Do More Mondays - #112 - Imagine Canada

Today in the United States is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  A man influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violent activism, he too inspired a generation on racial justice.  His progress on civil rights helped prohibit discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions on the basis of race, religion, or national origin (later expanded to include sex, familial status, and disability) in the 1960s.

Fifty years ago America was run mostly by white Protestant males and all others were to one degree or another not recognized as human beings with equal rights.  Today it is the norm to see inclusion in all facets of life.  However the fight is not over.  Not even in India where there are still 150 million untouchables three generations after Gandi’s death.

“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Be aware of your thoughts and actions.  Do not take your life for granted and stand up other human beings.  That is why this week I’m making a donation to ‘Imagine Canada’ ~ an organization that helps foster other charities and non-profits.  Their three goals are to strengthen the sector’s collective voice, create opportunities to connect and learn from each other, and build the sector’s capacity to succeed.

Research to build our understanding of issues facing the sector will continue to be one of their major contributions to charities and nonprofits in Canada.  These include examining the size and scope of the sector, trends in philanthropy, and public opinion about charities.  Making demonstrable progress – moving from activities to outcomes – is their focus over the next three years.  Their full 2013 to 2015 strategic plan can be found here.

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

I challenge anyone to do more.