Be the change: Everyday Potential in Everyday People, by Meenal Vamburkar

Holding the door open for someone behind you. Writing a secret on a postcard and mailing it to a stranger. Helping someone with luggage at an airport. These are just a few examples of small acts that occur in every part of the world, every single day. Though the acts may be as varied as the people they involve, each of them exemplifies a common theme: the inherent connection with and compassion for another human being.

I am not venturing to say holding open a door means a person necessarily has a big heart and charitable will. But it does show that someone cares. Even if it is in the smallest, most trivial way. It connects us.

These small instances of compassion are what keep me optimistic. They convince me that we have the capability to create the social change the world needs. You may ask why I draw such a big conclusion from such a simple premise. Simply put: we care. About ourselves, but also about each other. We want to help each other because we generally don’t like to see suffering and pain. After all, sympathy (and empathy) is part of what makes us human, right?

Despite this, we have myriad problems and issues that are not even close to being solved. I think there is one main obstacle that stands in our way. Ignorance. Since I knew what the word meant, I’ve been bothered by it. To think that a large number of people don’t act because they are ignorant about the issues facing millions across the globe is not only sad, but also frustrating.

This is why I really believe increasing awareness is a major part of social change. People are uninformed—they just don’t know the reality and scope of our problems. Phrases like “AIDS in Africa” and “poverty in Southeast Asia” are thrown around every day, but how many people really stop to think about the enormity of those problems?

Spreading information and putting it in relative terms is important. Concrete statistics are great, but putting it in perspective—relative to familiar aspects of our lifestyle here—makes information so much more comprehensible. Only then does the point really hit home, really change the way a person thinks.

As a journalism major, it’s no surprise I make a conscious effort to keep up with current events. But that is not the case for a large portion of the population. Still, I remain optimistic because I see potential every single day.

The Changemaker

Meenal Vamburkar is studying journalism and international relations. Always curious, she is passionate about travel. She loves poetry, meeting new people, Turner Classic Movies and spontaneity. Her favorite ice cream is Cookies ‘n Cream. She aspires to combine her passions and one day be a voice for those whose struggles are often neglected.

Connect with her at her blog, News, Notes & Bylines, or on Twitter @meenalvamburkar!

Leslie_Forman

Yes, I agree. I think this is why stories and photographs are so crucial. Big numbers can be overwhelming and they kind of run together after seeing so many.

Have you read the book Made to Stick, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath? It emphasizes that concrete, emotional stories stick in people's heads so much better than broad statistics. Actually as I write this I am waiting to discuss this book with a Chinese patent attorney that I tutor in English here in Beijing. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for making me think
http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Yeah, Meenal I completely agree with you. Awareness is absolutely crucial and I think Leslie here makes a good point about how important it is to make sure you tell the stories rather than just list the facts – it makes far off crises and problems so much more relatable when you put a human face on this. Informing people in this way is much more effective and compelling in terms of getting them to take action.

However, what I personally struggle with, and the reason I decided not to continue journalism was precisely because of this reason — I felt like by raising awareness, we're sort of spreading out a wide net…hoping to catch some people, hoping some are interested and become passionate. But we don't have control over it. That's why I'm more passionate about direct action – whether it is through working with an NGO or doing advocacy/policymaking work, I think ultimately that might actually make more of an impact.

What do you think?
Meenal

Thanks for your feedback Leslie. I agree that stories and photos can be so powerful. I haven't read that book, but I'll look into it–I'm always open to book recommendations. =)
Meenal

You definitely make a good point. Journalism does just kind of throw the information out there, and you hope it reaches the right people.. which does make direct action seem more appealing (and less frustrating). But at the same time, I think good journalism can reach people who otherwise are unaware or just don't care. Reaching out to people who are already interested is certainly important–but I think there's also something to be said for trying to incite fresh interest as well.
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