In 1984-85, I had the pleasure of traveling with the group Up With People. We performed in 9 countries around the world and I had the joy of living in the home of 94 host families during that time. The Up With People experience helped to shape who I am, what I stand for and why it is so important to bring light into the world – especially when it is easy to be filled with darkness.
The mission of Up With People is to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. Started in 1965 during a turbulent period in the United States, Up with People was founded as a positive voice for young people. Over the years, Up with People has become known as a tremendous force in international relations, education, and entertainment. Young men and women from more than 89 countries have come together to deliver a common message of hope and goodwill to people around the world.
Please check out the latest Up With People news and where to catch a show from the links below:
UWP News: Media Coverage
I recently ran into a group called Common Ground Friends. It was started by a young girl who seems to want people of the world to coexist more peacefully. She thinks that if religion has the power to divide us, than faith can possess an even greater power to unite us.
I don’t want to discuss Bin Laden. Enough people are on it and I am torn by my sense of confusion on why we cheer a mission to kill. It is not that I wish we did not do it, I just wish that we did not have to; and “eye for an eye” never seems to stop at two eyes. I can take pot shots at Trump, further discredit Sheen, debate why countries that overthrow leaders make me both scared and thrilled, but again, there are plenty of people on it. The truth is, I just want to think about whatever comes into my head and not care if it is social media worthy. So, here is some unthinking thoughts from a coffeehouse on Newbury street – perhaps boring to you, but refreshing to me…
