Everything Under The Sun: Telling The Story

Friday, January 30, 2015

Telling The Story

Dan Beckmann

How do people know what needs changing? How does anyone know what or who is sparking change? How do these stories get known? Who tells them - these stories of those who make a contribution to making this world of ours a better place?

These are some of the questions that may have entered the minds of Liz Vargas, who used to direct The Women's Resource Center in Lawrence and Haverhill MA, and Dan Beckmann, a camera man, producer, editor with 22 years of experience with the Today Show. They came together to tell the stories of how people became involved in social change and engagement, no matter the size of the action. They formed Just DO Something...Anything!, with the hope that these stories would inspire others to make a difference.

Their organization started out with an INTRODUCTORY VIDEO, with words that depict the various areas in which one could engage. The message that predominates is to get people acting and engaged. So far, there is a blog, SOCIAL DISCUSSION, that has been in operation since September 2012. There are entries about areas of need - and about various individuals who come together, or who on their own, are striving to address those needs. Then there is their WEBSITE; they offer their storytelling services to organizations who would like their stories known, through YouTube videos. There are four organizations who have utilized these services - and there are also others not on the website.

Action does not have to be large to make a difference. Simple things like opening a door, smiling, writing a message on poster board, can be the start of a movement. The important thing is for people to be the change they want to see. Setting an example, being a role model, it all adds up. Some pretty wonderful things can happen.

People who are doing things like this deserve for their stories to be told. And that is precisely what Liz Vargas and Dan Beckmann are doing. Their blog is just one method. They have used social media, along with the more traditional media - magazines and newspapers. Both also continue their own activism, as well. Thinking outside the box has kept them thinking big - and continuing to let readers/viewers know that many small actions together can lead to big changes.