the power of little things

It’s easy, and very human, to think of one’s own efforts as too small to make a significant difference. We tell ourselves that we aren’t rich or powerful enough to effect change, that we don’t have time or energy to do more work, and that no matter what we do, there will be so much left to be done.

Really, why bother?

It’s appropriate that the best and perhaps best known answer to this came from Loren Eiseley, a scientist and natural history writer, in his essay, “The Star Thrower.” In brief, when questioned about the insignificance of his efforts to save one starfish when so many others lay dying on the beach, the star thrower answered, “it matters to this one.”

Little things matter. Little things add up.

You can’t lift a stone wall, but you can lift a stone. One stone, and you have a foundation for someone else to build on. More stones, and you have a wall. You only get more stones if we each lift a stone when we can.

‘Nuff said.

Our friends Mike, Corey, and Charlie at 10,000 Birds have founded the 10,000 Birds Conservation Club.

Simply put, the 10,000 Birds Conservation Club is a way of raising and distributing funds for conservation through our blog, 10,000 Birds. The Club was developed and is managed by Charlie Moores, Mike Bergin, and Corey Finger – the three owners of 10,000 Birds.

The Conservation Club has an annual (365 days starting from date of joining) membership fee of 25USD (or currency equivalent) payable via a PayPal account and receipts will go to providing small amounts of funding to small-scale conservation projects (preferably working on Critically Endangered/Endangered birds) that would benefit from rapid funding.

So, for a mere $25 per year, you can contribute a stone to the wall.

Plus, by joining, you can enter multiple contests throughout the year for a variety of donated prizes. (Yes, virtue is its own reward, but that doesn’t mean you can’t accept a bonus if you are so fortunate as to win one.)

I want to support this effort and build awareness of and membership in the club, and perhaps encourage some of you to do your own “little things” to make the world a better place. Therefore, I’ve offered, and the founders have graciously accepted, funding of four one-year memberships in the Conservation Club to be given away.

Would you like one of them?

Go to the Wrenaissance™ contact form, fill out the required information, tell me why you should be one of the four people selected for a year’s funding, and submit before January 19.

I’ll pick four of the submissions, and pay the first year’s membership for those four people. If this is successful, I may do the same next year, so after year one, you’re on your own.

A few caveats:

• No one related to me, Mike, Corey, or Charlie is eligible for this give-away
• Only entries submitted using the Wrenaissance™ contact form are eligible to win
• Entries received after the deadline will not be considered
• I (or perhaps my cat) will pick the winners
• Regardless of who picks, the decision is final and not subject to appeal

Good luck!