the money nor time to really commit and do it right.

But, I knew it was something I really wanted to do.

After getting back from thanksgiving holiday, I was again thinking about ways to get back in shape and develop a higher level of concentration. I finally chose to take action and called Joel on his cell phone on Saturday evening to discuss how soon I could start training. I left him a voicemail message to call me back. I still didn’t have the money or time, but I wanted to figure it out as I went along.

Later that day, a few minutes before midnight, I learned that Joel had suddenly died. According to the FaceBook status he posted, he wasn’t feeling too well on Wednesday and it would be the first time in 11 years he missed teaching a class. Sometime between Thursday and Friday, Joel passed away and was found at home Saturday morning.

Joel’s unexpected death taught me that putting things off for tomorrow may be too late. I missed an opportunity to spend more time with my friend while learning from one of the best in the business.

Yes, life and death happens. But perhaps in this instance and others, many of us stay too long in the land of thinking rather than doing. Indecisiveness can be a mask for subconscious fear at times. We think we all the pieces have to fall into place rather than to begin where we are with creating possibilities.

Putting things off, such as sharing my voice through writing has been a disservice to myself and others.

There is never a single perfect moment to take action. Every moment is perfect. Now is the perfect opportunity to bring our best selves everywhere we go and share all the gifts we are given as we’re developing them. Taking action is essential to moving beyond our comfort zone in order to show gratitude to others, voice our concerns about the status quo and ask for what our heart truly desires.

It’s essential for changing the world.

I joined ISWU because of a desire to replace my own wanting, wishing and hoping with action. I will keep taking more action rather than just thinking.

My action today is writing my first of many public posts for this site and others.

What’s yours?

Today, in the United States  we’re celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday over the next few days.  Many of us do so with the help of a huge turkey along with a good crowd of family and friends.   It’s  a perfect occasion to reflect and express our gratitude.  Therefore,  I’m sharing a holiday poem dedicated to everyone

 I’m Thankful for You

By Joanna Fuchs

Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I’m thankful for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!

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