Sometimes I think people doubt their ability to make a difference.

This summer was an eye-opener for many as more people became aware of the injustices going on around them.  With that awareness birthed an activation to want to make a difference. After all, that is what The Love Alliance was created for.

One of the most exciting things to see at a festival is someone come up to the booth, unaware of the issues we represent, but leave with the desire to know and do more to counteract these injustices. We had the honor of talking with numerous people, some of whom didn’t even know what “social justice” was. Others who were more informed shared their hearts about certain issues and the ways they were contributing to make a difference in their community.

At Creation East in Pennsylvania, I got to talk to a man who was currently living in a homeless shelter. After a series of bad decisions and unfortunate events he finally found himself getting back on his feet. I watched him as he read our new “Remember the Homeless” information card, with such enthusiasm like someone looking for their name in a newspaper article. He couldn’t wait to bring the card, along with our other information cards back home to inform his friends about the issues The Love Alliance represents. It was humbling to see his excitement. Though he might not have much, he still has the ability to educate others and to make a difference.

This summer we had the privilege to hand out over 60,000 informational fliers like the ones that man took home. The fliers that have “Remember the (Poor, Homeless, Thirsty, Sick or Enslaved)” on the front also have statistics and a few ways to get involved with that particular issue on the back. It was neat to see what cards people picked up first. For each person an issue may speak louder than another. Though normally when one picked up their first card and skimmed the back, they wanted to read what the other cards had to say as well. We are also proud to announce over 10 new groups that have started since our Summer Tour. We now have over 50 groups in 4 different countries participating in our monthly action projects along with coming up with their own ways to get involved with their community. For more ways to get involved with The Love Alliance and the issues we represent visit our website: www.thelovealliance.net.

Something I’ve really taken home from this summer is the ability to make a difference. I opened this up with a bold statement, but a statement gained from people’s inaction. More and more I’m realizing there is a social justice trend in our generation. Most people think you need to send money to a foreign country or to purchase a shirt to make a difference (half the time not even knowing where your money is going). And though sending your money away and purchasing shirts aren’t a bad thing, there are numerous ways you can get involved in your own community to make a difference. Most of the monthly action projects we put in our newsletters a child, an elder and anyone in between can do. August’s action project was collecting school supplies for students who are unable to purchase the items their school requests they need. How is that making a difference? Ultimately you could help a student in your community stay in school and get the education they need, just by collecting simple school supplies for them.  You can make that simple difference in their lives. See, it’s not that hard. Find out how you can be an asset to your community by volunteering and doing your part to make a difference.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

With much hope and excitement for the new season to come,

Candice
www.thelovealliance.net