Product Description

BE THE CHANGE! shares the personal, inspiring stories of people who have made a commitment to make a part of the world a better place. Edited by Michelle Nunn, cofounder and CEO of Hands On Network, BE THE CHANGE! chronicles the indomitable spirit within each individual, and all of us collectively, that seeks to "be the change" in our own communities. Through poignant and intimate stories as well as the advice of hundreds of citizens, business and civic leaders, sports figures, and celebrities, BE THE CHANGE! challenges readers to take their own journey of service and discovery. It provides practical advice, inspiration and humor, revealing how volunteering can change the world - and an individual's life.

The book's Foreword, by journalist Tom Brokaw, focuses on a new generation of heroes working to make their communities stronger. Contributors to the book tutored children in Georgia, built homes for Habitat for Humanity in Texas, collected coats for the homeless in New York, worked with refugee immigrants in Virginia, rebuilt homes ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi, among other great deeds.

Hands On Network - a growing network of service organizations with over half a million members - and Hundreds of Heads Books asked hundreds of volunteers across the country how - and why - they volunteer, and how their service has changed their lives. The stories reveal the amazing strength, spirit and diversity of community service. The book includes personal stories from many prominent national and civic leaders, including U.S. Senator Bill Frist, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, bestselling author Deepak Chopra, M.D., The Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli, and news commentator Cokie Roberts, among others. The book also contains compelling photographs from Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, David Hume Kennerly.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #449886 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781933512006
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"An inspiring look at the profound power of the individual to make a positive difference in the lives of others." -- Roxanne Spillett, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

"This is a book that could change your life. Read the stories of people who reached out...It's almost magic." -- Jim Lehrer, PBS' anchor, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

"This is a wonderful and inspiring book. [It] provides practical advice and awesome tales that could change your life." -- Walter Isaacson, CEO, Aspen Institute

From the Publisher
Be The Change! is a unique collaboration between Hands On Network, a growing international movement involving more than a half million volunteers, and Hundreds of Heads Books. A portion of all proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support Hands On Network's activities in civic engagement.

From the Author
"For more than 15 years I have worked with individuals--friends and neighbors--who are trying to make a difference in their communities. I have seen firsthand that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary accomplishments," writes editor Michelle Nunn. "This book is intended to showcase the wisdom, stories, and advice of citizens who are discovering their power to make a difference--and to help us all discover that we too have the power to change the world, and to change ourselves in the process."

Customer Reviews

An Inspiring Call to Action
Living in an age with 24/7 coverage of disasters, wars and generally depressing news could easily be a recipe for national learned helplessness. I'm reading "Be the Change" and am reminded page after page, one uplifting story after another, that I'm surrounded everyday by amazing people who are keeping hope within easy reach whenever it's needed. From the household wisdom of countless community volunteers to the heart felt perspectives of iconic national leaders, it's a book that offers new ideas and fresh inspiration for getting going on them. I also love Editor Nunn's lists of books and quotes that inspire. I look forward to giving this book to my organization's management group as well as to my family for the holidays. It's an innoculation against cynicism and despair and an inspiring call to action.

Paul Terry, Minnesota

Inspirational and Practical
I was given Be the Change! as a gift and put it next to my bed. I picked it up one night and couldn't put it down.

It is a great collection of inspiring stories, tales and practical tips about how focusing on the well being of others can change your life for the better. It immediately struck a powerful cord with me.

When I put the book down I felt like I had a game plan for my own service; and inspiration to know that I too could be the change. Bravo to the team that put this book together!

People can make a difference
I enjoyed reading this book because it helped me understand how regular people like me can make a difference in the world. Even small acts of giving will accumulate and improve the way things are. There are so many suggestions in the book that if everyone took just one, we'd see the difference. Sometimes I think you have to be a saint or a celebrity to influence people, but here's proof that anyone can make a positive contribution.