Classical Montage

Updates and ArtBLT

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Hi there!

I hadn't realized it's been so long since I last posted, but I've been writing articles here and there...primarily for Magic City Post and ArtBLT. Please do check out my NEW blog ArtBLT where you will find more of my musings on a more often basis.

Thanks as always for your support.

Headwaters Festival

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:28:00 +0000

I had a chance to write about the Headwaters Festival for Magic City Post. I didn't get to attend the festival as I had prior obligations, but please check out my article below.

Headwaters Festival

As always, you can catch my daily musings at ArtBLT. Stop by and do say hello!

Gone With the Wind: 75th Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:54:00 +0000

Hey there!

Glad you're still enjoying the ride. Here's a latest clip of mine. I helped compile a list on events centered around the 75th anniversary of Gone With the Wind. Many thanks to Deep South Magazine for the wonderful opportunity! Click the link below for the list.

Gone With the Wind Turns 75

My Work

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Here are links to articles I've recently done:

Daniel Payne Legacy Village

Amos Lee Live

Do Dah Day

Lennon Comes to Town

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:53:00 +0000

I hope you are doing fab! I've been busy working on ArtBLT and trying to finish a few writing projects. I am in the process of putting my portfolio up, so please bear with me as things are crazy. Thanks!

ArtBLT

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Have you checked out my new site ArtBLT? If not, head over to www.artblt.com.

Shameless promotion I know. See you there!

Amos Lee

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:54:00 +0000

I wrote an article on Amos Lee for Deep South Magazine. Go here to check it out!

Thanks again to Crowdsurf for the tix!!

White Audiences vs. Black Movies

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:50:00 +0000

This is an interesting article that covers why white audiences don't view black movies. I think the study could have elaborated and provided stats on whether black audiences typically view white movies. In short, Hollywood should cast more minorities in films and show that it is good to have a diverse cast...hello Fast Five!

I don't think racism plays a part with white audiences; I think audiences want to be comfortable with the movies they see...regardless of the cast. It's 2011 and we should be watching movies...not just "black movies."

New Ventures

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:05:00 +0000

I hope that you all are doing well! I've had my hands (yes, hands) extremely busy lately. Between getting new submissions out there, and creating the website I dreamed of, I have been SWAMPED. For now, I'll keep this blog up as it still serves as my online portfolio. Additionally, I've been working with a few venues, so I'll get clips posted up soon.

Be well and thanks as always for your support!!

Alabama Storms

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:22:00 +0000

Let's keep the good people of Alabama in our thoughts and prayers. Storms swept through the state last night and have caused massive amounts of damage. Please go here and here to view more information. Be safe people!

African Americans and Saving

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:05:00 +0000

I read this article and it sparked my interest. After having attended a financial seminar this past Saturday, this really hit home. Why do you think African Americans aren't saving more? I think its a culmination of many factors, many of them related to the economic downturn, meager wages, and so forth.

Let's try to make it a plan to pay ourselves first people...

Respect and Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Yesterday was an enlightening day. After stuffing "goody" (toiletry/personal healthcare essentials) bags for the homeless, I called a good girlfriend to catch up. I'm bad at catching up, so I am making it a point to maintain and strengthen my relationships with friends. Occasionally, I have to jaunt to various locales, but it invigorates those relationships and gives me a reason to take a break.

"Have you heard of this website?" my girlfriend asks with an angry tone in her voice. I refuse to mention the name of the site on my blog.

"No," I said. Wondering what her next reply would be.

"Well, it's a discussion board and it's full of people bashing one another."

My girlfriend went on to tell me the disparaging remarks that were made on this site, and I was disgusted. I read an article some time ago about hateful and ignorant messages that are spread on Twitter. It made me realize that people need to use their online and face to face presence for good.

Social media is great. I have embraced it after being deathly afraid of Facebook and Twitter. Keep in mind, I am learning how to use Twitter effectively ;-) However, I am beginning to see that social media is being used as a way to attack and bash others. This is very discouraging.

Let's remember to continually uplift one another and not spread such hateful messages. I am beginning to meet some great people via social media, and I am very thankful for their kindness.

Social media actually allows you to BUILD meaningful relationships with others. It's important to cultivate those relationships instead of being selfish or hateful. Keep the love, peace, and RESPECT people.

National Donate Life Month

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:01:00 +0000

April is National Donate Life month, which recognizes the selfless gift of organ and tissue donation. In America alone, there are over 100,000 people waiting for the gift of life through an organ donation. Many of them could be your peers, friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. Many lives are lost while awaiting an organ. If you are an organ donor, GREAT. If not, seriously consider talking with your family about your decision, and sign up to be an organ donor.

Please note, you MUST talk to your family about your wishes to be an organ donor even if it is notated on your driver's license. There are a lot of myths about organ donation, but be sure you educate yourself. Truly, it is the gift of life.

Visit these websites for further information:

http://www.organdonor.gov/

www.donatelife.net/About/calendar.php

Good Music Friday

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Say hello to Grammy Winner Esperanza Spalding. Had she not won the Grammy, and the controversy that ensued her winning it, I would have never been blessed to hear of this amazing talent. Enjoy the video below and tell me what you think!

Updates!

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:49:00 +0000

I've been away for a bit, but I've been working on a few things...submissions for literary journals, etc. Look for NEW and improved changes to this blog soon ;-0 I think you'll love them!

Please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts and prayers.

Good Music Friday

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:18:00 +0000

I am a self professed music junkie...there I said it. I LOVE music deep down to my core. I don't discriminate against any kind of music as long as it makes me feel good and isn't misogynistic. Music, like writing, has the ability to connect people. I find it fascinating that music forms a bond amongst people--even if a common language isn't shared. I'll never forget how I was in Japan and saw Japanese people that weren't fluent in English singing songs in English. I found that to be utterly amazing!

I like to find artists that fly under the radar and should be heard by the masses. There's so MUCH talent that the world will probably never recognize, but thanks to technology you and I get the chance to hear these artists. I don't want to jump on my let's-support-real-music soapbox, but often the public doesn't get a chance to hear non cookie cutter music. I like music that's unique, edgy, and that like chocolate, deserves to be shared;-)

My sister turned me on to Chris Turner (below). I really like the sound of this song and Chris' teeth are gorgeous! The song reminds me of classic soul...it has an 80's feel with a 21st century spin to it.

I heard this song on VH1 and just had to find out who the singer was. I really dig the lyrics and how they deal with sadness/hurt. I'm sure many can relate to the song in one way or another. Christina Perri's voice is simply beautiful.

This song sounds really old school...a la 80's. I swear Chaz Shepherd channeled Donny Hathaway on the "for all we know" line.

I saw this video on VH1 Soul and fell in love with it. It's catchy, hip, and cool...I always want to jump up and start swinging my hair to this song. It's so fun!

I was introduced to Choklate via Pandora...an excellent site for discovering new artists. This song intrigues me because it so sultry and smooth.

Hopefully you'll enjoy these songs/artists as much as I do. Feel free to introduce me to songs/artists you like...

Unsung Civil Rights Pioneer

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Being that it's Black History Month, I would like to take a moment to recognize a person that I consider to be a pioneer. As a student of life and African American history, I feel it is pertinent to celebrate my history year round, and examine the role civil rights pioneers have on my life today. I've found that many history books neglect to name those "unknown soldiers," and students are often taught about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to name a few.

However, it's important to recognize the achievement of countless African Americans (known and unknown) in the constant fight for civil and human rights. These people include Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, Angela Davis, and the list goes on.

Today I'd like to focus on Claudette Colvin...who is a courageous person that stood for what she believed in.

Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white patron BEFORE Rosa Parks. Does her action take anything away from the legacy of Rosa Parks? Of course not--but it's important to teach history that is accurate. Perhaps it was not Colvin's "time" to be a catalyst or face for the Montgomery bus boycotts-this is something we will never know. However, her actions are noteworthy and should be recognized. Colvin was one of the first to refuse her seat on the bus, get arrested, and helped overturn bus segregation laws in Alabama.

Let us never forget the history that shapes the country we live in...
Let us never forget to take a stand for what is just...
Let us never forget...

it's gotten the best of me

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:11:00 +0000

I ran with the cheetahs to discover solitude

and sat at the feet of goddesses to anoint myself

got so cocky that I soared with Daedalus and Icarus

and caught the younger when he fell from grace.

I am the manipulator

I am the procreator.

I am the one they flock to and despice all the same

Crumbling mans formations with the touch of my big toe

and unleashing the inpenetrable with a flick of my tongue

Music was created from the patter of my feet

and even the Sphinx greets me with a smile

as I offer up an enigma for she

for I am the one…

Chestnutty beauty that causes man to fall on his knees

worship my presence

and beg for forgiveness

I am the devastator

I am the warrior

I am the maker

causing grown women to look at me in disdain

yet magnetizing their eyes to my metal exterior

for the need to be-like-me.

I grace pages of poetic scripture that lie beneath Egyptian ruins

that Ramses II scribed for me

My name is etched in the sacred tomb of Nefartari

and my lineage spawns for centuries

I walk with giraffes

and kill swine with my bare hand

foretelling the future in the pathways of its intestines…

I am called Akbar

for my measure cannot be questioned

and it takes a lion to testify to that

my silouhette is painted on the canvases of unknown

Afrikan artists

as my smile peeks back seductively

I am the manifestor

I am the beat

I am the muse

and

be fly

~Published in Aura Literary Review

the beautiful thing about poetry is that you can make it your own...do your own thing...and just BE!

Whew! Where has Time Gone...

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:56:00 +0000

As always, time escapes me. I have been away for a while, but I've had my hands full lately. I had a poem published in Aura Literary Review (YAY!). It was a first for me, but I hope it definitely won't be the last. I will post it shortly. I am working on redefining my goals as it pertains to writing--essentially I just want to REACH people. I consider myself to be so versatile and free spirited that I do not want to limit the type of writing I do. I love musing on relationships, dating, FOOD, travel, music, etc.

I want to be the freelancer you call because you know I have a plethora of ideas and can write virtually anything. I'm even open to full-time writing/creative opportunities (hint hint). I think that's what makes me unique--I have so many loves and likes that I can't choose between them all. For example, I recently wrote an article about a traveling dialysis patient that loves, loves, LOVES life.

My passions are so varied and I love that about me and my writing. Essentially, that's why this blog is referred to as a montage. I hope that going forward I can really show you my Classical Montage...

DIVE! Film Promotes Thoughts of Good-for-you Trash

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:33:00 +0000

This is an awesome and thought inspiring film. I hope you get a chance to check it out.

The award-winning DIVE! premiered at the Alys Stephens Center to thunderous applause from the audience. Jeremy Seifert’s film DIVE! examines the ironic relationship between food waste and hunger in this country. It appeals to the mantra of turning trash into treasure, and inspires a call for action.

"Every year in America, we throw away 96 billion pounds of food. That's 263 million pounds a day, 11 million pounds an hour and 3,000 pounds a second." This is a fact from the film, and it signifies that a LOT of food is being thrown away. The film brought light to a serious issue within this country and worldwide. People are hungry, and perfectly good food finds its home in landfills instead of starving bellies.

DIVE! is an informative film that makes light of waste; it showcases how culinary creations can be created from “dumpster food.” Seifert’s family and friends subsist on food from dumpsters—and not one has fallen ill. The film educates consumers about food and how items are still edible after their expiration date.

DIVE! explores the politics behind food waste; simply, grocery stores are overly cautious and do not want to be sued if consumers eat food past the expiration date. Often, this cautious behavior deters stores from donating more food to shelters and food pantries, even though the Good Samaritan Law is in place to protect them from lawsuits.

I asked Seifert what was his inspiration for making the film, and he does not self identify as an activist. He stated that friends came to his home with a lot of food from dumpster diving, and half of it was rotten, while the other half was edible. This lead Seifert on his journey to make the film and dumpster dive. At one point in the film, Seifert and friends were allowed to retrieve items designated as trash and deliver them to shelters—reaching those truly in need.

Food waste impacts our communities at all levels—economically, socially, and globally. When one thinks of the food waste that hits landfills and how it interacts with the environment, it becomes a pressing issue.

DIVE! is deserving of the multiple awards it has won. The film critically examines a pertinent issue within society, and its humorous take on a somber issue inspires grassroots activism. Who ever knew trash tasted so good and was so thought provoking?

Nota Bene: If you would like more information on persuading stores not to waste food, contact Magic City Harvest at 205.591.FOOD (3663)

Eddie Long and the Travesty of Homophobia and Sex Scandals

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:29:00 +0000

Sorry for just now posting this. Busy days! ;-)

The recent sexual accusations that have been slung against the Bishop Eddie Long have sent the media into a frenzy. To the unaware, Eddie Long is the preacher of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA, which has over 25,000 members. Long has been the spiritual advisor to many celebrities, and is known for his fiery preaching style.

Three former male members of Longfellows Youth Academy, a church sponsored academy that prepares males for manhood, allege that Long inappropriately engaged in sexual misconduct with them such as oral sex, and lavished expensive trips, cars, money, clothes, and jewelry upon them.

The men also allege that they were coerced into sexual acts and sexual relationships with Long, and that Long used Biblical scriptures to justify their relationship. They state that they were flown to exotic international locales, and that Long slept in the same bed as them and committed sexual acts.

The young men were 17 and 18-years old at the time of the alleged incidents, which is above the legal age of consent in Georgia. However, the plaintiffs note that Long abused his “spiritual authority” by engaging in inappropriate relationships with them. This is a civil matter as the young men claim they suffered emotional distress at the hands of Long.

Pictures are purported to have been sent to the young men—one in which Long poses in a bathroom in a muscle shirt. They have been released online, and have many wondering why Long would even pose for these kinds of pictures.

Long categorically denies all accusations of abuse, and many of his church parishioners are standing by him. I can only form my own thoughts, but there are some I will disclose today.

Interestingly, Long is seen as one of the most homophobic pastors in the nation, and even held an anti-gay march in Atlanta. He leads one of the largest African American congregations in the world. His lavish lifestyle, replete with a Bentley and private jet attest to his influence.

Regardless of Long’s guilt or innocence, I find it saddening that the leader of an African American congregation promotes hate in his church. The Bible that I study does not state that one sin is greater than the other, and it doesn’t teach us to hate. It is disheartening when people hide behind religious texts to mask their own radical belief systems.

Instead of leading anti-gay marriage marches, Long and other prominent African American pastors, should utilize their standing to promote more pertinent issues, such as HIV/AIDS within minority communities, the high rate of single parent households, and the negative perception towards the medical community.

There are far greater things to protest and drive furor about then who is marrying whom. Long and other spiritual figures should use their purported calling to promote health and wellness issues, assuage the fear of organ donation amongst minorities, as well as a host of other issues that I can jump on my soapbox about.

Regardless of the outcome, this doesn’t look good for Long. Often, people fall from grace, and perhaps this fall will be a long one.

MASS Ensemble Mesmerizes the ASC

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:37:00 +0000

MASS Ensemble was one of the most awesome performances I have ever attended! I seriously mean that. Certainly, the packed house at the Jemison Concert Hall must agree. MASS Ensemble is comprised of six performers, one of which is William Close, Artistic Director, and creator of the Earth Harp.

The Earth Harp sounds like a cello; it is played by wearing rosin covered gloves, and makes a sound similar to running ones fingers across the rim of a glass. The pitch comes into existence by the tuning blocks. It felt as if I were sitting inside of an instrument—yes, the acoustics in Jemison are just that good!

Close stated that the goal of MASS Ensemble was to transform the Alys Stephens Center into a musical experience, and it most certainly was. The ASC became an instrument as the Earth Harp’s strings hung over patrons heads.

MASS Ensemble takes you on a journey to existence. They fused different styles of music—Middle Eastern, African, rock, opera, and created an experience that overwhelmed and excited the senses.

One vocalist played the violin, and the sound married with the Earth Harp was indescribable. The thudding of the drums and polyrhythmic sounds that surrounded the room heightened the experience.

Each performer was lost within the music, Close included, as he danced while “petting ” the Earth Harp.

All of the instruments are fascinating, and to hear the sounds emanate from them is truly inspiring. The Aquatar has three guitars attached to it—featuring bass, sitar, and guitar. The percussive beats of the Drumbrella, drums in the shape of an umbrella, created an explosive experience, and beckoned the listener to wonder in amazement.

When you add lovely operatic vocals, the sweet delicacy of the Earth Harp, a violin, the superb flexibility of a dancer, AND the thud of the Drum Orb, you are in for a musical delight.

MASS Ensemble combined music, dance, and boldly experimented with sound to create a truly memorable experience. MASS Ensemble are a unique group that redefine the term ‘performance group,’ and push the envelope between music, art, and life. In short, they truly create living art.

Saving Money the Easy Way!!

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:28:00 +0000

*These tips are not just exclusive to college students. ANYONE can use them successfully!

College is the time to learn about yourself, but it is also a time to be fiscally responsible. After all, it is the beginning of your adult life—as cliché as that sounds. If you have a credit card, try to pay it in full each month, and buy ONLY what you need. Utilize price comparison engines to buy your textbooks, or take advantage of the textbook rental program at Barnes and Noble on the university campus.

As students, I know it is hard to come up with money for the occasional splurges—restaurants that do not offer value meals, nice clothing, or a great night out on the town. After a period of time, super greasy pizza, doughnuts, and junk food just does not cut it anymore. Avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15” and pockets with lint in them by using savvy budgeting methods. Although you may not have a lot of money since you are in college, use what money you do have and spend it wisely. Below are a few suggestions.

Make a budget. I read about budgets all the time, and I promise they are not hard to set up. Use online software, or an Excel template. They are super easy to do, and it will not take much time. The key to a budget is figuring out how much of your money is going in and out. A budget is your best friend—in a practical staunch kind of way.

Sign up for daily savings sites. These savings sites are the new kids on the block. They utilize collective buying power to score incredible deals. A few are www.groupon.com and www.livingsocial.com, which both service the Birmingham area. The sites get local businesses to offer up an awesome one day deal. This strategy helps everyone win. You get to save some money, and a local business gets your support.

You may sign up by entering your email address on the aforementioned sites. Afterwards, you are on your merry way to receive an email with the deal of the day. Often, these deals are very attractive to those of us that are pinching our pennies. S ome featured deals have been $25 for $50 worth of clothing at well-known retailers like Gap, food deals, and many more.

Being a college student does not mean that you have to live on ramen noodles and hamburger helper. Plan your shopping trips so that you will not go in the store aimlessly wandering up and down the aisles. Planning allows you to know what it is you need to buy, versus being suckered into buying useless things. Use coupons! No, they are not for moms—they are for everyone who wants to save a bit of change, and coupons help more than you can imagine.

Hopefully, these tips will help alleviate the money crunch that many of us are facing in these uncertain economic times. Study so that you may be more astute when it comes to your money, just as if you would study to do well on a test. Happy Saving!

Sex and a Soul: Montana Fishburne’s Tragic Road to Celebrity

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:19:00 +0000

I thought it was imperative to post this article. It is telling when young women think sex will get them fame. I wrote this some time ago, but of course I'm just now posting it. This may seem like old news to some, but it's the same thing we hear every day except for the fact that Montana Fishburne is a celebrity's daughter.

No matter which way you look at it, sex sells. Throw those rose-colored lenses off and get a glimpse at reality. Pretty half-naked girls coyly smile at viewers on billboards, beckon a ‘come hither’ look with a glint in their young inexperienced eyes, and give off an air of sexual sophistication.

In a world where overweight people are vilified and anorexia is practically promoted, I have to say with a certainty in my voice and clarity in my pen that SEX SELLS—and it sells a lot. If it didn’t sell, a relative no name like Kim Kardashian wouldn’t have risen out of media obscurity, to becoming a successful businesswoman with a clothing line, perfume line, Playboy spread, and a plethora of business ventures.

However, Kardashian’s claim to fame was her infamous sex tape, with then boyfriend Ray J. Both parties claimed the sex tape was leaked, but it made them both quite a bit of money and notoriety in the process.

Now, young and wide eyed Montana Fishburne, who is at the oh so tender age of nineteen, has decided to get her claim to fame by doing a sex tape. You read me right—she decided to do a sex tape on her own (YEAH RIGHT) instead of having it accidentally leaked.

“Chippy D,” as Fishburne coins herself, is set to take the media by storm, and aims to jumpstart her career like Kardashian. How ridiculous does that sound?!

Fishburne is the daughter of acclaimed and uber talented actor, Laurence Fishburne. Why she could not make a name for herself by name dropping her father’s name in a field other than porn is beyond me. This is the daughter of an “A” list celebrity, and she has already been arrested for prostitution!

Montana is a gorgeous girl, and it makes me wonder why she would do something as classless as this. An online video shows her promoting the porn film with a fellow porn star who refers to her as a bitch. On the video, she appears to be a little-girl playing dress up.

One could obviously tell she was uncomfortable by the bewildered look in her eyes and awkward body language.

Sadly, Fishburne will not be the last little girl that is lost.
At nineteen, Fishburne has her whole life ahead of her. Instead, she is too busy chasing fame and obviously screaming for love and attention to see that.

Although she seems boastful in her interviews about becoming an instant star, it is heartbreaking to see such a beautiful and young girl denigrate herself this way--especially when this young girl has a dad in Hollywood. I am sure her father could score her a role as an extra, or introduce her to the right people so that she could break into the acting business.

Pimps like Brian Pumper, a self-professed porn director, who starred with Montana in her first film, Vivid Entertainment, the producer of her SECOND film, and her sleazy boyfriend should be ashamed at themselves for objectifying this naïve young girl. I wonder what any of these males would do if someone did the same to their daughter.

Sex sells in our county, but at what cost to our morality and souls? Have we gone so deep over the edge that we seek attention through sex, reckless behavior, and the objectification of our bodies? I guess it is a sign of the times.

Get out and Volunteer!

noreply@blogger.com (SHERMIKA DUNNER) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:11:00 +0000

This is so not a marketing spill, but I like to jump on a soap box every now and again... ;-)

There is an old adage that roughly states, “To whom much is given, much is required.” With that being said, it is imperative that we all do our part by giving back to our respective communities. Community service is one of the most important things one can do in their life.

Giving back makes a profound effect on others, as well as ourselves. I think that many people do not realize that they can do so much good in this world. Although it sounds so cliché, one person can make a positive impact upon the world. A smile makes quite a bit of difference to many people, and so does a helping hand.

Think of ways in which you could help others. Perhaps you are knowledgeable when it comes to a particular subject—why not think about tutoring students in urban schools? Your talent can be utilized to make a difference in someone else’s life. I know that with school, work, and familial obligations, many of us become distracted and cannot find the time to give back. However, there is always time. There are many worthwhile organizations in the greater Birmingham area that you can give your time too.

Try websites like volunteermatch.org to find out what is going on in your area. I know that the American Diabetes Association has a walk on October 2, 2010. You could help raise money for a very worthy cause by forming a walk team. There will also be a breast cancer walk in October, and you could raise money toward a cure.

Volunteers are in great need in the community. There are many nursing homes that host volunteers who talk to the residents, play games, etc. Also, there are many places that need administrative volunteers like Helping Hand Hospice, and others. So, do not think that volunteering has to involve picking up a hammer.

Sometimes, volunteering can be as simple as teaching a kid how to play a game, painting a room in a Habitat for Humanity house, and so on. Think of creative ways in which you can use your respective talents, and put them to good use. There is a lot of good to be done in Birmingham, and the world as a whole.

Making an impact upon your community only takes one person. Visit local organizations like the Jimmy Hale Mission, Old Firehouse Shelter, Pathways, etc. and be the change that our community needs. Consider serving food, or lend a listening ear to someone. Giving just thirty minutes of your time is better than not giving any time at all. Volunteers are needed and they are appreciated. You never know--you may just be the difference that someone else needs in his or her life. I am sure that what you give will most certainly be returned to you tenfold.