The Hummingbird Challenge: What Can I Do?

 

As the lights came up in the convention hall, the audience rose to give the speaker a standing ovation. I enthusiastically joined in. This speaker, like so many others I had seen, was highly accomplished, articulate and globally admired. I was inspired by their passion for our planet and for humanity itself.

 

I have attended many of these conferences and conventions, and come away from each one asking the same question: well… what can I do? How can I possibly make a difference in my own little corner of the world?

 

 

It Starts With A Hummingbird

 

One of the events I recently attended featured the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Wangari Maathai. Her Green Belt Movement, started in Kenya, has provided the planet with more trees and subsequently, jobs to thousands of women. She started this effort in a very small way, and it has grown into a huge movement in Africa to return sustenance to the land, provide the earth with more oxygen, and help women provide for their families. At the end of her speech, she was asked the very question that I am pondering: “well, what can I do?” She proceeded to tell the “hummingbird story.” ( click here to hear her tell this inspiring story.) 

 

To paraphrase: when a large fire threatens the forest, and home to so many animals, a hummingbird does the best she can to combat the flames by ferrying water droplets from the river. The other animals of the forest think that the hummingbird is crazy to try to take on such a huge endeavor. The hummingbird, however, does not give up. I would like to continue the story where she leaves off, however. The hummingbird not only does the best that she can, but her actions motivate the other animals in the forest to join her. Together, they are able to put out the fire. This story portrays not only the power of one small initiative, but also, the value of collaboration.

 

I would like to find those “hummingbirds”.

 

What’s Your Story?

 

Humans connect with each other through sharing stories. Maybe you you have a story about helping the environment? Or is your passion social justice? Or is it sharing your spiritual journey with those around you?

 

If you have any experiences which are special to you in any of these areas, we would love to hear them!

 

An Invitation To The Challenge

 

Your challenge is to be like a hummingbird in your community.

 

Our challenge is to find the most inspiring stories and compile them together in a book. Every time we hear about an effort, however small, to make the world a better place, it empowers us to start feeling that our actions, thoughts and deeds do matter in the grand scheme of things.

 

Our belief is that if everyone met the Hummingbird Challenge, it would make a huge difference in the world. We could feel that we are indeed all one human race and that we are connected in many ways. We need your stories .

 

Do You Accept This Challenge

 

You can click on any of the sections that speak the most to you: environmental, spiritual or social justice, and tell us your story.  The instructions on how to submit a story, along with all the details, are outlined in our submission guidelines.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Ingrid Sarrat

September, 2008