Why Leverage *isn’t* a Dirty Word: Blog Action Day 2008

We live in very scary times.  It often feels like the world is precariously perched and about to fall into the abyss.  I know that probably sounds a bit overly dramatic — but all of a sudden all the bubbles have seem to have burst and we seem to be on the verge of something… many say complete econoimc collapse and chaos… but I am hopeful that we are on the verge of something better.   We are at a crossroads where we can either leverage our strengths and work together to get ourselves out of the mess we find ourselves in… or drop into the abyss.  My bet is that we will start rebuilding our communities (either virtually or geographically) and start leveraging our strengths — and we’ll all be better for it.

Here are four ways I think we can all work together to help move more of us out of poverty:

1. Take Care Of Yourself - You can’t really help others unless you are in a good place — I mean this both financially and physically.  Unexpected health problems are the number one cause of bankruptcy.  Stress and financial problems cause health problems — good exercise and eating habits combat stress.  Spend your money wisely — make sure you have enough put away for a rainy day.

2. Be Frugal -Waste is waste. Don’t waste money and don’t waste resources.  Can you carpool?  Bunch up your errands?  Insulate your house better? Keep your car in good shape?  Saving energy benefits everyone and keeps this country from getting too dependent on others who may not have our best interest at heart.

3. Teach and Mentor - The very best thing you can do for somebody else is to teach them skills that will help them earn money whether or not they have a paying job.  My mother asked me if it was scary to be a small business owner right now.  I actually think I’m better off because I don’t depend on just one client for my income.  If I lose clients, I have skills and can find other clients who can afford my services.  If you can teach and mentor others - you can give them a gift of being able to earn in all circumstances.

4. Pay Attention and Give What You Can Nobody has ever landed in the poorhouse by being too generous.  Many millionaires have tried to give away their wealth — they always fail because the money comes them one way or another.  Anything you give, you will get back eventually.  Pay attention to what is going on in *your* community.  How can you help?  Time counts as much as money.

We do live in scary times.  But, I am hopeful that if we can learn to work together and rely on each other — our world will be a better place in the future.