STARS STANDING UP!

       I’ve read, I’ve watched, I’ve observed and I have come to the conclusion that humanity is on the brink of a quantum leap in consciousness. In a post 9-11 society, we have awakened to our origins, have remembered our human potential and have once again taken responsibility for ourselves, our Earth and each other. Hallelujah! In fact, I am sensing a whole new Advoculture (I kept searching for a word to explain what i was feeling). This strong subculture of aware and responsible advocates, for others less fortunate, seems to be  popping up everywhere. Especially in our youth culture. Here is just one statistic for proof... Before I began my research, I had no idea that there are 9 million charities nationwide and that Nonprofits are America’s largest employer.* There are also 61 million volunteers, many of them under the age of 30, that are essential to addressing our toughest social problems.* I've since developed a strong appreciation for the spirit and soul of the nonprofit.  It truly seems that it is part of our value system as Americans to give back. In fact, the concept  is rooted in the democratic right of individuals to voluntarily associate with each other to Stand Up!, and by doing so nonprofits provide a safety net for those who have fallen through the cracks, not only in our Great Country but around the World as well.

       We're pleased to see ourselves as citizens that help others and for some reason even more fascinated when we see our “idols” contributing. And when it happens we want to know everything about it! With the explosion of  tabloid magazines and TV entertainment shows, there has been a great trend in the contemporary media to cover anything that will demonstrate that it has a conscience. Whatever the motives are, I have to believe that this is a positive movement and that the mainstream press has found that covering Stars making a difference, wether it be a Local Star or a Celebrity, is an essential way to connect with the general public and garner their respect. By flipping through any magazine, you are sure to see a celebrity supporting a cause and the TV entertainment programs are even now dedicating at least one segment to endear us to a celebrity group or individual somehow giving back. More and more news outlets are spotlighting Heroes in the general population as well.  It is a winning combination and ratings prove most people want to see more of it. Celebrities Standing Up! for causes is not a new concept, as David Crosby highlights in his book and my inspiration, Stand and Be Counted, but it has somehow become fashionable again. Out of this trend and what I see as a demand, I have created Stars Standing Up! in the hope that we can bring you even more inspirational content to the different media outlets you view on a daily basis. And unfortunately, the state of things to come predicts that there will always be someone or something that needs attention to keep the content coming. 

     We are living in a tumultuous climate and entertainment takes us away from the reality of that on a daily basis, but we are a responsive people who know there is a vicious reality out there and if we can stay aware while we are being entertained then we remain feeling good about ourselves. We want to live vicariously through the Stars and are inspired to see them shine their brightest while the less fortunate radiate in their philanthropy. And we revel in the warmth, sincerity, and exhilaration we feel when we are fortunate enough to get a glimpse of what they do beyond the spotlight. It is this spirit that helps to mobilize "the soccer moms, the church goers, the trade unionists, the student activists, to be there to help the most vulnerable people on this Earth."(-Bono) Just as the Stars in the sky add brilliance, Stars that Stand Up! glisten and their beneficiaries shine as they together engage in the duel of life and it is our responsibility to invite everyone to see the dance.

 My best to you always,

 Melissa C. Daley

*this statistic was published in the September 2001 issue of the Santa Cruz Sentinel
** This statistic was published through the Hands On Network

"Each time we arrive at a new level in extricating ourselves from economic, social, spiritual domination, we have a moment when we dance in the world of these new experiences, only to find that the music soon stops, the dance ends, and we’re struggling once again to save ourselves from being thrown back into those conditions."- Harry Belafonte