From “March Madness” to “April “Awareness”

By: Frank DiCoccoGuest blogger

From “March Madness” to “April “Awareness”

A Very Important Theme for the Entire Month of April

“Wishing for Change”  vs.  “Working to Make Change Happen”

The legendary Mahatma Gandhi once said: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.”  These words are very wise, and indeed very true.  However, it is often very easy—as well—to get lost in the “big-picture” way of seeing things, and consequently to lose sight of the more personal matters that affect our lives in a much more profound way.

“We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Very true, however, we must take this a step further.  For, we must not only work to become the change we want to see in our world… We must also be the change we wish to see in ourcommunities. We must be the change we wish to see in our neighborhoods. We must be the change we wish to see in our schools. We must be the change we wish to see in our society, our country, and our culture. 

Sometimes, when we place all our emphasis on changing the “entire world,” we can get lost in the idealistic notions of change. When this happens, we get caught day-dreaming about change, and we neglect to actually roll-up our sleeves, get out there, and work to make change happen.  Idealistic intentions and noble notions are nice… but there is no substitute for action.

Awareness &; Action

Before we can ever begin to wish for change, and certainly before we can ever begin to work to make change happen, we first must open our eyes and alert ourselves to the circumstances and conditions around us.  To put it in other terms:Awareness precedes action.  Therefore, we need to understand what situations are occurring in our communities—and what problems actually exist—that we wish to do something about.  Acknowledgement must take place before change can occur.  And so, we must acknowledge the problems and shortcomings of our communities, of our neighborhoods, of our schools, and of our society as a whole.

Awareness &; Ignorance 

Action &; Apathy

One of the biggest problems in our society today—in my very impassioned opinion—is the manner in which we, as a culture, regard and treat the women of this world.  There are far too many occurrences of abuse, assault, intimidation, and violence of any kind. This is true with regard to virtually every form of violence. 


However, it is most prevalent with regard to gender violence.  As a man, I feel disappointed in the attitudes and actions that our society tolerates—and at times, even encourages. More importantly, however, I feel inspired to take action and work to help make a difference.  I desire to see change take place…but I am dedicated even more so to rolling-up my sleeves and working to help make that change happen. I wish to see the world change for the better, and I am willing to do my part to help initiate that change—right here, and right now—in my little corner of the world.