Synopsis:

Chapter 7 of the YOU CAN DO IT Merit Badge Book is about how to become a Champion of a Cause (activism).  The chapter starts off by listing reasons you should champion a cause which include everything from creating camaraderie to living with a clear conscience.  The chapter also includes advice from a ‘mentor’ who is considered an expert in this field.  Julie Shah, codirector of the Third Wave Foundation (an organization that benefits young women activists nationwide) says that, “Activism provides a voice for people who wouldn’t be heard otherwise.”

Steps to Get Your Badge:

1) Ask questions about what is going on around you.  What cause or area of concern do you see?

2) Investigate the area that interests you.  Read books on the topic, look up related non-profits, attend an event and read news articles online.

3) Imagine how your action can make a difference.  If you want to get involved but have a hard time getting started, begin with creating a mental image of what you hope to accomplish and write it down.

4) Share these ideas with other people.  Post flyers, talk to someone with personal experience in your area of interest, post personal ads and visit sites online.

5) Develop a plan of action.  Your plan may include things such as fundraising, writing newspaper articles, and contacting local businesses for help. 

6) Show your support by implementing your plan.

Personal Experience:

I am embarrassed to say that I have not made a lot of activism efforts in my life.  I’ve interned for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and I spent several months volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Center (so heartbreaking yet rewarding), but I’m not what you could call ‘active’ in the area.  So it came as a surprise to me when, back in February of this year (2008), I received an invitation to participate in the 39 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 

I wasn’t surprised to receive the flyer but I was surprised at my reaction.  Usually I toss such flyers into the trash as soon as they are received (again, not proud of this).  But for some reason, this one struck a nerve.  I even spoke to my husband about my interest and he suggested I look into it.  As soon as I found out that participants are required to raise $1800 in order to participate, I push the idea of the walk aside.

Or so I thought.   As the weeks went by, I continued to have thoughts about participating in the walk and of doing my part to fight breast cancer.  Again, I don’t know why this particular issue stuck with me so, but I found myself reevaluating my initial decision.  After much deliberation, I announced to my husband that I could in fact do this!  At the very least, I could try.  So I attended a meeting held at the local library.  There were about 20 people present, all there for the same reason as I.  All interested in making a difference. 

One completed form and one enrollment fee check later, I was on my way.  I began my fundraising efforts by setting up a website called My Avon Walk where I chronicled my journey throughout the process (sound familiar)?  This was my first foray into the blogging world.  I used the blog as a way to communicate the importance of awareness and self-exams. 

I also contacted friends and associates and began asking for money (the hardest part for me).  Then I began my training routine which meant getting up at 5:00, in the middle of winter, to walk around the local track. 

I had about three months to raise funds for the walk and during the first two months I was a bit nervous, wondering what I had gotten myself into.  But I pressed on.  I read articles about breast cancer and I then wrote that information on my blg.  I reached out to people and encouraged them to get involved.  Before long, I began to receive donations and help from people I didn’t know and had never met.  Three months later, I had surpassed my goal of $1800 and by the time the race occurred, had raised $2500!!  I was so amazed, and am still amazed, at the generosity of people.  It wasn’t even that they were helping me, it was that they were fighting against breast cancer.

 

Feeling excited and nervous I got ready for the big day.  I made sure I had the appropriate clothing, food, drinks, and of course, tunes.  My husband had me downtown by 6:30 am on the morning of the walk. 

 

 

Hundreds of people were gathered in the early morning waiting for the opening ceremonies. 

 

It was a cool day but would soon get warm as the miles added up.  My goal was to walk 26 miles (marathon distance) but I knew I would be happy with five miles since I hadn’t really walked further than that in my training.

 

The walk officially began around 7:30.  My sweet husband walked with me the first mile or so.

Cheers erupted as we reached the first mile marker.  One mile down, 25 more to go!

It was such an amazing experience.  Walking side-by-side with survivors, family members, friends, and volunteers. 

 

Some were walking on behalf of a loved one who had fought against breast cancer. 

 

 

But everyone was there for one purpose which created a sense of unity.  This unity had spread throughout the community – people were lined up on the side of the road to cheer us on and pass out drinks and cookies. 

 

One of the benefits of walking in Washington DC was the incredible view, you couldn’t beat it!

 

 

We actually covered a lot of ground in our walk and went from DC to Virginia back through DC and up to Maryland.  Here’s a view of the nearby city where I live, just over the bridge from DC. 

 

 

Before I knew it, I had made it to mile six!  So far so good, no blisters, deodorant seemed to be working, I was good to go.

 

 

Some people really got into the spirit of things.  By comparison, I was pretty boring with my simple pink shirt and breast cancer hat.

 

 

By mile 10, we had made it back to Georgetown, one of my favorite areas of DC.  They have some of the best shops in the area, as well as some of the most expensive ones.  It’s a good thing I wasn’t there to shop!

 

And finally… the half-way mark.  Mile 13.  I had gone farther than my wildest expecations but I wasn’t about to stop now.

 

After a brief rest, I moved on.  Each stop had a time by which you had to reach it if you wanted to walk the whole 26 miles.  I was walking pretty fast so I was about an hour ahead of the time limit, which was good.  I took advantage of that and stopped to rest and make a few calls. 

 

Miles 14, 15, and 16 came and went, no problem.  By mile 17, I was starting to feel it.  My legs were beginning to cramp and I was starting to hurt.   

 

 

During mile 18, I began to get a little shaky.  I also began to develop blisters.  I stopped and put on moleskin which seemed to help for a bit.  I also stretched to try to get rid of the spasms in my legs.

 

 

By mile 19, I was counting the steps, pushing myself just a little bit further, a little bit more.  We were headed to Glen Echo, a park in Maryland.  I knew that if I could make it there, I could rest and get my strength back (and take care of my feet).

 

 

And finally, after what seemed like forever, I saw the blessed sign up ahead…

 

Mile 20!  Never had I been so happy to see that number!

 

 

I made it through the park to the medical station, dropped to the ground, and peeled off my socks and shoes.  What I found was what I had a feared - a huge blister.  And not just one blister, but two, one on each foot.  They were huge, way too big to ignore, so I made my way to the tent and asked for help.  The nurses’s idea of help was to pull out a lance and drain the little boogers. 

 

That’s it, I knew as soon as I put my shoes back on that I was done.  I couldn’t walk another step.

 

So I took the bus to the finish line.  We had to walk the last hundred feet or so but it was worth it.  What a glorious sight after such a long day!

 

 

The feelings I had are almost indescribable.  I had set out to accomplish something, to make a difference, and I had surpassed my goals and expectations.  No I hadn’t done anything revolutionary, but I had contributed in my own way.  And you know what, it felt great!

 

There may be something to this activism thing after all!! 

 

Now it’s your turn… what cause would you want to support? 

 

RELATED POSTS:

YOU CAN DO IT: Getting Organized

YOU CAN DO IT: Building a Website

YOU CAN DO IT:  Championing A Cause

YOU CAN DO IT: The Merit Badge Handbook

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