A few years ago, photojournalist Rachel Harbut saw a video on the Tsunami that struck Indonesia. Compelled by its message and images, she showed a friend the same video. Equally mesmerized, the friend proceeded to ask her what had happened. Given that the tsunami tragedy was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, not to mention its status as headline news, Rachel was stunned. She says, “Not hearing about a natural disaster wiping over 230,000 people really says something about your world awareness, if not character.”

Inspired by the video, Rachel was on to something big. Her love for newspaper publication and passion for world awareness, left her no choice but to go digital. With just her laptop and YouTube, she started creating media presentations to promote world issues, educate her peers and encourage people to get involved. “I want people to know how fortunate we are in the U.S. and how easy it is for us to help. We have so many resources,” Rachel says.

Want to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Rachel suggests starting with the Internet. “It’s as simple as using Google. You’ll be amazed the little effort it takes to make a huge difference,” she says. Supporting an organization through online participation is an easy way to make a difference. Rachel recommends Nabuur.com, an online volunteering platform that links online volunteers with local communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Through the site, volunteers and local communities learn about each other, share ideas and find solutions to local issues.

Social networking sites are another great resource because they help establish connections and enable us to reach a global audience. Facebook Causes, for example, is a simple and easy way to make a difference in the world around us. “Use the Internet for good things and be a part of something that lasts. The Web’s resources can make a positive impact across the globe… it’s simple. It’s logical. It’s only fair,” stresses Rachel.

The crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and an issue dear to Rachel. This global issue is responsible for  45,000 deaths each month and reigns supreme for committing the world’s worst crimes against children and women. Considered the most deadly war since WWII, the conflict in DRC is in need of urgent attention.

Have the desire to help but find it difficult to donate? “You can still help even during hard times and the recession. It’s not always about money. Spread knowledge and be compassionate about something other than yourself,” Rachel says.

Through videos, Rachel hopes to redirect the world’s attention and focus of the media. “Don’t be fooled by the Britney Spears image. There’s much more to life than that. For those that thrive on peace building or just willing to help, here’s an opportunity to make a big difference. Collaborate with others, encourage healthy ways of living and promote peace. Don’t forget to share it with the rest of the world,” Rachel advises.

Check out one of Rachel’s videos:

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If you’re planning to travel this summer, consider embarking on a volunteer vacation. Whether you hope to stay in the States or head abroad, programs are popping up all over that offer the opportunity to fulfill your wanderlust while contributing to humanitarian and environmental causes.

Many service excursions are structured to be all-inclusive and accommodate their participants, often at a high cost to the organization. Vacations usually include a place to stay, meals and transportation throughout your trip, the coordination of volunteer placement according to your goals — not to mention training as well as ensuring your comfort and safety. So, it’s no surprise that most volunteer vacations can actually be expensive, as groups pass the cost along to the volunteer. There are projects out there, however, offering lodging deals and discounts for a little beach clean-up or hiking trail repair.

To find a trip that best matches your altruistic tendencies and your budget, check out these select organizations:

Build. Take a Global Village trip and contribute to the building of a home, a community and new beginning for those in need — all while immersing yourself in the local culture of the urban or rural location of your choice. http://www.habitat.org/

Strengthen. Receive college credit or arrange a customized group experience to aid in the empowerment of individuals and communities through Amizade.  http://www.amizade.org/

Discover. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation will put you to work for a day or a week on the trails of Montana where you will hike, explore and learn the skills necessary to manipulate the backcountry scenery along the Continental Divide.  http://www.bmwf.org/

Grow. Work on an organic farm from North America to the Middle East in exchange for lodging, meals and the opportunity to learn about farming, gardening and sustainable living.  http://wwoof.org/

Teach. For less of a tourist vacation and more of a true humanitarian expedition, work with the villagers of Nepal, Kenya, Mexico, Guatemala or Bolivia to end poverty by leading and connecting them with important resources and skills.  http://choicehumanitarian.org/

Even though you’ll be working instead of just relaxing, your soul will feel revived after giving back.

photo by dirk’s photography

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Marilyn Villanueva, 17, said she has been in and out of juvenile detention since she was 13 years old.  A former gang member, Villanueva said she used to sell cocaine, crystal meth and marijuana. The teenager said she turned her life around after growing weary of her tough lifestyle.

“I lost my best friend in a drive-by [shooting]. He died in my arms, “ Villanueva said. “I realized I was tired of losing everything.”

Villanueva is one of 28 young women who work at Homegirl Café and Catering in downtown Los Angeles. Part of Homeboy Industries, the program offers former gang members and those that live in “gang impacted” areas employment opportunities and job training.

Fr. Gregory Boyle, who is the founder and executive director, said the organization is seeing a rise in people seeking employment and job training.  At the same time, there has been a decrease in contributions from corporations and individuals.

“We are struggling to keep our doors open,” he said. “Money is scarce and jobs are scarce.”

Fr. Boyle founded Homeboy Industries over 20 years ago. With an annual budget of $9.9 million, the organization has grown from its inception in 1988. Homeboy Industries started as Jobs for a Future when Fr. Boyle was a pastor at Dolores Mission parish in Boyle Heights.

The 21-000-square-foot location in downtown offers mental health services, job training, twelve step meetings and education to participants. Clients seeking job training can learn anything from silk screening to baking. Homeboy Industries also has a tattoo removal service for former “homies.”

Boyle says Homegirl Café, where former “homegirls” learn restaurant and catering skills from those in the industry, is now overstaffed. But Boyle said they refuse to turn people away.  The hope is to help these individuals re-enter the job market (or enter for the first time).

“I want us to survive,” Boyle says. “We need employers willing to hire them.”

Letters from people in jail litter Boyle’s desk at the Homeboy Industries headquarters on Bruno Street. Sketches, painting and photographs color the walls of his office which overlooks the packed lobby of men and women waiting for their one-on-one time with him.

Boyle is seen as the beacon of hope for many clients at Homeboy Industries, said 20-year-old Stephanie “Poohka” Lane, who works in the Homegirl Café.

“Gang banging was all I knew,” Lane says. Tattoos cover her arms, neck and mark parts of her face. She has been shot in the side, back and hand. She now dreams of moving to Atlanta or New York.

Marilyn Villanueva corroborates Lane’s sentiments. “I think I found him (Boyle) at the right time.”

A high school junior with bleach blond hair and an upper-lip piercing, Villanueva now dreams of majoring in psychology. “I see myself at the University of California, Berkeley.”

To those who may be hesitant of hiring and accepting former “homies” and “homegirls” Villanueva says, “We all make mistakes. People shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”

She believes her experiences in the juvenile detention have made her want to help others. The 17-year-old says the guards in juvenile hall used to taunt her saying, “She’ll be back.”

Villanueva asserts with conviction, “Not no more. I won’t go back.”

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I’m on a plane. Again. Despite the fact that I flew in from Sydney 3 days ago and it’s 3am “my time” (jet lag status: activated).  I’m writing a blog in hopes that it will suffice in lieu of a strong, much needed triple shot espresso latte.

Either way, I’m flying to Aspen to attend an invite only, weekend-long event called, The Summit. It’s 100 of America’s CEO’s and entrepreneurs under the age of thirty-five. They are graciously putting us up in a five star hotel and have daily events, seminars, panels and, of course, snowboarding/skiing options. Hard life, I know.

However, and this is not to complain about traipsing around the world and getting to attend incredible events with some of our nations most innovative, successful, creative and passionate young men and women, I’m tired. We’ve all been there, right? Burning the candle at both ends of the stick? Pretending that your Wonder Woman garb is only meant for certain, specific times – but certainly not a full time job.

I felt I had just enough time to unpack, wash clothes, get caught up to speed on everything I’d missed the past two weeks at work, stuffed as many meetings into the three days as possible, repacked (the morning of, as usual), and was swept away into yet another steel belly air taxi.

I promise this is not a self–serving, pity party for my exhaustion; it’s more an acknowledgment that we have to honor ourselves. We have to slow down and appreciate our limitations. We can’t be everything to everyone all the time. We have to believe that there will be times when we have to ask for help and trust that people will understand that our imperfections are what make us real.

I know I suffer from an unwillingness to expose the chink in my armor, my weaknesses, mistakes or imperfections but what we have to realize is that when we put up those barriers, we underestimate those around us. We don’t have enough faith that our friends and family, our co-workers and significant others will, in fact, love us anyway. More than anything else, this is me singing to the choir that lives inside my head and it’s a reminder that weakness can be just as beautiful as strength because it allows others to become your hero, to get off the bench and into the game. Give someone the opportunity to carry YOU for a bit. I think you, we, especially me, could use that every now and again.

So deep breath, you will get through this. If you’re where I am at right now and all you really want to do is crawl in a cave with zero responsibilities for a solid 48 hour period to catch up on sleep alone, I completely understand. It seems it’s been my mantra lately: “There’s never enough time in the day.” But remember that time is the ONLY thing that is completely fair in this world. We all have the same amount no matter what. So the same time crunch you feel, everyone else feels too.

Even though sometimes you have to “Cowgirl Up” and do a double shift, you can always sneak a few extra minutes for yourself to recoup, relax, and remind yourself that you are THAT GIRL and you’re fabulous.

photo by lou huang

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