July 23, 2020

Inspiration Starts with You

Many of us are feeling a little lost lately, unsure where to turn to get away from the noise. It’s deafening. Our social media, once thought to be a mindless reprieve, can now be a source of paralyzing anxiety. We are at a point in our nation’s history where division may pose our greatest threat. It leaves us seeking inspiration, wondering, “Where do I turn?” and, “How do I make a difference?” We all want to be inspired to take action. But, with so much negativity, knowing where and how to start is almost as overwhelming as pulling up a Facebook feed.

This is something we’ve put a lot of thought into. Here’s where we’ve landed. You can’t change the world today. If it were that easy, it’d already be done. But, if we each start in our own communities, we’ll make a collective difference for tomorrow. We can give kids shoes, help rebuild family homes, and show compassion for those around us. We can show that communities united are stronger than those divided.

That’s kind of the idea behind where we started. While we’re bombarded with issue after issue, we often don’t hear the stories of those right down the street. People near you, need you. Trust us. They’re there, and you can change your corner of the world. You’ll see the difference. You’ll feel the impact. It will inspire you, uplift you, and bring you something transformational-meaning.

So, what’s your passion? Whatever it is, start harnessing it to make a difference. Go be the good you’re seeking. Be the one that transforms your community. And, instead of waiting for someone else to inspire you, go be the inspiration you’re seeking.

We’ll be here, cheering you on.

More good news

Part Four: Four Ways Technology Strengthens Human Connection

Gaming has been shown to build stronger connections. Now, we’re not giving you an excuse to lock yourself in a dark room for days on end, ignoring the world. But, the Pew Research Center found gaming an integral part of connectivity for teens, especially boys. For online teen gamers, 78% say gaming makes them feel more connected to friends they already have. That number represents 42% of teens between ages 13 and 17. Over half say they feel more connected to gamers who aren’t their offline friends. For 38% of boys who game, their handle is among the first three pieces of information they share with someone they’re hoping to befriend. That’s significant.

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Part Three: Four Ways Technology Strengthens Human Connection

Empathy is the root of human connectivity. It helps us overcome distrust and build a sense of understanding and connection with others. It creates a bond with those from whom we differ which is critical in a deeply-polarized world. In the real world, we tend to stick to what we know, among those that are most like us. But, online, we’re exposed to other points-of-views, ways of life and beliefs. This is a powerful tool…especially when it comes from friends and those we admire.

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Part Two: Four Ways Tech Strengthens Human Connection

As Katerina Fake explains it, the idea of creating Flickr came from a search to find others interested in her favorite author. Living in New Jersey, there weren’t many people interested in debating the works of Jorge Luis Borges. But, an online forum connected her to a community of Borges’ admirers in Europe, allowing her to feel like part of a community. From that feeling, Fake later went on to create several technologies to build online community. She wanted to share that feeling with others. Flickr is arguably the forefather of social media as we know it, and it sprang from the need to connect.

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