HOPE - RESOURCES
Humanity Has Always Overcome Its Darkest Hours
Hope and education are directly linked. States and countries with higher portions of citizens who have college degrees are more likely to be led by optimism and less likely to be ruled by fear. The more we know about science, history and the workings of the world, the more likely we are to feel empowered to change things for the better.
Hope stands in contrast to fear. Hope is a reflection of love and patience. Fear is a reflection of hate, dysfunction, and powerlessness. Hope looks up with optimism. Fear looks down in anger.
In this important election season, many of us seem to define ourselves by who and what we hate; by what we fear and are opposed to. But when we focus on what we don’t want, we encourage more of it. You get what you focus on whether or not you want it. Let us define ourselves by who and what we love. Let’s define ourselves by what we stand for, not by what we stand against. — Jonathan Sprout
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
Here are some excellent organizations working to inspire hope and change for a better world.
The Peace Center in Langhorne, PA, United States is a diverse community committed to living together in Justice and Peace with a mission to educate, empower and support individuals and organizations in efforts to prevent violence, promote peaceful resolution of conflict and foster inclusive, equitable and safe communities locally, nationally and worldwide. Jonathan has been a supporter of this ground-breaking organization since the early 1980s.
“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” - George Washington Carver
Earthwatch is an international environmental charity that brings individuals from all walks of life together with world-class scientists to work for the good of the planet.
The Earth Charter is an ethical framework for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations. It is a vision of hope and a call to action.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.” - Helen Keller
Operation HOPE Sixty-three percent of middle-income Americans say they’re unable to afford a $500 car repair or a $1,000 emergency room bill. The majority of Americans in underserved communities live without financial opportunity, many in a generational cycle of poverty. Operation HOPE is on a mission to disrupt that. HOPE Inside is their award-winning model of community uplift. They serve adults, youth, disaster survivors, and employees with financial dignity programming and coaching to equip them with the financial knowledge and tools to create a secure future.
Hispanic Organization Promoting Education is a community helping high school students succeed.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert Einstein
Hope for Society Foundation’s primary aim is to provide resources and opportunities for individuals to maximize their full potential, that they may be empowered to transform their lives and elevate from poverty to prosperity. They build healthy, diverse, and inclusive relationships within society to foster economic development.
“Ignore the cynics, the trolls and the people who just have to hate. Let’s create a bold and visionary world that is not driven by fear, but inspired by hope.” - Jonathan Sprout
Hope International is motivated by the Greatest Commandment to love God, love our neighbor, and make disciples of all nations. They proclaim and live the Gospel, affirming that we all need daily bread and the Bread of Life. In fighting global poverty, they are confronting one of the greatest challenges of our day.
Bring Me Hope has a mission to provide orphans with a safe place to experience healing, be assured of their value, and be given opportunities to explore fun, new things like swimming, art, music and field trips. After camp finishes, volunteers have been able to help some children get adopted, receive medical help, and advocate for other needs. They defend the weak and the parentless while upholding the cause of the poor and the oppressed.