Ice Bucket Challenge

We have all seen it.  We have all been talking about it.  The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  ALSA (ALS Association) has done an amazing thing. 

I am keenly interested in Social Media and cultural exchanges.  We are a fast changing society of many cultures.  It is extremely interesting but from a purely societal point of view.  I started talking at home about this challenge and my husband had to be convinced of the validity and strength of it.  I had to remind him of the POWER of social media and that yes it may be a "dumb" challenge but the fact is that MILLIONS of people are talking about ALS and donating what they can.  That my friends is important and why we are all doing the challenge. 

This week Espen & I were called out to do the challenge.  I expected it to happen soon but not from our little friend.  He was so cute!  Espen watched the challenge and I took a moment to talk to him about it.... here is what I said...  "Pouring a bucket of cold water over our heads will be fun but we will do it so we can support people who have a terrible disease.  It is a disease that makes their brain sick which causes their muscles not to work right.  Pouring the bucket over our head is what it sometimes feels like to these folks that are impacted by this disease.... it hurts and is shocking and it leaves your body feeling funny... for us it will go away and we will go about our day... for them, it never goes away...." 

And my 5 year old got it... he asked how do we help... Well this morning we dumped ice cold water over our heads and we challenged my sisters to this.  (If you know me, you know I am NOT a morning person, so the fact that I was up and dumping cold water on my head is important!).  I could have called out all my friends and PTA moms and everyone I know... But your time will come and you will be up for it or you won't. 

The important thing is that WE as a society are TALKING about something really important.  Something that impacts lives of families.  We are giving in ways we have not done before.  And think of other important issues that may need attention.... could we do something next week to bring the light to sensory issues or autism or breast cancer or anything.... can social media be used for creating some really good and powerful changes?  Maybe....  So donate your time, your energy or your money... pick your cause.  Make a stand. 

Some of my favorite ways to "give".... 
sevenly ~ an amazing 7 day social campaign gives $7 from each "art movement" purchase to a charity that impacts PEOPLE.
toms ~ of course you know me, I am all about it.... one for one shoes to children who need them, also glasses & water... I can get behind it....
united way ~ dedicated professional organization funneling donations to agencies that make a difference in the local area.