DoGoodedness

for you. for your community. for your world

January 13, 2010
by Matt
0 comments

Music Gives Back

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

As I mentioned in the previous post, my last five days have been spent aboard The Rock Boat – a floating, nearly non-stop music festival put on by Sixthman Promotions. The house still seems to be swaying, hearing is a bit dulled, and my voice is scratchy, but all in all things are slowly returning to normal. Oh, and I kept the rock & roll facial hair going to lift my spirits as I re-acclimate to the real world.

While I am still in the mood, let’s talk a bit about what the recording industry is doing to make this world a better place: the musicians, campaigns and efforts that are making a difference. This past week, I heard from a few bands regarding the organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. I want to pass some of those along and mention a handful of others as well.

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

Ill start with these fellas because a) they are awesome, and b) they were the toast of Rock Boat 10 putting on several great shows.

Stephen Kellogg and his band are involved with several non-profits through charitable auctions, merchandise sales, and free concerts.  Here is a little snippet from their story.

Our opportunity to do some good for children came in November 2006. With no gig available while driving through Memphis, Tennessee, our manager, Steve Bursky, offered our services to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. They accepted and our lives were forever transformed. Seeing joy that wasn’t built on vanity but dignity, seeing little ones with so much to be angry or sad about who were so much less angry or sad than me…it just put things in perspective. That day SK6ERS developed the Rellogg Foundation concept where we would auction off personal items and donate the proceeds to the charities of our individual choices, based on what we cared about. That is of course only the beginning, we’re thinking out loud here…but to date the Rellogg foundation has donated to several charitable organizations including St. Jude, The Make a Wish Foundation, The Raptor Trust, Johns Hopkins University and a host of others. We’ve donated thousands of dollars and have had the privilege of performing for some of the most lovely audiences in our half decade of performance. 2009 has been a great year as far as SK6ERS involvement with the Armed Forces. The band traveled to Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Germany and a half dozen other countries performing for troops and personnel. They even capped off the 4th of July by performing for Israeli Prime Minister Netentyahu. Thank you for taking the time to go beyond the music with us.

Sincerely,

SK, Kit, Boots and Steamer

Check them out!  The music is great and they are truly some nice guys.  Consider purchasing a band calendar – All the proceeds go to St. Jude!

The Edge and Bono (U2)

That’s right, I put The Edge first, because he by far has the sweetest nickname ever. These two have certainly put out some catchy tunes in their tenure, but their efforts off the stage are also worth noting.

David Howell Evans (The Edge) is a large supporter of Mencap, a non-profit based in the United Kingdom that strives to assist those living with learning disabilities. His efforts have also been linked to Angiogenesis (medical advancement that is showing promise against cancer) research and most notably a charitable auction that bought instruments for those who lost theirs in Hurricane Katrina.

Bono, as you are full aware, is quite the outspoken Irishman.  He has been a prominent figure with African and Humanitarian causes, namely DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and numerous other civil rights efforts.  His vested interest in the (RED) Campaign to fight AIDS sang to the tune of $40 million raised on Valentine’s Day last year.  Undoubtedly, Bono has accomplished some great things throughout his career, both musically and on a global scale.

Sister Hazel

Here is another Rock Boat act (co-founder actually) that is doing great things through the Lyrics for Life Foundation. To quote their website:

Lyrics For Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric Cancer. It was founded by Sister Hazel front man Ken Block in memory of his younger brother Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with Cancer.

The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions and other
fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, we are surrounding this disease and conquering it from every angle.

Check out their website if you would like to attend a Lyrics for Life event, donate, or bid on some sweet rock & roll memorabilia.

Dave Matthews

This quirky South African native may or may not have accidently allowed his tour bus to drop 800 pounds of poo off a bridge outside Chicago (and on to a riverboat), but we will forgive this on account of his dedication to helping the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. Through his Bama Works Fund, Matthews (and his band mates) supports programs that provide for disadvantaged youth, the disabled, protection of the environment, and the arts and humanities in this area. Since its inception, more than $5 Million has been put to good use.

Elton John

Driven by the loss of close friends to the disease, Sir Elton set out to help fight the AIDS epidemic and established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 (1993 in the UK).  This organization has since raised $150 Million: implementing a host of programs that seek to educate, advocate, and establish preventative measures against HIV/AIDS.  Take some time to read this letter from Elton himself.

Willie Nelson

In 1985, Willie was instrumental in establishing the Farm Aid Concert, which is still active today – raising money for Midwestern farmers in financial crisis.  He is also a huge advocate of Biofuels, personally investing in manufacturing and distribution facilities across the country.

Dispatch

Although their current existence as a band may be questionable, Dispatch has been unwavering in their philanthropic involvement.  In the likeness of their song, the Elias Fund was founded in 2005 with the mission statement “To provide hope and opportunity to Zimbabwean youth through community development and education while empowering the American youth culture to embrace their global role and make it an active one.”  Keep it up guys!

In a self centered industry, it is great to see that there are those who still give back to the community and world around them.

DoGood!

Matt

Please email me: Matt@DoGoodedness.com with any suggestions, comments, or feedback that you may have.

January 6, 2010
by Matt
0 comments

It’s Cold Outside!

snow

Hey gang,

Sorry to make this brief, but I wanted to throw an idea at you before heading out of town for The Rock Boat Cruise.  Once I have my feet back on dry land and a functional laptop, DoGoodedness will reopen for some well-intentioned business.

Call me a weenie, but when the temperatures here in Birmingham settle into the sub-freezing range, I become quite irritable.  My skin cracks, my cheeks get all rosy, and getting out of bed takes every ounce of effort.  I do some apprehensive finger crossing and pray that my water pipes don’t explode and drown Artimus while I am at work.  Maybe I’m just a big wuss, but this is not a fun time of year for yours truly.

As miserable as it may be for those of us who take refuge with our heating systems, the climate this time of year is much more crippling for our homeless population.  Those who cannot find safe harbor in shelters run a very high risk of freezing to death when the temperatures start dropping.  (Side note: I think this is why San Diego has so many homeless people.  After all, if you are going to be outdoors, why not be in a beautiful place?)

As you are replacing your old jackets with the new ones that Santa & Co. delivered, consider dropping them off at the local homeless shelter.  They will be much more appreciative than the moths in your closet.  If you live in Birmingham, might I recommend the Jimmie Hale Mission (tell them Chappy sent you) or the Firehouse Shelter.  Additionally, they will gladly accept blankets, gloves, and scarves.

If there is not a drop-off location in your neighborhood, then feel free to play distributor to those who are in need of such comfort (albeit carefully).  Buy some hand warmers (these are very cheap) and give them out, or pick up an extra cup of coffee for the guy thumbing a ride off of your exit.  

Do Good! 

Matt

January 2, 2010
by Matt
0 comments

Stay Motivated!

motivation

Greetings!  I hope everyone celebrated the New Year in style.

Aside from a spike in calendar purchases, the one thing synonymous with January 1st is the New Years resolution.  Admittedly, we all make at least one.  Embedded in our less-than-perfect nature is the inherent love of a fresh start.  Whatever you did last year, here is your chance to do it better.  We love the opportunity to have a clean slate.

Along with this idea, I wanted to offer up a little support to keep you on track and motivated as the year progresses – because nothing sucks more than failing to keep a promise to yourself.  From my experience, here are the best ways to stay in the groove and accomplish those goals.

Read This

If books are your outlet, then here are a few of my favorites by category:

Environment: If you want to lessen your environmental impact and put in the extra effort to do good this year, I suggest “The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget.”  This handy work will keep everything in perspective while holding you accountable.  All credit to Santa Claus for delivering this one to the Chapman house.

Health: As most of our resolutions fall into the “getting into shape” realm, I have a few to get the blood pumping.  If you find that keeping up the regular exercise as easy at is used to be, then pick up “Every Second Counts”  by Lance Armstrong (with Sally Jenkins).  Whatever difficulties you are going through, they probably isn’t as stifling as a bout with multiple forms of cancer.  Leave it to the seven-time Tour De France champion and Cancer activist to get you off your butt.

If running is your passion, I highly recommend “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall.  It will definitely help you find joy in putting one foot in front of the other.  This helped me get ready for a 200 mile relay, and the highly entertaining romp is enough to get anyone moving.

Community: If you want to feel like your altruistic self is lacking, then pick up “Mountains Beyond Mountains.”  In this revealing account, Tracy Kidder details the life and efforts of Paul Farmer, an M.D. who has done more good for the world than any of us can imagine.  Mad props to my buddy Ben Wilson for this one; it completely changed my perspective on what one person can accomplish.

Watch This

Maybe I’m just a goob, but Rocky IV gets the job done, regardless of what type of motivation I require.  Once you see Sly running up snow covered mountains, chasing chickens, and carrying logs, you might just want to get things together.  Unless you are taking on the Communist regime and a juiced up Giant, then whatever you have in the works will seem much more doable.  (ps – this is just a movie, but you and I both know it rocks your face off).

“Without Limits” will get you signing up for every road race on the calendar…guaranteed.  This mini-bio of Steve Prefontaine is the stuff of legends.

My wife highly recommends “Pay it Forward” if things are looking down for your non-profit efforts.  This will give you the inspiration necessary to keep going and do as much good as possible.

If All Else Fails…

Nothing will keep you going like a buddy.  I have trained for several marathons by myself, and the outcome for both was regrettable.  Make things easier on yourself and find a partner to corroborate your efforts.  Whether it be an athletic goal, a fundraising effort, or a resolve to detach from the grid, it always helps to have someone on your side. 

DoGood!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with any comments, suggestions, or ideas: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.

December 30, 2009
by Matt
0 comments

A Long Way Gone

a long way gone

Admittedly, I have had a lot of downtime lately, what with the holidays and all.  Work is slow, and you can only play so much Wii before pulling a muscle or five.  Consequently, yours truly has been tearing through some books at a blistering pace.  Hence the recent post on Outcasts United and today’s feature on another.  I promise not to inundate you with a discussion on every literary work that comes across my desk, but every now and then I find one that drastically changes my perspective.  A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is just that.

Occasionally, I am consumed by an overwhelming desire to fill in my knowledge gaps.  Assuredly, there is plenty out there that I am unaware of, but omission of major topics is completely unsettling.  This is why A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldierjumped out as I scanned the book aisle at Target.  Aside from the $9.95 price (a pretty good deal methinks), my interest was peaked since I had never read a first person account of the Sierra Leone conflicts.  Aside from a Kanye West song and a documentary on diamond mining, I actually knew very little about the region and its inhabitants.

As someone who ascribes heavily to what my wife refers to as “stupid humor,” this book comes as a drastic change of pace.  Do not expect to be thoroughly amused or entertained by what Beah has to offer.  This is a gritty, uncensored, and heart wrenching view into the mind of a 12-15 year old boy enveloped by horrible circumstances.  To call such accounts “sobering” would be a massive understatement.  It is straight-up unbelievable at times.  However, I strongly feel that everyone should give it a read.

Something worth noting is the author’s style.  Initially, I was a bit critical of the unpolished and elementary arrangement.  The stream of consciousness storytelling does not appear to be well thought out or carefully edited.  Paragraphs jump around with little regard to coherence or flow.  I wondered why this fella (who obviously did not grow up speaking fluent English) did not sign on a co-author to polish things up.

But then my perspective changed.  When Beah enters the war, you will realize that there is no other way to tell the story.  Sugar coating would only decry his intent.  What this child encounters is unimaginable, and the only way to truly experience all of it is through his eyes and his words.  So, if you decide to give this book a chance, I ask that you stick with it through the first 100 pages.

41428

Ultimately, this is a story of hope and overcoming unquestionable odds.  There is a positive light to celebrate, but at the same time, you want to cry for the thousands of children who were less fortunate.  After reading A Long Way Gone, you will start to pay attention when the world news mentions warring African Nations.  Why?  Because Ishmael Beah has provided a personal connection to what is really happening.  And this is why I mention his book on DoGoodedness.  A big part of helping a cause and doing good around the world is believing in change; understanding the bad and fighting for what is right.  Through his memoirs, the author has opened the eyes of millions.

If you want people to take up your flag and make a positive impact, then give them a first hand account.  Put a face and a story on your mission statement, because then it is personal.  This, my friend, is why you want to call up Sarah McLachlan and adopt all the abused animals they show on the Humane Society commercials.

Give your audience a connection, and they will believe.

DoGood, and have a Happy New Year!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with comments, suggestions, or whatever: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.

December 28, 2009
by Matt
1 Comment

Adopt a Pet

photo

You might call me an animal lover, or at the very least a pet lover. Some may cite my affinity for barbeque as a violation of the former, but I do appreciate the pig and thank it for being delicious.  I am the kind of person that goes to a house party and ends up playing with the cat…

Throughout the years, we Chapmans have taken in a variety of dogs, cats, ducks, geese, and horses.  Some have been great, others not so much, but they have been family just the same.

It was certainly keeping with tradition to adopt a few of my own once I moved out.  You can see the pair pictured above.  The dog is Lucy.  She was separated from her mother as a puppy and wound up in the garage of our friends.  Her lineage is a mystery, but we enjoy guessing.  The smaller one is Artimus (named after the Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer), a Humane Society kitten. He is the coolest.  Until the human versions arrive, Allison and I refer to these two as our “furry children.”

I woke up this morning to a news story featuring Birmingham’s branch of The Emergency Animal Rescue (TEARS) and their current dire straits.  The organization is in desperate need of food for cats, dogs, horses, and a host of other oddball pets (goats, pigs, mules, etc.) that have been abandoned or abused.  If you are not familiar with TEARS, they are much like the Humane Society, but work closer with special cases.

This was a timely reminder for a topic I wanted to explore here at DoGoodedness – animal adoption.  If you are in the market for a new pet, please consider going to your local Humane Society first before looking at pet stores and breeders.  Admittedly, I have owned both pedigrees and mixes over the years.  The expensive ones have been just as loveable as those that were picked up from a shelter (in several cases – dumber and more injury prone).  The fact of the matter is that the animal from a breeder won’t be put to sleep after a few weeks, but the ones at the Humane Society will if someone doesn’t adopt them.  Save money and a furry life. Win-win!  If you want more reasons, give this a read.

Unless you plan on becoming a breeder, let me also suggest that you get your animals fixed.  To quote Bob Barker, a passionate animal rights activist, and his signature signoff “Help control the pet population.  Have your pets spayed or neutered.”  It may seem like an unnecessary expense up front, but you will thank me later.  Let it also be noted that most animals up for adoption at the Humane Society have already undergone this procedure.

Now, I certainly will not cast stones if you choose to pay for a purebred animal.  These will eventually need good homes as well.  All I ask is that you consider a rescue one as well.

Look at this face and tell it no!

farmer dan

All the best to you and yours.

DoGood!

matt

Please email me with any feedback, suggestions, criticism, or comments: Matt@DoGoodedness.com

December 22, 2009
by Matt
0 comments

What Keeps You Up?

Can't Sleep?

Can't Sleep?

Like many optimistic young professionals, I am constantly inundated with management parables.  Books, articles, and training seminars offer up more business advice than anyone could ever implement.  Most of this information has been logged away in the unreachable caverns of my brain, but a few thoughts have settled in to practical use.

One of my favorite references is the book “Rules of Thumb” by Alan M. Webber.  Instead of prosthelytizing the certain truths of Leadership, he dictates interactions with successful people and the traits that inherently drive them to greatness.  One of Webber’s favorite interview questions from his years of reporting is “What keeps you up at night?” because that unsettling feeling is the impetus to wake up in the morning and make things happen.

I love this, because a truthful answer will basically sum up what drives an individual.  It is the essence of what makes you tick.  This will tell you so much about someone: who they are under the surface and what kind of person they really are.

So why would this apply to what we are working towards here at DoGoodedness?  The answer is simple: We want to know what you care about.  Beyond work and family, what causes and issues occupy your thoughts? Take a minute and answer honestly: What keeps YOU up at night?  Note: “nothing” is a crappy answer.  Write these things down.  If you really want to affect change, this is where you will find your calling.

The things that keep me up at night: Illiteracy, the homeless population, providing a wonderful world for my kids (hypothetical children, of course – little Chappys are in the distant future), and being a better person.

Of the many reasons you can find to get involved, it is great to list one of them as “this really matters to me.”  With such motivation, it is much easier to stay committed.  The early mornings, late nights, sweat, tears, and money you sacrifice will be well worth it.  Believing in what you do makes your work special.

Please email me (matt@DoGoodedness.com) with what keeps you up at night.  Let me know how you want to challenge the status quo and make a positive impact on the world.  I will be delighted to help you get plugged in or start your own initiative.

DoGood!

matt

photo by stephmcg via flickr

December 19, 2009
by Matt
0 comments

Toys for Tots

toys for tots

As we are quickly approaching the Holiday season, I wanted to dedicate a short post to the Toys for Tots campaign that is currently wrapping up.  Undoubtedly, you have heard of this wonderful initiative, and probably even dropped off a toy.  Here is why your donation matters.

Humor me for a second and recall some of your favorite Christmas memories.  I’ll be honest: as a child, most of mine were related to Santa’s deliveries.  It is laughable now, but I can remember being so excited on Christmas Eve night that I could barely sleep.  I tossed and turned as visions of Eric Clapton (I was hoping for a Fender Stratocaster that year) danced in my head.

I say all this because there are plenty of children out there who do not have such memories.  While other youths are enjoying the holiday, others are only experiencing disappointment and a reminder of tough times.  This is where Toys for Tots makes such a big difference.

Major Bill Hendricks established the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 1947.  To this day, the organization maintains a close relationship with the “Leathernecks” and employs them every year to collect and distribute gifts.

The goal is to deliver a message of hope, which will assist in building self-esteem and, in turn, motivate less fortunate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.  A shiny new toy is the best means of accomplishing this goal.

Since its inception, the organization has distributed more than 400 million toys to 188 million needy children.  Toys collected in your town go to individuals who live in the area.  So crack a smile and know that you have brightened the day of a child just down the road.

If you haven’t dropped off a gift, the last day is today, so find a drop off location and make it happen.  Visit this site for details.  On their home page, you will also find other ways to support Toys for Tots, including their Literacy Program or their Papa Johns offer.

Those with children will appreciate this opportunity to teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas.  This years hottest toys will eventually be collecting dust, but the spirit of giving can last a lifetime.  Spread the love, joy, and DoGoodedness!

Happy Holidays!

chappy

December 17, 2009
by Matt
0 comments

Greenwashing

greenwashing

I spent much of my day today at Auburn University visiting with their Engineering Staff and hearing about some research on alternative fuels.  It was a great chance to see what technology is coming down the pipeline.  During his presentation, one of my former professors was venturing onto the topic of sustainability when he threw out the term “Greenwashing.”  I had a pretty good guess at what he was referring to.   A quick Google search confirmed my suspicions.

For a while, I have been trying to think of an expression for this exact concept, and now I had it.  If you notice the previous titles to your right, you see that I must keep my article names succinct (or else they jumble up the spacing), and my creative allusion to Kermit the Frog was not going to fit on one line.

Greenwashing, as defined by Wikipedia, “is the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly.”  Or as I like to call it, “color fraud.”  The Susan G. Komen Foundation is familiar very familiar with this concept.

You might recall the thousands of pink ribbon adorned objects for sale in October, where many of them do absolutely nothing for the battle against Breast Cancer.  Greenwashing serves to similarly draw on the heartstrings of consumers and fool them into endorsing companies that do little or nothing for the environment.

As everyone is aware, being green is all the rage these days.  The problem, as with any marketing fad, is discerning who is for serious and who simply changed their color scheme. The challenge is being an informed consumer.  Take time to look at the facts.

Surrounding a product with healthy vegetation in a TV commercial does not make it beneficial for the environment.  A large SUV atop a mountain is no more in tune with nature than one that is inching through rush hour traffic.  Don’t be fooled by creative packaging and pretty pictures.

If you are employed at an organization that throws around the “Green” concept liberally, then hold your company responsible.  If the proof is not apparent, then ask your boss what is being done to support the image that is being purveyed.  I have run into this façade, as has my wife at in her job.  When all is said and done, is your business jumping on the promotional bandwagon, or are they really making an effort?

One of my goals from the outset of this site was to focus on being “Environmentally Conscious” and avoid any associations with the previously mentioned term.  This is partly in an attempt to dissociate from this growing trend and additionally to remove any ambiguity.  Our goal here at DoGoodedness is to provide reasonable and effective means of lessoning your environmental impact.

All being said, I am not here to rip someone a new one for changing the background on their website or redesigning their literature to look more more natural, but being “green” is simple.  We should hold ourselves to higher standards, and question the intentions of those who wear a false altruism.  Finding a new term wouldn’t hurt either…

Just keep Doing Good, and the world will be a better place for it!

Thanks,

Matt Chapman (or Chappy if we’re cool)

December 14, 2009
by Matt
2 Comments

Drink More Water!

drinkingwater

Lick it Up!

Now, I know this is hardly the most revolutionary or groundbreaking topic, but it seems to be one of the most commonly ignored medical directives.  Drinking the recommended amount of water each day seems like a no brainer, yet studies show that 75% of Americans are “chronically dehydrated.”  How much should you have each day?  What are the benefits, you ask?  Keep reading.  If you don’t, my mother will give you a lecture, and nobody wants that.

A Big Part of Your Makeup

An adult human body is comprised of 60-70% H2O.  It is an integral part of your blood, muscles, lungs, and brain.  Water transports oxygen to cells, removes waste, regulates body temperature, and distributes nutrients, in addition to providing protection for joints and organs.  Without the proper levels of this vital molecule, your body will shut down.

How Much?

Let it be noted that I didn’t come up with is, but here is a great way to figure up a healthy amount of water.  Notice it has nothing to do with “glasses” because that is a silly and ambiguous method of measuring things.  Thanks to nutrition.com for the following:

A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

Health Benefits

Would you like to enhance fat loss, stave off ailments, feel less hungry, and look younger?  You could make a whole lot of easy payments of $19.95, or you could just drink more water.  Your body uses it to haul away the byproducts of fat breakdown.  Back pain, fatigue, headaches, and muscle spasms can mostly be prevented through proper hydration.  Believe it or not: water is an appetite suppressant, while also keeping toxins flushed out of your skin.

Over the years, I began to notice a trend.  If I went to mom feeling sluggish, disoriented, or nursing a headache, she would inevitably question my water intake for the day.  She is not a doctor, but nine times out of ten the woman is right on this one.  Now, (to her certain irritation) my wife is the recipient of this diagnosis whenever she complains of such symptoms.

How Do You Know if You Are Dehydrated?

Let’s be real for a moment.  What color was your pee last time you visited the John?  No worries, I won’t tell anybody.  If it was clear, or a wee (get it?) bit yellow, then you are properly hydrated.  If not, then bottoms up!  You have some drinking to do.  Some other sure-fire signs of dehydration: thirst (there’s a shocker, but truthfully, you are dehydrated long before then), chronic pains in joints and muscles, constipation, and headaches.

In closing; if you plan on making “high quality H2O” part of the daily routine, get yourself a re-usable bottle and fill from the tap (filter if necessary).  Not only is it expensive to buy the stuff in plastic bottles, but doing so produces a lot of waste.  At the very least, please recycle your plastic!

DoGood!

Chappy

Email me: Matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or thoughts!

photo by Darwin Bell via Flickr

December 11, 2009
by Matt
0 comments

Outcasts United

outcasts united

In September, I had the pleasure of hearing author Warren St. John speak at our United Way Campaign Kickoff luncheon.  St. John, a Birmingham native and writer for the New York Times, has garnered recognition in recent years for his first book Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, which entertainingly details the devoted followers of Alabama football.  Based on his first work, I was initially confused as to why the United Way of Central Alabama had plucked him as their keynote speaker, but a table of fresh books at the door signaled that there was a new project to discuss.

Well, I really enjoyed what Warren had to say, and was quite interested in the premise of his new book, Outcasts United.  After a few months, my queue of books cycled through and I was ready to give it shot.  I literally finished it thirty minutes ago, and feel quite strongly that it is a story worth sharing.  At the very least, give the synopsis a read.

Rather than stumble my way through a summary, here is how Warren St. John describes his documentary styled non-fiction:

Outcasts United is the story of a refugee soccer team, a remarkable woman coach and a small southern town turned upside down by the process of refugee resettlement.

In the 1990s, that town, Clarkston, Georgia, became a resettlement center for refugees and a modern-day Ellis Island for scores of families from war zones in Liberia, Congo, Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan. The town also became home to Luma Mufleh, an American-educated Jordanian woman who founded a youth soccer team to help keep Clarkston’s boys off the streets. These boys named themselves the Fugees — short for refugees.  Outcasts United follows a pivotal season in the life of the Fugees, their families and their charismatic coach as they struggle to build new lives in a fading town overwhelmed by change. Theirs is a story about resilience in the face of extraordinary hardship, the power of one person to make a difference and the daunting challenge of creating community in a place where people seem to have so little in common.

This really appealed to me for two reasons.  First of all, I am a soccer fan.  I grew up playing the sport, I pay for those extra channels on Directv, and I’m one of those snobby a-holes who occasionally refers to it as “real football.”  As someone who participated in youth soccer (for a team that is actually mentioned in the book), I certainly appreciate the game and the overwhelming team aspect it promotes.

Secondly, I love the no-frills approach that St. John takes in his writing.  This book is not a fairy tale.  The protagonists and antagonists are people like you and me – fully relatable.  As real life tends to be, the story of these refugees is, more often than not, filled with roadblocks and hardships.  Some of the kids make it.  Others do not.  However, the beauty lies within this inconsequential social experiment: the quintessential, and quite literal, embodiment of our American melting pot.

Everyone serves to learn from the self-sacrifice of Luma (the coach).  We can decry the residents of “Old Clarkston” who must cope with dramatic change in their small town, all the while wondering what we would do.  Lastly, these boys show the world how to embrace diversity and thrive upon it.  With sometimes-unbelievable upbringings, these teenagers from varied nations, religious backgrounds, and languages, work together to make something beautiful.  How can you not love this story?

If you would like to find out more, please visit the web page for Outcasts United.  Additionally, you can help refugee families by making a donation to FugeesFamily.org.

DoGood!

Matt “Chappy” Chapman