I Have A Dream

The United States celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day this week to commemorate one of the greatest civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader and activist in the civil rights movement. He is a personal hero of mine for his fight for human rights and equality for all. Growing up in the United States, I was taught a bit of history surrounding the civil rights movement. Unfortunately, information surrounding his assassination and conspiracy theories sometimes took precedence over the importance of his other achievements.

For example, Martin Luther King Jr. is rightfully remembered for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement but not always for his role in fighting poverty. Near the end of his life, Martin Luther King Jr. began focusing more of his efforts on addressing issues of economic injustice. His actions stayed true to his words ("we are all a part of the human race") and he never addressed the issue of poverty from the standpoint of being an African-American. He wanted to gather a "mulitracial army of the poor" to march on Washington and stage a non-violent protest outside the capital. Many of his followers backed out in their support of his integrated fight for the poor citing the goals of his campaign were, "too broad" and the demands, "unrealizable."

Unrealizable?! To quote Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." It is the people with the mindset that NO idea is too big and who won't take no for an answer on their "unrealizable goals" that accomplish big things and make their mark in history!

The events that have unfolded over the past few days in Haiti have been horrific and devastating. While so many people are hopeful and wish to help, the aid isn't reaching people fast enough, roads are still inaccessible, and the situation is still entirely unstable. It is times like these that we must be adament that no goal is impossible. I think we owe it to the people on the ground in Haiti to realize Martin Luther King's dream of "one community."

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We at GVN are so overwhelmed and touched at the outpouring of support from people around the world and we are glad to play a small part in helping to reach the dream of a poverty-free world. We have received thousands of calls and emails from people who want to donate time, money, or are simply concerned and want to let Haitians know they are not alone. These are the acts of compassion that will bring us closer to realizing the dream! Thank you GVN Family!

Caitie Goddard

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." ~Christopher Reeve