Sunday, January 9, 2005

Helping the world? What about those in your own backyard?

I received a lot of good comments regarding my dream of  joining the Peace Corps but I also got some e-mails that in summation want me to rethink my dream of venturing overseas to help out  because a number of  Americans needed as much help as those in third world countries.

There is a lot of truth in that. Some Americans in inner cities are as poor and hopeless as the people of the third world. I am aware of  it  because I've been there and I met a lot these people.

I was helping the poor, cold, and downtrodden people of North America for a number of  years. I was once a social worker, a case manager, a child welfare investigator, and a mental health counselor. That is all I wanted to do when I got out of college. I made it my mission to give back the blessings I received by serving people. I enjoyed my social services jobs but I needed to venture out of the system and explore other career possibilities. I am still helping in every little way I can though I am no longer a public servant.  

The difference between living in the United States and a third world country is that the US has the welfare/social services system to help its residents. There are a lot of national, state, and local agencies: private and public, which owe their existence to serving people's needs. Most third world countries do not have social services system. They rely on international organizations such as the Peace Corps, Red Cross, and United Nations to help them out. Most international organizations provide tangibles such as food, clothing, and money but the Peace Corps provides intangibles such as expertise, education, opportunities, and skills/vocational training. I like to think of their paradigm as   "not giving fish but teaching one to fish."

Joining the Peace Corps will be my reward. It is something I can do when I retire from work. Something I will enjoy tremendously because I love helping empower people through education and awareness.

In conclusion, I can notplease everybody so I might as well do what I want!

 

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do agree we have alot of need still here. There is one lady I know of who lives off less than $300 a month her ex evades childsupport and they told her thought she has a double mastectomy and cancer in her her ovaries since she has not had it in two years she must go back to work. Her body is ravaged with the effects and she can not continue to work she still has no energy. She it taking meds. So its so sad. though we do have help so many still slip thru the cracks. I also say that over seas one thing that breaks my heart. (being we have tried to have a child for a long time now) is that so many children are buried alive becuase they are not male or they are too many they ar given away. So many parents just cant afford them. they put them in homes where they get little or no love due to over crowding WHY does it cost $12,000 very rock bottome dollar for me to adopt a child when the plain ticket and a lawyers fee for adoption is less than $2000. WHy cant red cross bring them over and give them to peole like me. Hey I would take two or three or four or five if they would bring them to me. But I cant afford $12,000 for a child and all the personal government busybody noseyness that comes from that. OH how I wish SOMEONE WOuld drop a baby on my doorstep I would raise it as my own and never be happier. Lori

Anonymous said...

OH by the way all my ranting does nto mean I dont think your doing something awesome too. :>} But I know you for one probably understand what I mean about the WORLDS neglected children. Lori

Anonymous said...

I agree.  You have probably spent your life doing what others needed you to do and you should be able to have this choice be yours alone!

Anonymous said...

Your last sentence says it all. Chances are, and this may sound harsh, the very people who may have given you pause about your choice, have probably never done the things you already have. No perspective, yet opinionated........Of course I could be wrong, and if so, I will formally apologize. Nonetheless, your desire to do these beautiful things is remarkable, fascinating and admirable. Mission for human need, no matter what country, shows your a giving person, and I think thats wonderful...........
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

I think this world needs more people like you!

Anonymous said...

Amen to that!  :-)~JerseyGirl
http://journals.aol.com/cneinhorn/WonderGirl

Anonymous said...

Yay you!

Anonymous said...

I think Becky said it best, "Yay You!" : )

Anonymous said...

Always please yourself, that's very important.  Do what your heart is telling you to do and forget what the others tell you to do.

Anonymous said...

Great thoughts you can do anything you put your mind  to do

Anonymous said...

Joining the Peace Corps was the coolest and most honorable thing you could do in the late 60's early 70's.  It still is.  I have been really bummed out by Asia and I too felt all was able to do was open my wallet.

Anonymous said...

You certainly explained your motivations well and I totally agree with what you want to do.  I've always thought humanity and compassion has no borders.  In this country we are blessed with the means to help ourselves.  People in other countries are not so fortunate.