From the excellent and inspirational Mary Robinson Reynolds at www.makeadifference.com comes this project with the noble aim of helping to reduce suicide rates - a project close to my own heart:
"The power of acknowledgment is how something so simple can make such a big difference in someone's life on any given day.
Within a year after launching the Teddy Story, I became aware of the Blue Ribbon Story. It was actually through one of my newsletter subscribers, Robyn Swick, who is a friend of Helice that she and I were introduced. When Helice saw our Teddy Story movie, she was thrilled with the idea of having her Blue Ribbon story created in a flash movie so it could be available to everyone.
It is my hope that this story will make you stop and think about how important acknowledgement is and how easy it is to fail to acknowledge others who make a difference in our lives in small but important ways.
Acknowledgment says: You matter to me and I believe in you. It is a powerful and inexpensive way to heal our society. It begins with our children, our families and then extends out to the people living and working with us in our community.
Acknowledgment is easy to do, and yet we often rush by opportunities to do so.
Acknowledgment creates a ripple effect that can change attitudes, reinforce the positive, and have an impact far greater than we realize. It is a simple act that leaves a major impression upon those to whom the acknowledgement is given.
Each of us has this power, and it is important to remember to use it appropriately, often, and honestly both in business and in our personal lives. If you haven't had a chance, please watch our newest movie and then forward it on. It's about how a Blue Ribbon Ceremony created by an amazing woman by the name of, Helice "Sparky" Bridges, literally saved the life of a 14-year boy.
http://www.BlueRibbonMovie.com |
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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. - Albert Schweitzer
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As we were working on this movie, my attention one evening was drawn to a CBS news report about the increase in Veteran Suicides since 2000. Veteran Suicides show 44% increase: 2000 - 462 suicides / 2007 - 790 suicides.
When I was a high school guidance counselor in Wyoming over 20 years ago, we had a statewide "suicide watch" because there had been a sudden epidemic of suicides on the Indian reservations. I worked with many students that year who were on the verge of suicide. So, after hearing the news report I went out on the Internet and Googled "Wyoming Suicide Rate" to see if things had improved over the years and sadly found that Wyoming currently ranks fifth in the nation with a rate of 21.8 per suicides per 100,000 population, nearly double the national rate of 10.82.
An average of one suicide is committed in Wyoming every four days, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. January 2008
Then, just a few days ago, I found out that someone I know very well had attempted suicide just several weeks ago.
I don't normally offer statistics, but something about this movie is really speaking to me to "up" awareness... so here are just a few of the statistics that Helice gave me that I feel are relevant:
Adolescent Suicide: In the past 30 years adolescent suicide has increased 400%. (APP)
Self-Esteem: 2 out of every 3 Americans how low self-esteem. (Gallup Poll)
Crime: Every 17 seconds in the United States a child is arrested; children in the US are 10 times more likely to commit murder than comparable aged youths in Canada. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
School dropout rate: 30% of young people drop out of school before getting their high school diploma. (First 5 of California)
Negative Words: The average child hears 432 negative statements per day to only 32 positive statements. (Jack Canfield, self-esteem expert)
Psychological damage: 80% of people are hurt by words. Research shows that only about 20% of children and adults are able to handle put downs without emotional pain or psychological damage. (California Task Force for Personal and Social Responsibility)
Gossip: Workplace gossip is the clear winner. 60% of people in the workplace cited gossip as the No. 1 problem. (Staffing firm Randstad).
Now here's an excerpt from my newest book,
Make A Difference with the Power of Connection Gift Book & DVD for Professionals & Parents ...
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"In 1979, at the age of 37, I was depressed and suicidal. It’s hard to say how such a feeling could happen to me. After all, I was brought up in a loving, nurturing and supportive home. My parents reminded me every day that I was their angel. They hugged me, laughed with me and listened to my dreams. They always told me that if I believed in my dreams and worked hard to get them, they would surely come true. I thought my entire life would be as happy as my childhood.
"How could such a thought of suicide enter my mind? I adored my two sons and could never leave them. I had a very successful career and didn't long for money. I lived in a beautiful home and drove an expensive car. I lacked for nothing except the love of my husband.
"I desperately wanted him to notice me, tell me that I was loved, that he thought I was beautiful. But that never happened. We were divorced in 1980. And that's when my life immediately changed for the positive. Instead of feeling like a victim, I reached out in my community to find kind, caring and proactive people who were making a difference.
"In 1980, I found this loving world when I became volunteer co-chair for the San Diego Hunger Project. I'd never given a thought to volunteer for community service. But this was the fuel for my heart that I desperately needed. I served with generous and incredible people from every walk of life. We delivered food, clothes and support to people in need. People receiving the support would run to us in tears of joy. Nothing in the entire world could have felt better.
"As co-chairperson, I was also a spokesperson for The Hunger Project. In 8 months I spoke to nearly 50,000 children and adults about doing something to end world hunger. Following my talk, people approached me and shared their hunger. Not for food, but for love. I realized that the pain of suicide and depression was epidemic.
"I was fired up to give people the type of love my parents gave me. To do this, I founded Difference Makers International a non-profit organization creating communities that inspired children of all ages to reach their fullest potential. To help make that dream come true, I invented a simple, tangible and powerful "Who I Am Makes A Difference"® Blue Ribbon and 10-Step Acknowledgment Ceremony. This Ceremony gave people a way to authentically express appreciation, respect and love to their children, spouse, siblings, family, friends, colleagues everyone.
"Between 1983 and 1993, I taught youth and adults how to present self-esteem programs in elementary, junior and senior high schools. I trained thousands of children, teachers and parents how to appreciate, encourage and respect one another.
"In 1988, a teacher in New York honored every one of her high school students by placing a Blue Ribbon above their hearts. Then she invited her students to start a class project by honoring people throughout their community. Students honored their friends, family members, teachers - everyone.
"One of these Blue Ribbons actually saved a 14 year-old boy from committing suicide. In 1993, the 'Who You Are Makes A Difference' story about the 14 year-old boy who did not commit suicide was published in the first "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book. In the year 2000, this story was made into a television movie that aired nationwide. Helice also co-wrote the 'Who I Am Makes A Difference'® song which was introduced by school children on ABC’s 20/20. Soon children and adults were honoring one another, creating a rippling effect. The combination of these events made it possible for millions of people throughout the world to see how a simple gesture of love and a Blue Ribbon could change a life forever.
"Today I am proud to announce that this ceremony has now impacted the lives of over 30 million people worldwide and has been translated into 11 languages. It has averted teen suicide, eliminated bullying, built positive relationships among people, raised self-esteem, enhanced academic excellence and made dreams come true. In 2005, our organization won the Gandhi Nonviolence Award.
"I am now Grammy Sparky to five glorious grand babies. It is my dream that you will become a steward of my dream to create a Blue Ribbon World for our children A Blue Ribbon over every heart in America by the year 2012 with no one left out. My mom and dad told me that dreams can come true…and I believe them. Thanks for making a difference with me." |
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For More information about Helice and to print out her "The Who I Am Makes A Difference® 10-Step Blue Ribbon System" go to:
http://www.makeadifference.com/Merchant2/s_BK60.htmIn a minute or less, you can change the world! TOGETHER ...we
can make a difference.
Please forward this movie - and the blue ribbon at the end - on to some one you care about today."
Reaching out to make a difference,
Mary Robinson Reynolds
Author and Founder of Heart Productions & Publishing
PS ... if you would like to subscribe to Mary's free newsletter go to:
www.makeadifference.com/subscribe.htm
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