Dear Source:
July 18 is a very important day because in November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared that day "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. This year’s celebration of his birthday will take on a special significance as he continues to receive medical care for tuberculosis that he developed in prison fighting against apartheid. The website www.mandeladay.com, states that the Mandela Day campaign message is simple: Mr. Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity and they are asking that everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting your chosen charity or serving your local community. Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals – for people everywhere – to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mr. Mandela did. The day is a call to action for all people to recognize their ability to have a positive effect on others around them. The day hopes to inspire people to embrace the values that Mandela shared including democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation, and respect for each other. If only the rest of the world now would take a page from him on how he lead and united his country from violence to equality. I believe that we in the VI should take some time out either on July 18 or around it, to be a part of the worldwide celebration for his message of peace
As with the National Day of Service, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last January, community groups, summer camps and individuals can volunteer some of their time in celebration of his achievements. These activities might include volunteering some of your time to read and educate young people on the extraordinary life of Mr. Mandela or to help your community in times of need like now.
There are a number of organizations that are in need of your assistance and who are in jeopardy of dramatic funding cuts to their budgets by the VI Government. Some of these worthy organizations and groups include the Family Resource Center, My Brother’s Workshop, Humane Society, VIVA CASA Program ,Women’s Coalition of St. Croix ,Addelita Cancryn After School Program, Beacon Schools Program, Maritime Education Workshop ,Amateur Boxing Program, Mungo Nile Dancers, Pistarckle Theater, V.I. Basketball Federation, V.I. Olympic Committee and the V.I. Special Olympics to just name of few. The Environmental Association St. Thomas St. John (EAST) will be planting a native tree in his honor that day on a neighborhood road way.
I urge you to contact these or other organizations and nonprofits today to see how you can commit yourself in some way to live up to the dream of Mr. Mandela and make this world a better place.
Jason Budsan, St. Thomas
