The Idea Camp

Lately I've been starting things. Acholi Beads, WikiChoice, the Children's Book Project - things that didn't exist until I played some role in creating them.

This has been a strange experience.

I was never a 'start things' sort of person. In fact, I have long looked with a fair amount of envy at people with that magic for making something new, for envisioning and executing. So my recent exploration of creation has given me a chance to study from the inside what I've long watched from the sidelines. I still feel like quite a novice.

This is one of the reasons I'm excited to be at The Idea Camp in February of this coming year. This new conference/roundtable aims to bring together social innovators - people with the knack for coming up with new, important ideas and making them into world changing realities. I stand to learn a ton.

Another reason I'm excited is to reconnect with Charles Lee, The Idea Camp's organizer, who I met briefly this summer in North Carolina. Charles is using ideas of open source activism to move people from complacency to compassion, and from compassion to proactivity. I draw a lot of inspiration and guidance from his work.

Another reason I'm excited is because you're invited. The Idea Camp is February 27 and 28, 2009 in Irvine, CA, and it's free. Follow the links and register on the website and you're in. And drop me a comment if you plan to come. I'll look forward to seeing you there.

30 Days, 1 Million Voices

If you're not already watching the 30 Days For 1 Million Voices campaign for Burma, check it out. The US Campaign for Burma is putting out one short video every day for 30 days to rally 1 million people to speak out about the genocide in Burma.

Burma (also known as Myanmar) is a country next to Thailand in Southeast Asia that has been ruled by a military junta for the past 19-years. The ruling party is wiping out many of Burma's ethnic minorities, committing several genocides at once, with international impunity because it is acting within its own borders. There is much that can be done, though, from serving Burmese refugees to pressuring China to stop supporting the military government. Sign up for the US Campaign for Burma and keep a hand ready for action.

Ubuntu, but not the Linux

I've been thinking a lot about how faith inspires action lately, how faith and action seem synonymous when that faith is in Jesus and his commands. Jared N. Miller lays it out wonderfully here. And peruse the rest of his blog while you're at it. It's worth it.

Back in the brilliant tumult

Back in America, back for Christmas and New Year's and families and get-togethers and small talk and resolutions and overeating and finding the funny in suburbia because suburbia is all we have. I'm in Phoenix for a short spell with good friends Aaron and Christen, and their son Xavier.

For those who might wonder, here's what I'm doing now:

Acholi Beads: My family and I are defining a new type of business - the compassion of the NGO merged with the strength and longevity of a business. It's the beginning of something big.
Invisible Children: Though my time in Uganda is finished for now, I may keep working for them on a new project stateside. Or I'll find other creative ways to support the incredible work they're doing.
re:tithe: I'm formulating some thoughts and many questions about the economy of community and compassion. This is going to be a serious pursuit ASAP.

For those who might wonder, here's what I'm thinking now:

So much must change, and so much is changing. Faith and action are synonymous unless you are a fatalist. Jesus' teachings and commands are much more applicable to tomorrow morning than most people will acknowledge. Unless someone takes the first step, we won't have anyone to follow. Life is about stepping into the void between the familiar and the impossible. Those who live with a reckless disregard for what is possible are the only ones who do great things. Impetuousness is the seed of greatness.

The theme of 2008 thus far is Action. It's been in the air and on the web and in my head and in the expectant, impatient rhythm of time.

So far I've been resting, recovering, readjusting, and I've been slow in getting in gear and in contact with many of you, but look for that to change soon. Happy New Year!