Get on the Love Train

What is the love train? Imagine a locomotive that stops in every town, in every city, in every country, filled with people who share the same vision: to be the change they wish to see in the world; to make the world a better place for each and every person who lives in it. A place filled with courage, strength, respect, acceptance, kindness, generosity, fearlessness, and most importantly, love.

Want a ticket? Open your heart. Seek guidance when you are struggling. Take care of your body. Fill your brain with knowledge and your soul with light and inspiration. Explore your spirituality. Trust your instincts. Transform negative thoughts into positive ones. Water your internal garden so that you may continue to grow. Accept who you are and embrace your individuality. Be honest. Stand strong. Speak your mind. Love yourself. Then-

Share it. Treat people the way you wish to be treated. Give more than people expect. Do it with joy in your heart. A small act of kindness will mean more than you'll ever know. One of the best ways to give is to volunteer for an organization or cause you believe in. Check out the web sites below or think about what might be the best fit for your abilities and interests and find your own. The rest is up to you. And remember, you don't have to be a super-hero to change the world. You just have to be you.

Amnesty International
Protect human rights worldwide.
website: www.amnesty.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Mentor a child between the ages of 5 and 18.
website: www.bbbsa.org

CoachArt (Los Angeles)
Improve the quality of life for underprivileged children and adolescents with life-threatening illnesses by providing free, personal lessons in the arts and athletics.
website: www.coachart.org

EarthDay Network
Keep the environment clean.
website: www.earthday.net

God's Love We Deliver (NY)
website: www.godslovewedeliver.org

Heifer International
End world hunger.
website: www.heifer.org

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
A peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, teen violence and teen depression and suicide.
website: www.saddonline.com

Seeds of Peace (NY)
Help empowering young leaders from regions of conflict.
website: www.seedsofpeace.org

Volunteers of America
Search by state and category of service (e.g. Children and Youth, Elderly, and Homeless) for places to give your time.
website: www.voa.org

Wilderness Volunteers
Preserve America's "wild lands."
website: www.wildernessvolunteers.org

World Teach
Live and work as a volunteer teacher in developing countries.
website: www.worldteach.org

* from www.mariska.com