Why Not Me?

Why Not Me?

Young People Making a Difference in the World

Ready for some good news?

Sometimes, when you read the headlines, it's easy to become discouraged about the kind of world we're leaving to our children. But, if you look under the surface, you'll find some good news—young people are working hard to make a difference in their communities...and around the world.

That's what 15-year-old Allyson Vanek found, too. Allyson is a high school student who lives in a suburb of Chicago, plays tennis and helps a number of charities. But, she's also the author of our newest book, Why Not Me? This inspirational book will help dispel any myths you may have about our future not being in good hands.

Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them. -Lady Bird Johnson

Today, I'd like to share the introduction to Why Not Me?, which describes how Allyson became inspired to write this book:

Introduction
from Why Not Me?

by Allyson Vanek

Recently, I had the pleasure of watching a special television segment on an amazing charity that was started by a twelve-year-old-child, Craig Kielburger, who founded Free the Children in 1995. It's a story of one child's transformation from a normal, middle-class kid from the suburbs into an activist fighting against child labor on the world stage of international human rights. Today, Free The Children is an international charity and educational partner, with more than 1.7 million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries.

During the interview, Craig was asked "Why you?" and his response was inspirational. He said, "Why me...Why not me?" and declared that the future is too important to leave just to grownups. Those are very powerful words and they started me on a journey to help the world become a better place. That journey sparked the idea of a book about young people making a difference, along with a commitment that all of the proceeds from this book will be donated to charity. I began to ask myself the same question, "Why not me?"

While assembling the stories for this book, I was humbled by the tremendous strides my generation is making to help those among us who are most vulnerable. I am fifteen years old, attending high school, playing tennis, and in so many ways leading an enjoyable life. And yet, I know that there is more to the journey we are all on...that one of the true purposes of life can be found in the joy of helping others. So as you read these pages, pay attention not only to the good work being performed by our generation, but also to how powerfully it has impacted those who have accepted the challenge.

I invite you to ask yourself, "Why not me?" and to accept the challenge to make a difference in your own way! The many ways children have made a difference.

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. -Angela Schwindt

Om Namah Shivay