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My Challenge to You
 

Guest blog by Sophie Goulter, a GPP ambassador from New Zealand.

A wise lady once told me I don’t have the power to change the world. She followed this by stating that, actually, I have the power to change many people’s worlds. While this woman may have been trying to protect her younger sister from the frustration and challenges which accompany jobs in the aid and development sector, I believe she was incorrect. Perhaps she was not wrong in declaring that one girl from a small town in New Zealand couldn’t right all of the injustices in the world. However, by suggesting that I may change many lives for the better offers evidence that I am changing the world, but only if everyone participates. For all it takes is everyone to change one person’s world.

Confirmation that change is taking place is everywhere, just look at the young adults standing up in New Zealand. Organisations such as P3, Generation Zero, United Nations Youth, Regeneration and our very own Global Poverty Project are making waves in the national community. We are the generation to increase awareness and education on issues which may not be at the forefront of every Kiwi’s mind. The fact that Wellington may now proudly declare itself to be a Fairtrade City is result of the actions of our like-minded peers. Furthermore, food for motivating thought, if this atmosphere of change is bubbling in this little capital, what is taking place out in the rest of the world at the international level?

A central theme of the Global Poverty Project philosophy is to advocate that initiating change is accessible. For those on a lowly student budget who can’t donate significant amounts of money this fact is rather reassuring. This last month I challenged myself to create a way to instigate conversation concerning the eradication of poverty on a daily basis. And what was the result you query?

A simple, recycled, up-loved, organic cotton tote. Emblazoned on this bag is a small but significant number, 1.4. By utilising this means of subtle guerrillmarketing I effectively provoke the curiosity of those I encounter who wish to know the meaning behind 1.4. On a day-to-day basis, I estimate to be in contact with one hundred people at the minimum. A day at university would likely increase this quantity to a few hundred. Therefore, this bag holds great potential for initiating informative conversation in everyday life, all with relative ease. Perhaps even more importantly, my bag serves a firm reminder of how fortunate I am and how I am morally bound to enact the change I wish to see

My challenge to you? Find your unique way to create change.
 
Posted by Sophie Goulter in What Can I Do?, Poverty for column Action Stories on Jul 17th 2012, 12:50
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