Sunday, July 18 2010, is International Nelson Mandela Day. There was an official UN Resolution declared in Nov 2009, to celebrate the legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former President of South Africa. This is a truly significant historical moment because it is the first time that the UN has designated an international day in honor of one person. Nelson Mandela is turning 92.
There was a 90th Birthday celebration in London 2008. In NYC in 2009, the tradition of hosting an event continued. This year, 2010, is the first official international event and is hosted by Spain.The focus is on serving, community, education, music and more...
Nelson Mandela has given 67 years of his life to fighting for social justice, and to celebrate his birthday he is asking you to give 67 minutes of your time in service. He has asked that we do not focus our love on one man's birthday but to work in community to make the world a better place.
Some of you might say that you already volunteer for 67 minutes every week. Consider doing your volunteer job as if it is the first time you have ever volunteered. Bring something fresh to it. Feel a deeper connection and more enthusiasm.
Be creative with the 67 minutes. Maybe you will help a family member or a neighbor. Open to inspiration and let the opportunity to serve come to you. Be ready to serve!
If you don't know who Nelson Mandela is, here are a few details of his life.
* he was born in South Africa on July 18, 1918.
* he protested against apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid is racial segregation.
* he was jailed for 27 years on a charge of sabotage and was called a terrorist.
* he became a hero to anti-apartheid groups.
* he was seen internationally as being responsible for helping to end apartheid, a 46-year era
* he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, three years after his release from jail.
* he was the first democratically elected South African President.
* he served as President from 1994-1999
Mandela Day is a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for making the world a better place, one small step at a time, just as Nelson Mandela did.
If you want to know more about it and the myriad of activities, here is a link:
http://www.nelsonmandela.org/index.php/foundation/mandela-day/category/mandela_day_2010/
I highly recommend the film Invictus. It is the true story of how President Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of the South African rugby team to help unite the country. Brilliant film. Here is a link to the movie trailer. It is now on DVD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZY8c_a_dlQ&feature=related
It is a film of leadership and vision. Powerful and inspiring!
One last thing to think about: Isn't it interesting that Spain, a country that has been planning Nelson Mandela Day with the focus on serving, just won the World Cup? Could this be a demonstration of the flow of giving and receiving in the Universe? An example of serving with an open heart and the overflow of generosity?
Just a thought...
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