An Insider’s Perspective: Interview With a Family Adopting a Son from China

by Elisa | Oct 29, 2017 | Children-in-Need, Spiritual Discipleship, United States, Your Stories

Have you ever thought about adoption? Adoption is a common theme among people who want to make a difference. It is a tangible way to act, there is a significant need, and it can radically change a child's life (and their new family) for good. I believe adoption is...

What You Can Learn by Visiting The Trail of Tears

by Elisa | Oct 23, 2017 | Adventure, Art of Advocacy, Human Rights, Seeking Justice, United States

Like most Americans, I learned about the Trail of Tears sometime back in high school or college history. It probably earned a moment of grief, but was then forgotten. However, visiting one of the Trail of Tear's infamous historical sites really opened my eyes to...

Why We Should Really Rename Columbus Day Already

by Elisa | Oct 12, 2017 | Art of Advocacy, Create Awareness, Human Rights, Human Trafficking, Seeking Justice, Ways to Make a Difference

As an abolitionist seeking justice, it is my duty to request that we rename Columbus Day to something else. Personally, I prefer the name "Woot! America's Got the History Day!" for various reasons (which can be seen here). But really, what I care about is gloriously...

Swamp Wisdom: An Ecclesiastes on Human Rights

by Elisa | Oct 10, 2017 | Adventure, Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Human Rights, Seeking Justice, United States

Ever heard of ancient King Solomon? He was said to be the wisest of them all as he philosophized about time, riches, and the brevity of life. As I went on my last road trip around the United States, I felt like I compiled my own ecclesiastes on human rights--as a...

Five Ideas on How to Live Justly Regarding Land & Property Rights

by Elisa | Oct 10, 2017 | Human Rights, Ways to Make a Difference

This week I wrote a posted something I never really guessed I'd write about--property rights--in Swamp Wisdom: An Ecclesiastes on Human Rights. That post is mostly about why property rights matter in the first place, what they have to do with war and power, and...

Travel + Big World = Perspective

by Elisa | Sep 21, 2017 | Adventure, Create Awareness, United States

Are you one of those people who loves to go on trips and adventure? Although many world changers love to explore and discover the world, some prefer to cloistering in their normal stomping grounds. However, often even these homebodies will eventually still find...

Leadership Lessons on Living Justly From Art Classes for Kids

by Elisa | Sep 18, 2017 | Being World Changers

Once upon a time I taught a kids art class. That is, until I discovered I had a bad boss. Maybe she appeared nice to some, but for us under her leadership it didn't bode well. You see, she didn't use her authority to empower us to do our jobs well, but she misused us...

Summertime Christmas: How Training Kids to Do Good All Year Makes Them Thrive

by Elisa | Sep 3, 2017 | Being World Changers, Children-in-Need, Family & Relationships, Good Charities, Ways to Make a Difference

If you have kids—and if you are reading this you probably do—empowering them to not just survive but to thrive is probably your goal. And for our kids to thrive as global citizens they must learn compassion, empathy and generosity. This is why most parents work the...

Ten Semi-Unconventional Steps To Find Yourself Anywhere

by Elisa | Jul 23, 2017 | Being World Changers, Fully Alive, Identity, Life Purpose, Personal Growth, Stuff of the Heart

A few weeks back I shared a little bit of my story in How to Find Yourself in Europe (or Anywhere). You see, I went to Europe to try to discover my best life purpose (another term I use for this is my calling). Although a grew a lot in character, I didn't really find...

Adventure

Swamp Wisdom: An Ecclesiastes on Human Rights

Ever heard of ancient King Solomon? He was said to be the wisest of them all as he philosophized...

Busy Moms, Community, Family & Relationships, Raising Kids

Storm Chaser; Change Chaser: On Saying Goodbye

How Can Anyone Say Goodbye? I’m starting to feel all panicky that I am leaving all my...

Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Mental Health, Recovery, Safe Spaces

Understanding Terms for Poor Nations vs. Rich Nations

Terms of Poverty Whether in public political addresses or in pleas from non-profits, we have all heard some of these terms thrown around at some point or another. But just because we can infer their general meaning, I...

Ethical Fashion, Fair Trade Products, Giving Back, Socially Conscious Brands

Everyday People Doing Something About Human Trafficking And Refugees

Can an everyday person make a difference for refugees? Yep. They can! Just as I’ve seen it...

Children-in-Need, Clean Water, Conflicts, Wars, Genocides and Atrocities, Global Health, Good Charities, Helping that Doesn't Hurt, Human Rights, Poverty, Refugees and Immigration, Seeking Justice, United States

How To Not Be a Bad Advocate for Social Change

Occasionally, the best way to learn how to do something well is by learning what not to do. I empower people to be good advocates for social change, but these days I am seeing a lot of bad activism. Here are things not to say if you want your advocacy and activism to be better-received.